The Dutch government has unveiled the Climate Fund project for 2024, which includes €28.1 billion for climate spending in the country by 2030. Of this total, €7.5 billion will be allocated to developing the green hydrogen industry, including €300 million for importing the energy source. This could benefit green hydrogen projects in the Port of Pecém, Ceará, Brazil, where the Dutch port of Rotterdam has a 30% stake.
The Port of Rotterdam has set a goal of sourcing 25% of all green hydrogen arriving in Europe from Pecém. Brazil leads the way in the number of green hydrogen production projects in the works, with more than $30 billion earmarked for the sector.
Four green hydrogen plants are scheduled for construction at Rotterdam by 2025, with plans for gas pipelines to transport the hydrogen from power plants and import terminals to users in the port and interior of Rotterdam. The Dutch hydrogen package includes €5.1 billion for onshore green hydrogen projects and €1.8 billion for offshore production.
Other allocations include €250 million for reducing the risk of large-scale hydrogen storage and €50 million for a hydrogen network at sea. The Dutch government’s plan also includes charging consumers a lower tariff for hydrogen than gas, the conversion of coal-fired power plants to hydrogen, and the decarbonization of local industries.
The proposed bill was introduced by Climate and Energy Minister Rob Jetten, who has urged cooperation with countries capable of supplying hydrogen and meeting regional demand. The legislation must still be approved by parliament.
The move follows Rotterdam’s decision to reduce CO2 emissions by over 9 million tonnes by 2030, with hydrogen production and consumption as one of the key solutions. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources and emits no CO2 emissions, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels.
Green hydrogen has the potential to be a game-changer in the fight against climate change, particularly in industries that are hard to decarbonize such as heavy transport, industry and shipping. The investment by the Dutch government and the Port of Rotterdam could signal a significant step towards achieving net-zero emissions and strengthening the role of green hydrogen in the global energy transition.
