We have passed the point of just talking about hydrogen
He is going for an entirely sustainable Rotterdam port and society, says Randolf Weterings, Program Manager Electrification and Hydrogen with the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
Randolf likes to think big and far ahead. Yet every now and again, it’s good to reflect on your achievements.
“The greatest milestone of the past year is the decision to invest in the hydrogen pipeline through the port.” Randolf: “We expect it to be ready to be commissioned in 2025.”
Always ambitious
To Randolf, limiting global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees by 2050 is the most important climate goal, even more important than the 2030 climate targets.
“Setting the bar high is a good thing.”
“We were hugely ambitious in setting our goals for 2030 – 4.6 million tonnes of imported hydrogen annually. We now see that everything requires a bit more time.” Adjusting our ambition? “I don’t think so. Setting the bar high is a good thing.”
“Right now, we are making blue hydrogen possible. We made some real progress there. But in the short term, a lot of regulations and laws will still be in our way. There are still a lot of challenges throughout the chain when it comes to hydrogen. Upscaling also remains a challenge. Or ammonia, for example: what happens if we are to receive large volumes of that? And what type of regulations do we need if parties are looking to import materials?”
Fully renewable
“We are looking to shift from a huge fossil-energy system to a fully renewable system in a short period of time. It is even more complex than any of us thought. But that doesn’t mean we’re not going to make it.” “In the past year, we took a few giant steps in connecting producers to buyers. It still isn’t enough for the import demand for green hydrogen in Europe, but we are making some significant progress.”
“The time of planning and illustrations is over. Now we have pictures of projects being built.”
2050 as the main starting point
Randolf is mainly looking forward toward 2050. Key moments include the coming ashore of offshore wind as a source for hydrogen production, the construction of the hydrogen pipelines and the Shell hydrogen plant, which will be constructed on the Maasvlakte reclamation site and produce exclusively green hydrogen. But also the second hydrogen production site in the port of Rotterdam.
“The road to 2030 is clear. Now we’re looking at 2040 and beyond. We need a lot more wind energy.”
“We have to start planning for 2050 right now. So we can make use of the available space in the port in the most efficient way.” He explains that focussing on 2030 not always leads to the best choices being made for 2050.
“What I’m proud of? Wherever I go in the world, everyone sees Rotterdam as the number one hydrogen hub. Additionally, the time of planning and illustrations is over. Now we have pictures of projects being built. It’s not just talk anymore – it’s actually happening.”
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