Trilateral study for hydrogen exports from Oakajee to Rotterdam

THE WESTERN Australia government is partnering with the Port of Rotterdam and the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) on a new study to look at fast-tracking hydrogen exports from the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area (SIA).

State minister for the hydrogen industry Alannah MacTiernan this week met with the representatives of Germany and the Netherlands and the program manager for International Hydrogen from the Port of Rotterdam to discuss the trilateral study.

Ms MacTiernan said the EU has set a target of importing 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030 to replace fossil fuels.

“The Oakajee SIA is a prime example of how Western Australia – with our abundance of renewable energy resources and suitable land areas – is well placed to meet this demand,” she said.

“This trilateral study is an important step in establishing a renewable hydrogen supply chain from Western Australia to Germany and the Netherlands.”

The study would provide a platform for joint research and opportunities for businesses from both continents. It would examine technology and port master planning to help accelerate the export of renewable hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives through the development of an integrated port at the Oakajee SIA.

It will include a site-specific estimation of hydrogen generation, supply costs to the Port of Rotterdam, and possible port-to-customer transports to Germany.

The WA government will invest $500,000 to the study, with the Port of Rotterdam allocating €250,000. BMBF intends to contribute with funding of up to €500,000.

WA’s Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and Mid West Ports Authority will undertake the study with the Port of Rotterdam and Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE).

The study builds on strong relationships that were formed through the Australia-Germany Hydrogen Accord, and the memorandum of understanding signed by the WA government and the Port of Rotterdam in November 2021.

WA ports minister Rita Saffioti said through the study, they would improve their understanding of what is required to develop hydrogen exports from the Oakajee SIA to Europe.

“To become a renewable hydrogen exporter, we must continue to deepen relationships with key international partners such as Europe’s largest sea port – the Port of Rotterdam – and the BMBF,” she said.