Amsterdam: The Challenge for an Energy Port

“The Port of Amsterdam is really an energy port; two-thirds of our cargo is related to oil products or coal, so that means we have quite a challenge to achieve our goals,” he said. The big step was a decision in 2016 to phase out coal-handling through the port by 2030: “That means you have to look for a viable and clean alternative.”

Amsterdam is aiming to be ‘at the forefront of the transition’ and ultimately aims to evolve into a European hydrogen hub, he said. “The focus for us is very much on hydrogen. Green hydrogen is deemed vital for the decarbonisation of the three main industrial clusters in the port region.” At present, Tata Steel uses 5m tonnes of coal a year; Schiphol airport, directly connected by pipeline, consumes 4m tonnes of aviation fuel; and port activities, including bunkering, consume 45m tonnes of fossil fuels. “We have a number of green hydrogen facilities being developed in the port, courtesy of the large offshore wind farms in the North Sea. However, total demand that will happen in the Netherlands means we can never provide enough for the hinterland. We are looking at fostering relationships to be able to import green hydrogen into the port.”