June 15, 2023 [H2 Energy News]- The Port of Bilbao and the Port of Amsterdam, in collaboration with the Energy Agency of the Basque Government (EVE), Petronor, SkyNRG, Evos Amsterdam, and Zenith Energy Terminals, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a renewable hydrogen corridor between Bilbao and Amsterdam.
This corridor will focus on the maritime route connecting the two ports, and its development was witnessed by His Majesty the King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, Dutch Minister Rob Jetten, and Spanish Minister Teresa Ribera.
The presence of the King underscores the significance attached by the Netherlands and Spain to bilateral cooperation in the renewable hydrogen market. Rob Jetten, the Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in realizing a climate-neutral energy system and sustainable industry. The Netherlands and Europe have ambitious hydrogen goals, and Spain is recognized as a key partner in achieving these objectives. Jetten further highlighted that it is the companies that will drive the actual implementation, and the shared agreements between Dutch and Spanish companies on the delivery of green hydrogen are a positive step forward.
The MoU outlines the collaboration among the parties to develop a renewable hydrogen supply chain, with a specific focus on production in the Basque Country and export to the Netherlands and other European regions through the port of Amsterdam. This aligns with the broader Basque Hydrogen Strategy led by EVE, which aims to cater to both local and international markets. Additionally, it complements the Dutch government’s efforts to stimulate hydrogen production, import, and utilization. The port of Bilbao is part of the Basque Hydrogen Corridor, a joint initiative by Petronor and Repsol to decarbonize the energy, industrial, residential, and mobility sectors. Petronor is committed to developing a wide range of renewable fuels and establishing a hub in Bilbao that includes a synthetic fuels plant and an urban waste processing project. The project involves the construction of electrolysers with a total capacity of 113 MW for renewable hydrogen production and a demonstration plant for hydrogen-based e-fuels—the first of its kind in Spain. Additionally, a municipal waste pyrolysis plant is being developed, aligning with Repsol’s circular economy strategy. These projects aim to set new benchmarks in Europe and are at the forefront of net-zero emissions fuel development. Hydrogen-based fuels, e-fuels, and methanol hold promise for addressing transportation and maritime needs.
The port of Bilbao, with its ongoing projects, is poised to become a hub for the export of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives. Leveraging its role as a vital European logistics center, the port can support the Spanish government’s ambitions of becoming a key supplier of renewable hydrogen and e-fuels to Northwest Europe, with a specific focus on green hydrogen transportation between Bilbao and Amsterdam. Carlos Alzaga, Managing Director of the Port of Bilbao Authority, reaffirmed the port’s commitment to renewable energy production, transport, and utilization and expressed support for companies involved in green energy development.
As the operator of Europe’s fourth-largest port, the Port of Amsterdam is deeply committed to developing green hydrogen infrastructure within its port area and establishing import corridors for green hydrogen and its derivatives. Notably, the aviation industry, one of the key sectors served by the port, faces significant decarbonization challenges, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are considered crucial in addressing them. SkyNRG, a global leader in SAF, is establishing a network of SAF production facilities that require green hydrogen as input, including one in the port of Amsterdam. Zenith Energy Terminals and Evos Amsterdam, operators of prominent blending and storage terminals in the port, are developing a liquid hydrogen supply chain and a liquid organic hydrogen carrier supply chain, respectively. Dorine Bosman, Chief Investment Officer at the Port of Amsterdam, highlighted the port’s role in the energy transition and its view of green hydrogen and e-fuels as crucial components of the port’s future. Collaboration with companies in the port and Spanish counterparts, specifically the Port of Bilbao and Petronor, is seen as a natural fit for establishing a green hydrogen corridor, which contributes to the overall energy future of the European Union.
All parties involved in the MoU are committed to supporting the ambitions of the European Union outlined in the REpowerEU policy plan and strengthening the cooperation between Spain and the Netherlands. Establishing a corridor between the ports of Bilbao and Amsterdam will connect two rapidly developing Hydrogen Valleys and facilitate the trade of renewable hydrogen and e-fuels. Additionally, it will foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise among the participating entities. The Spanish and Dutch parties will engage in joint discussions to determine the next steps for their collaboration. Ultimately, this initiative will deepen the Spanish-Dutch relationship and contribute to the overall goal of reducing emissions.
The MoU was signed by Carlos Alzaga, Managing Director of the Port Authority of Bilbao; Iñigo Ansola, General Manager of EVE; José Ignacio Zudaire, Deputy CEO of Petronor; Gert-Jan Nieuwenhuizen, Managing Director of Port of Amsterdam International; Theye Veen, Chief Commercial Officer of SkyNRG; Ramon Ernst, Managing Director of Evos Amsterdam; and Tadhg Deasy, Managing Director of Zenith Energy Europe. The signing ceremony was attended by His Majesty Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands.
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