Energy storage specialist Global Energy Storage Group (GES) and Australian green hydrogen project developer Provaris have partnered to develop a gaseous hydrogen import facility at the GES terminal at the Port of Rotterdam.
According to Provaris, the terminal is a ‘world-first’ for bulk scale import of gaseous hydrogen that can accelerate the availability of green molecules for industrial users.
Once developed, the terminal will be capable of importing both refrigerated ammonia and compressed hydrogen, with redeliveries into barges, rail, truck and the hydrogen grid (HyNetwork) operated by Gasunie.
Having entered into a collaboration agreement, GES and Provaris will launch a study to explore the potential for berthing and unloading of Provaris’ H2Neo compressed hydrogen carriers for berthing and unloading.
“This collaboration with Provaris showcases the types of partnerships that GES is pursuing to facilitate the energy transition through our contribution with storage and logistics solutions, at Rotterdam as well as other existing and future locations,” said Peter Vucins, CEO of GES.
Seen as Europe’s hydrogen hub, Rotterdam aims to be the leading port for sustainable energy. The Port Authority is working with a range of partners towards the introduction of a large-scale hydrogen network across the port complex.
Concept design for the H2Neo carrier. ©Provaris
Both GES and Provaris agree that the GES terminal in Rotterdam is ideal for large-scale green hydrogen import due to its early connection to the HyNetwork grid, supplying industrial users in the Port of Rotterdam and key industries in Europe.
According to Provaris, its compressed hydrogen supply chain offers an alternative to chemical carriers from regional supply sources from the Nordic region and extend across the Baltics, North Sea, Iberia and down to North Africa.
“We look forward to the outcomes of this collaboration which can accelerate the delivery of ambitious import volumes required for the European market and support export projects under development based on the Provaris approach to the simple and energy efficient marine transport,” said Martin Carolan, CEO of Provaris.
This year, the partners will finalise prefeasibility studies for jetty facilities to unload the H2Neo carrier. This includes compression, storage, grid connection, safety, emissions, permitting and environmental assessments.
Provaris obtained design approval from classification society ABS in December 2022. A prototype tank is currently being constructed and tested in Norway, aiming for final approval from Class by mid-2024.
The 26,000 m3 H2Neo aligns with regional volumes of hydrogen supply to be available from 2026 and the H2Max, targeted for 2030, can support a single export project with a capacity of 950,000 tonnes per annum, said Provaris.
