The Tasmanian Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with international partner, the Port of Rotterdam, to investigate the feasibility of exporting green hydrogen to the port, located in the Netherlands.
The MOU will discover if it is possible to export the hydrogen from Bell Bay in Tasmania, to the international port, with the state aiming to produce green hydrogen domestically in the near future and to be an exporter by 2027.
The Port of Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port, with plans to become a major green hydrogen import hub with hydrogen supply chains into North West Europe.
Tasmania has already lodged a funding submission for Bell Bay to be a renewable hydrogen hub as part of the Federal Government’s $464 million regional program.
The state is the only location in Australia currently capable of producing 100 per cent renewable electricity all the time, which can be utilised for green hydrogen production.
Cooperation with international partners like the Port of Rotterdam helps promote deployment of hydrogen technologies, enhances skills, training and employment opportunities and helps open up future export markets.
The MOU with the Port of Rotterdam follows a recent visit to Northern Tasmania by executives from Woodside Energy and Japan’s giant Marubeni Corporation, who are looking at a partnership for green hydrogen production at Bell Bay.
Allard Castelein, CEO Port of Rotterdam, said, “As Europe’s largest port, we’re looking all over the world for countries and companies that could export green hydrogen on an industrial scale before 2030.
“Tasmania could very well be one of these. Once we have jointly established the feasibility, the next step would be to get private companies aligned to try to set up trade lanes between Tasmania and Rotterdam.”
Like many European countries, the Netherlands is pursuing an ambitious decarbonisation agenda, accelerating global demand for secure and clean energy sources such as green hydrogen.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Australia, H.E Mrs Marion Derckx, said, “The Memorandum of Understanding between Tasmania and the Netherlands signifies an important step in our mutual ambitions to accelerate the transition towards a non-carbon energy society.
“International cooperation is essential to drive the energy transition needed to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees.
“As a signatory to the European Green Deal, the Netherlands celebrates this milestone and looks forward to a productive and long-term partnership in the field of green hydrogen.
“The potential of this partnership is limitless and reflects our mutual commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions.”
Tasmania’s Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan sets out the vision to become a leader in large scale green hydrogen production to meet both domestic and export demand.
The Tasmanian Government said the state is well placed to seize these opportunities with its 100 per cent renewable electricity, abundant water supplies and excellent port infrastructure.
