In order to advance sustainable energy supply chains between Australia and the Netherlands on green hydrogen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and the Netherlands’ Minister for Climate and Energy Rob Jetten signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Through this arrangement, a hydrogen supply chain will be developed that will connect Australia and Europe via the Port of Rotterdam.
The Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed at the Port of Rotterdam, addresses a number of topics, including hydrogen trade policy, standards, and certification programs; port infrastructure; supply chain development; innovative hydrogen technologies, including shipping, equipment, and services; and government policies regarding hydrogen safety, social acceptance, and regulations.
With between €2 and €3 billion set up for green hydrogen projects, the Netherlands has an ambitious national hydrogen strategy. With hydrogen imports from all over the world, including Australia, the Port of Rotterdam will become a prominent destination for the energy of the future.
The MoU expands upon other MoUs. Along with participating in the Australian-German feasibility study of hydrogen produced from renewable energy, Rotterdam has ties to several Australian states (HySupply).
Over $525 million has been invested in hydrogen hubs by the Australian government, including $454 million for projects in Townsville, Gladstone, the Hunter Valley, the Pilbara, Port Bonython, and Bell Bay.
As part of its $89.5 million investment, the government is also building hydrogen refueling stations along Australia’s main freight routes to assist the transportation industry in making the changeover to hydrogen.
Australia’s hydrogen industry may add $50 billion to the country’s GDP by 2050, support over 16,000 employment, and add another 13,000 through the building of infrastructure for renewable energy sources, which would power the creation of green hydrogen.
