Hanstholm Port has taken the first step toward becoming Europe’s first carbon-neutral fishing port.
The Port of Hanstholm has signed a statement of intent with Danish renewable energy developer European Energy to establish a Power-to-X plant at the port, in addition to solar and wind energy plants.
The 130,000 square meter backland area at the Port of Hanstholm, which was added to the port in recent years as part of a large-scale expansion, promises to be a focus of activity. The objective is to convert the majority of the enormous region into a local energy community known as “Hanstholm Energifllesskab A/S.” It will serve as the foundation for a diverse array of green energy generation at the Hanstholm Port.
The Port of Hanstholm has lately been in contact with Danish renewable energy producer European Energy to discuss the idea of forming a relationship that will serve as the foundation for a port-based energy community. Now, common goals have opened the way for the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at establishing a cooperation. This is an excellent chance for the Port of Hanstholm, as the energy community will not only draw major investments and create new life in the port’s expanding hinterland area, but will also establish the first energy community in a Danish fishing port.
A game changer for a sustainable future
The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding is to prepare the road for Hanstholm Port to become Europe’s first carbon-neutral fishing port. The project places a premium on Power-to-X by establishing a strong port symbiosis in which waste from local industry is converted to renewable energy.
- With the expansion of the Port of Hanstholm, we now have the capacity to kick-start an energy adventure that will support the green transition, attract billions of dollars in green industry investment, and generate additional jobs for, among others, the numerous local service companies at the Port of Hanstholm and contractors throughout the Municipality of Thisted. By doing so, we hope to demonstrate how a fishing port can also function as an energy port, fostering strong synergies between the fishing industry and green energy, according to port director Nils Skeby.
The necessary knowledge is critical to achieving Hanstholm Port’s ambitious goal of becoming Europe’s first CO2-neutral fishing port, and European Energy is an excellent match, according to Kirsten Hede, the port’s chairperson.
- At the Port of Hanstholm, we are establishing a forward-thinking energy community that will transform the port into Europe’s first carbon-neutral fishing port. It is critical to find a partner with the necessary knowledge to help the port realize its ambitious energy goals, and we are very excited to work with European Energy, which has vast experience developing and installing renewable energy projects.
Power-to-X and other energy sources for the port
European Energy is engaged in the generation, storage, and distribution of renewable energy and, as part of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of Hanstholm, wishes to establish a Power-to-X plant for the production of hydrogen, an e-methanol plant based on local CO2 sources, and additional renewable energy in the form of wind and solar power:
- The Port of Hanstholm has launched a bold energy vision, and we see tremendous opportunity in partnering with them to realize Hanstholm Energy Community A/S – and thus contribute not only to the development of renewable energy as a business area at the Port of Hanstholm, but also to the supply of future green energy forms to the port’s users, says Knud Erik Andersen, CEO and founder of European Energy.
- We are now identifying potential local CO2 sources in and around the Port of Hanstholm as suppliers for an e-methanol plant, which would provide a green alternative to the ships’ present oil usage. Simultaneously, we are considering the development of a hydrogen plant, which, in addition to providing another key source of e-methanol, also produces oxygen as a byproduct, which may be used for fish rearing in aquaculture at the port. This manner, we can revolutionize the port’s industrial cluster and ensure that the port’s energy needs are met in the future.
