The construction of the world’s first gaseous hydrogen import facility takes shape as its preferred bidders are selected. Sigapore-based energy storage company Global Energy Storage (GES) and Australian green hydrogen specialist, Provaris Energy, have teamed up. They aim to facilitate the construction of the world’s first gaseous hydrogen import facility at the Port of Rotterdam. The deal will see both companies jointly complete pre-feasibility studies this year. The studies are essential in demonstrating the economic and technical viability of carrying and unloading compressed hydrogen carriers. The hydrogen carriers are being issued by Provaris Energy and are known as Provaris’ H2Neo carriers. The studies will also focus on storage, hydrogen grid connection as well as risk and safety. It will also shed insight on emissions, and other permitting and environmental considerations. The Netherlands is committed to seeing this hydrogen facility become a success.
The Contractors Involved in the Construction of the World’s First Gaseous Hydrogen Facility
Provaris advanced the H2Neo hydrogen carrier through a front-end engineering design (Feed) package design approval in December 2022. Furthermore, the company has begun the construction of a Prototype Tank. The testing program is also underway in Norway to support final construction approval in mid-2024. Singapore’s Global Energy storage is tasked with the mandate of developing the port terminal.
The terminal will be constructed in a way that it will be able to import both refrigerated ammonia and compressed hydrogen. Redeliveries of the hydrogen once on the port will be done through barges, rail, trucks, and the H2 grid. HyNetwork, a subsidiary of Dutch-based gas transmission company Gasunie, is creating a hydrogen network in the Netherlands. The network will link the demand for and supply of Co2-free hydrogen. The HyNetwork scheme will see five industrial clusters connected, to other countries, and hydrogen storage and import facilities. The delivery of the network is expected to be completed by 2030.
The Scope of Construction of the Hydrogen Facility Project
Provaris will be responsible for the transportation of the hydrogen in the H2Neo carriers. On the other hand, GES responsible for the discharge and injection into the hydrogen grid. Provaris CEO Martin Carolan said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with GES on a world-first terminal for bulk-scale import of gaseous hydrogen that can accelerate the availability of green molecules for industrial users. GES has a global network and track record of terminal assets and is demonstrating leadership in the development of a bulk terminal for hydrogen and derivatives for Europe.” This insight into the commitment and dedication that both companies showcase in the construction of the world’s first gaseous hydrogen import facility.
The State of Affairs Regarding the Construction Project
The world’s first gaseous hydrogen import facility is one of the major implementations that the Netherlands has commenced in its hydrogen industry. The Netherlands’ hydrogen infrastructure rollout is continuing at pace. Recently, Mott MacDonald was awarded a 12-month programme of work by Gasunie. The contract is for Mott MacDonald to assess the feasibility of offshore and onshore hydrogen compressor infrastructure. It also entails supporting the development of a green hydrogen infrastructure in the Dutch North Sea. GES and Provaris described the GES terminal in Rotterdam as an ideal site for bulk-scale import of green hydrogen. One of the reasons for this is the early connection to the HyNetwork grid for gaseous supply. It will facilitate supply to industrial users in the Port of Rotterdam and key industrial users in Europe.
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