New agreements to solidify Spain and Netherlands’ hydrogen connection

Dutch Port of Amsterdam, together with international partners, has reached two agreements on green hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives. Additionally, Evos Amsterdam signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Spanish CEPSA to explore hydrogen export out of the south of Spain to Amsterdam.

According to the Amsterdam port, these three agreements, which follow the previously signed partnership between the Port of Amsterdam, the Spanish Port of Bilbao and several other partners in June 2023, solidify the hydrogen connection between Spain and Amsterdam.

The first agreement entails a joint study agreement (JSA) between the Port of Amsterdam and international players Petronor, EnBW and GasLog. Port of Amsterdam revealed that under the JSA, the partners will jointly evaluate the technical feasibility and commercial viability of a liquid hydrogen corridor between the ports of Bilbao and Amsterdam.

“The goal is to develop an energy efficient and zero carbon emission, liquid hydrogen handling chain, which can safely, efficiently and cost effectively deliver commercial quantities of Petronor-produced hydrogen to the port of Amsterdam. GasLog, a Greek fleet owner and operator, is currently developing specialised vessels for the transportation of liquefied hydrogen, while EnBW and Port of Amsterdam work on the mobilisation of offtakers located in the North Sea Canal Area,” the Port of Amsterdam said.

The second agreement constitutes an MoU between Petronor/Repsol, KLM and the Port of Amsterdam, with a focus on exploring the possibilities for the production of synthetic aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen-based synthetic aviation fuel (e-SAF) in Bilbao.

The third agreement, as already mentioned, was signed between Evos and CEPSA. Under this deal, the parties will explore the opportunities for transporting hydrogen via several vectors from the south of Spain. In the Amsterdam port, Evos is focusing on transport via liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC), the Amsterdam port noted, adding that one of the two Evos terminals in Amsterdam will use its existing storage tanks to receive and store LOHC in the near future.

Regarding hydrogen’s role in the energy transition, Amsterdam port pointed out its importance, concluding: “Due to its natural characteristics, the Netherlands will not be able to produce enough hydrogen to satisfy expected demand. Port of Amsterdam is therefore committed to fostering strong ties with countries and partners able to produce commercially viable volumes of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives.”

“Significant value is placed on intra-European corridors, tying into the ambition of the European Union to strengthen energy security within the economic block, and leveraging transportation periods to reduce cost. The collaboration between Port of Bilbao and Port of Amsterdam is a perfect example of the potential such intra-European corridors hold, with strong bilateral ties translating to strong commercial connections and public support.”