Port of Seattle advances hydrogen

Traditional fossil fuels still power much of the port’s operations, including large vessels and heavy machinery where electrification is not yet viable.

Hydrogen offers a promising alternative in these sectors, with its ability to fuel combustion engines or generate electricity through fuel cells, emitting only water vapour when used in the latter.

The port’s hydrogen efforts include regional partnerships and infrastructure planning. It helped develop the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub, one of seven regional hubs funded by the US Department of Energy to scale up hydrogen production, storage and distribution.

While the port does not have active hydrogen projects at present, its partners at the Northwest Seaport Alliance are preparing incentive programs to support hydrogen-powered cargo equipment and drayage trucks.

To ensure safe deployment, the port has collaborated with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Seattle City Light on a two-year study assessing the risks of large-scale hydrogen storage in an urban-industrial environment.

Findings indicate risks can be managed with appropriate engineering controls, and community engagement is ongoing through the Duwamish Valley Port Community Action Team.

Hydrogen is also included in the recently completed Seattle Waterfront Clean Energy Strategy. While electricity remains the primary focus, hydrogen is being considered to supplement grid demand and improve resiliency.

Globally, ports are advancing hydrogen projects. Examples include hydrogen-powered cranes in Los Angeles, mobile refuelling in Oakland, and Europe’s first renewable hydrogen plant.