Green Hydrogen Ports: Policy and Practice

Aug 1, 2024

Dialogue on Green Hydrogen Ports: From Policy to Practice

Welcome and Introduction

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Sonia Koeting-Fuerster and Rolf Parent from GIZ

Key Points:

  • Green Hydrogen and Derivatives: Essential for decarbonizing industrial production and diversifying energy imports.
  • Germany's Demand: Germany’s demand for green hydrogen will exceed local supply, necessitating imports.
  • Role of Ports: Crucial for global hydrogen and PTX (Power-to-X) trade, serving as hubs for import and export.
  • MOUs: Various memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed for bilateral hydrogen partnerships.

Objectives:

  • Understand next steps post-MOUs.
  • Enable further distribution to industrial off-takers (last-mile delivery).
  • Interactive session with Q&A after each round of presentations and a final panel discussion.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Christian Storost

  • Affiliation: Head of Division, German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
  • Germany’s Climate Goals: Aim for climate neutrality by 2045.
  • Hydrogen Demand Forecast: Expected to grow to 90-130 terawatt hours by 2030, with 70% needing to be imported.
  • H2 Global: Program to facilitate international hydrogen projects and trade.
  • Partnerships: 30 countries involved in energy partnerships.
  • Infrastructure Importance: Ports as focal points for global hydrogen trade.

Presentations on MOU Implementation

Hamburg Port Authority

Speaker: Linda Hashtad

  • Role of Hamburg Port: Enabler role, maintaining infrastructure and supporting hydrogen economy.
  • Green Corridor with Halifax: Establishing a green shipping corridor by 2025.
  • Key Focus Areas:
    • Transport of hydrogen and derivatives.
    • Port infrastructure for bunkering.
    • Local awareness and communication.
  • Stakeholders: Shipping companies and local permitting authorities.

National Port Administration of Uruguay

Speaker: Andres Nito (Technical issues prevented detailed input)

  • MOUs Signed: Emphasis on export capabilities and challenges in implementing MOUs.

Port Infrastructure Development

Bremen Ports

Speaker: Dr. Lars Stemmler

  • Focus: Decarbonization targets and balanced stakeholder interests.
  • Port Management: Integrating production, import/export, and local usage of hydrogen.
  • Challenges: Managing diesel consumption and transitioning to electrification.

Morocco's Green Hydrogen Hubs

Speaker: Nouhaila Benrhazoua

  • Vision: Become a regional hub for green hydrogen, leveraging renewable energy potential.
  • Green Hydrogen Strategy: National strategy to develop hydrogen projects and trade relations.
  • Port Development: Developing and expanding ports to facilitate hydrogen trade.

Financing Hydrogen Ports and Terminals

Speaker: Hartmut Beyer

  • Public vs. Private Funding: National funds, European Commission programs, and international development institutions vs. private maritime and non-maritime companies.
  • Investment Requirements: Attractive business cases, risk sharing, and regulatory frameworks.
  • Challenges: Infrastructure costs and complexity.

Transport of Hydrogen Molecules

Yara International

Speaker: Adina Barnes

  • Ammonia as a Hydrogen Carrier: Efficient and safe for storage and transport.
  • Existing Infrastructure: Yara operates 18 ammonia terminals worldwide.
  • Future Outlook: Need for diverse energy carriers and rapid infrastructure development.

Pecém Industrial and Port Complex, Brazil

Speaker: Constantino Frate

  • Hydrogen Hub Development: Significant investments and numerous MOUs with international companies.
  • Key Factors: Renewable energy potential, strategic location, and supportive policies.

Energy Hub Wilhelmshaven

Speaker: Dr. Kai Taylor

  • Rapid LNG Terminal Development: Example of quick infrastructure setup.
  • Hydrogen Potential: Integrating hydrogen production, storage, and import/export capabilities.
  • Collaborative Approach: Involving multiple stakeholders and working groups.

Panel Discussion and Q&A

  • Key Themes:
    • Chicken and Egg Problem: Infrastructure vs. shipping readiness.
    • Safety Concerns: Handling of ammonia and hydrogen safely.
    • Investment Attractiveness: Key factors and strategies for attracting investors.
    • Comprehensive Value Chain: Importance of an integrated approach to hydrogen infrastructure.
    • Speed and Coordination: Need for rapid development and coordination among stakeholders.

Conclusion

  • Summary: Moving at speed is essential for the green hydrogen transition. Ports play a crucial role as hubs for import, export, and distribution of hydrogen and its derivatives.
  • Thanks: To all participants and speakers for their valuable insights and contributions to the discussion.