Holland Hydrogen I, the electrolysis plant that Shell is planning to build at the Conversion Park on the Maasvlakte to produce green hydrogen, will be connected to the pipeline, which will go into operation at the end of 2024 or early 2025. In time, the pipeline will be connected to both the national and international hydrogen network.

Jeroen Steens, director commercial delivery at the Port of Rotterdam Authority said the contract with Shell is an important step. He commented: “Shell has great ambitions in the field of hydrogen. Infrastructure such as HyTransPort is crucial for the hydrogen economy in the Port of Rotterdam to get off the ground. This is a clear sign that steps are being taken to make the Port of Rotterdam more sustainable.”

Shell will take a final investment decision on Holland Hydrogen I in the first half of this year, when a final investment decision is also due for the pipeline.

In January, Shell signed a contract with thyssenkrupp for supply of the electrolyzers, which will produce about 50,000-60,000 kg/day of hydrogen, making it one of the largest such plants in the world. Shell will initially use the green hydrogen at its refinery in Pernis to partially decarbonize the production of fossil fuels and support the industrial use of hydrogen in the heavy transportation industry.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist