Research

The production and use of green hydrogen through electrolysis, called Power-2-Hydrogen, is crucial in all scenarios towards a significant reduction of CO2 emissions in the Rotterdam port area. TNO researched hydrogen flows and applications that are found in Rotterdam. TNO also explored what is needed for the implementation of large-scale use of green hydrogen. What does a roadmap towards large-scale use of green hydrogen look like? What new possibilities emerge? The TNO report shows that replacing the current hydrogen with exclusively green hydrogen, results in a significant reduction of CO2 emissions.­

The Wuppertal Institute outlined various so-called deep decarbonisation pathways (DDP).  These scenarios aim, in an economically sound way, for sharp reductions in CO2 emissions by 2050, ranging from 30 to 98%. Power-2-Hydrogen is important in all scenarios and can be seen as a sub-scenario.

Opportunities

• Reduction of emissions (1) – Green hydrogen as a commodity in the production of hydrogen as a fuel results in a reduction of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the introduction of green hydrogen into the existing gas network (for use in households) also reduces CO2 emissions.
• Reduction of emissions (2) – Sustainably produced hydrogen can be used to liquefy important basic chemicals such as methanol, methane, ammonia and formic acid. These compounds can also serve as storage methods.
• Buffering of hydrogen – The possibility of buffering renewable energy in the form of hydrogen, would increase the potential of renewable energy use and would make it possible for renewables to account for a larger part of the total energy supply.

Challenges

• Financial feasibility – How will Power-2-Hydrogen be financially feasible? What are the costs of Power-2-Hydrogen and what emission savings can be achieved?
• Legislation – Are adjustments in legislation desirable?
• Investments – What is the right time to invest in new technology?
• Environmental gains – How can environmental gains be included in the business plans of various participating stakeholders?
• Large scale – Business models require large scale roll out. Is scaling technically possible? And is there enough hydrogen available? Can security of supply be guaranteed?

Partners

Port of Rotterdam Authority, TNO