Plans revealed for Amsterdam Hydrogen Hub to speed up transition to fossil-free future
The Port of Amsterdam and other players have joined forces to speed up the transition to green hydrogen power by developing the Amsterdam Area and the North Sea Canal Area into an international hydrogen hub.
Amsterdam to become global hydrogen hub
Plans have been revealed to transform the Amsterdam Area and North Sea Canal Area into a hydrogen hub. The Port of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, renewable energy company Vattenfall and the municipalities of Amsterdam and Zaanstad are among the partners in the scheme, joining forces to create a new ecosystem focused on the transition to hydrogen.
The long term aim is that the Amsterdam Area and North Sea Canal Area achieve large-scale transition and import and export of hydrogen by 2050. The first kick-off projects will see locally produced green hydrogen used for heavy transportation by road and water. The Port of Amsterdam is also working together with energy network operator Gasunie on the development of a hydrogen pipeline connecting IJmuiden and Amsterdam. This pipeline will be directly connected to the national hydrogen ‘backbone’. The development of the basic infrastructure is a precondition for setting up and scaling up hydrogen projects.
Ideal ingredients for hydrogen transition
The Amsterdam Area’s strategic location provides a strong starting position for the use of hydrogen to provide new and sustainable solutions, such as CO2-free steel and clean fuels for ships and aircraft. These ideal ingredients include the Port of Amsterdam being one of the largest fuel ports in the world with the right knowledge and infrastructure for safely transporting fuels; a strong industrial presence in the North Sea Canal Area; the proximity of Schiphol airport, proximity to the North Sea including wind farms, connections to the hinterland, extensive gas and fuel infrastructure in the region, and the presence of the world's top scientists and experts in the field of hydrogen.
The Amsterdam Area’s diverse and vibrant business climate, evident from the many international companies that have chosen to set up here, will accelerate innovation, as well as attract talent and knowledge.