Port of Amsterdam

Why is the Port of Amsterdam Project Happening?

The Port of Amsterdam has a high-grade energy storage and distribution infrastructure. The ongoing energy transition has presented the port with the challenge of maintaining its current role and the opportunity to accelerate the national and regional transition to sustainable energy. Kiwa was tasked with analysing the technical, legal and financial case for implementing (a) a regional transport route between Amsterdam and Ijmuiden and (b) a local hydrogen distribution network within the port area.

Kiwa was tasked with analysing the technical, legal and financial case for implementing (a) a regional transport route between Amsterdam and Ijmuiden and (b) a local hydrogen distribution network within the port area, including the spatial considerations of such an implementation.

What is the Port of Amsterdam Project?

Kiwa was commissioned to conduct a study which will form the foundation for the rollout of a hydrogen infrastructure. The study incorporates the technical, legal and financial perspectives of building gas infrastructure to link Ijmuiden and Amsterdam, and creating a network within the Port of Amsterdam area to distribute hydrogen. Connecting the producers and independent buyers within the port area via a hydrogen infrastructure facilitates an energy transition from fossil fuels to hydrogen. This initiative could potentially achieve an annual CO2 reduction of 396 kilotonnes.

There are a number of hydrogen end users (with a potential hydrogen requirement of 66k t/year) within the port area. These all currently use natural gas to produce steam using turbines and boilers – gas is not used as a feedstock. Switching these users to hydrogen would significantly decarbonise the production of steam.

Where will the hydrogen come from?

• Tata Steel (Ijmuiden) will produce 15 kt/year (with the construction of a 100 megawatt electrolyser).
• Local production of hydrogen (including the Hemweg power station and small scale mobility applications.

Outside of this project, the feasibility of developing a national hydrogen backbone is under investigation. In the future there is the potential to connect to this, securing delivery of hydrogen in the event of increased demand.

Next steps

• Obtain clarity regarding the legal framework for hydrogen
• Obtain/provide greater clarity regarding hardware costs
• Gain the commitment of end users
• Clarify the energy costs (hydrogen price, transport costs)
• Develop the organisational structure
• Implementation

What is the project outcome expected to be?

The ultimate aim of the project is to provide the technical consultancy and financial project management to facilitate the implementation of a discreet hydrogen network for the Port of Amsterdam, allowing several major gas users to switch from fossil fuel to a sustainable source to power their activities. Additionally, the potential to install a hydrogen pipeline between Ijmuiden and Port of Amsterdam to bring in hydrogen.

The role of Kiwa

• Technical lead
• Economic scoping
• Legal support