The ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge formally combined. The two locations, which have now been called Port of Antwerp-Bruges, have therefore become a key maritime factor in Europe, especially for commodities export. This newcomer is likewise attempting to establish itself as a European center for energy transformation.
“Power-to-methanol” and carbon capture
Thus, by 2025, a carbon capture pilot project in the port industry would sequester 2.5 million tonnes of CO2, which will be repurposed as raw material for diverse purposes. By 2030, the port hopes to have captured 50% of its CO2 emissions.
In the long run, the port of Antwerp-Bruges may save 14 million tonnes of CO2 each year. A towering figure who has already influenced other port operators throughout the world.
A group of seven companies is now working on a “Power-to-Methanol” demonstration project. This method combines collected carbon with green hydrogen to create long-lasting methanol that may be utilized in industrial operations. One tonne of CO2 is saved for every tonne of methanol produced.
The Antwerp-Bruges port also plans to play a significant role in the production and transportation of green hydrogen.
Hydrogen is the missing piece in the puzzle of achieving a 100% renewable energy system
Green hydrogen, created by electrolysis of water, is a great vector for storing and returning wind and solar power to the grid when it is abundant — for example when there is a lot of wind in the winter and a lot of sun in the summer. When there is a dearth of wind and sun, the renewable energy output is reduced.
Because hydrogen may be kept in many forms (gases and liquids) that are highly stable for several weeks or months, we refer to it as inter-seasonal storage. Solar surpluses from the summer, for example, might be used in other seasons, similar to wind power surpluses in the winter, to offer renewable electricity throughout the year.
It is easier to store hydrogen than it is to store electricity in the form of a battery. As a gas, it may either be injected directly into the current gas network or compressed and kept in special containers.
This green gas does not produce CO2 or pollute the air. It may be employed in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, housing, retail, transportation, and electrical generation.
