First green hydrogen corridor in Europe

The Port of Rotterdam and Spanish oil and gas group Cepsa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the first green hydrogen corridor between southern and northern Europe.

The deal will ensure a green hydrogen supply chain between two of Europe’s main ports, Rotterdam and Algeciras.

Cepsa plans to export hydrogen produced at its San Roque Energy Park near the Bay of Algeciras, through hydrogen carriers such as ammonia or methanol, to the Port of Rotterdam.

With the Dutch Government’s support, and as part of Rotterdam’s Energy Transition plans, the port authority together with private companies are developing necessary infrastructure and facilities for import/export of green hydrogen.

According to the port’s recent statement, green fuels are key to decarbonise industry and maritime transport in the Bay of Algeciras and Rotterdam while supporting the European Union’s RePower EU strategy – which seeks to guarantee Europe’s energy independence and security and stimulate the production of clean energy. The trade lane is expected to be operational by 2027. Cepsa also intends to develop a similar supply chain from its La Rabida Energy Park in Huelva.

Hydrogen is one of the priorities in Rotterdam’s Energy Transition plans with the Port of Rotterdam. The port said it can supply northwestern Europe with 4.6 million tonnes annually by 2030, yielding 46 million tonnes of CO2 reduction. Last month, the Port of Rotterdam awarded the contract for the construction of a new pipeline strip along the Moezelweg to Swietelsky Rail Benelux B.V. The pipeline strip will accommodate pipes belonging to HyTransPort.RTM and Porthos for the movement of hydrogen and CO2.