The Tasmanian Liberal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of Rotterdam to investigate the feasibility of future green hydrogen exports from Bell Bay to the Dutch port of Rotterdam.
Tasmania aims to produce green hydrogen domestically in the near future and export it by 2027, and we’ve already submitted a funding proposal for Bell Bay to become a renewable hydrogen hub as part of the Australian Government’s $464 million regional program.
Tasmania is currently the only place in Australia that can produce 100% renewable electricity all of the time, which can be used to make green hydrogen.
Collaboration with international partners such as the Port of Rotterdam helps to promote hydrogen technology deployment, improve skills, training, and employment opportunities, and open up future export markets.
The MOU with the Port of Rotterdam comes after executives from Woodside Energy and Japan’s Marubeni Corporation visited Northern Tasmania recently to discuss a partnership for green hydrogen production at Bell Bay.
The Port of Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port, and it has ambitious plans to become a major green hydrogen import hub with hydrogen supply chains extending into North West Europe.
Allard Castelein, CEO Port of Rotterdam: “As Europe’s largest port, we’re looking all over the world for countries and companies that could export green hydrogen on an industrial scale before 2030. Tasmania could very well be one of these. Once we have jointly established the feasibility, the next step would be to get private companies aligned to try to set up trade lanes between Tasmania and Rotterdam.”
The Netherlands, like many other European countries, is pursuing an ambitious decarbonisation agenda, accelerating global demand for secure and clean energy sources like green hydrogen, and the Port of Rotterdam values Tasmania’s 100% green power and green hydrogen.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Australia H.E Marion Derckx who said: “The Memorandum of Understanding between Tasmania and the Netherlands signifies an important step in our mutual ambitions to accelerate the transition towards a non-carbon energy society. International cooperation is essential to drive the energy transition needed to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees. As a signatory to the European Green Deal, the Netherlands celebrates this milestone and looks forward to a productive and long-term partnership in the field of green hydrogen. The potential of this partnership is limitless and reflects our mutual commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions.”
Tasmania’s Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan sets out the vision to become a leader in large scale green hydrogen production to meet both domestic and export demand. The Tasmanian Government believes the State is well placed to seize these opportunities with our 100 per cent renewable electricity, abundant water supplies and excellent port infrastructure.
