Study shows Icelandic hydrogen realistic for Rotterdam
(Posted on 18/06/21)
Landsvirkjun, the National Power Company of Iceland, and the Port of Rotterdam have completed a pre-feasibility study about exporting green hydrogen from Iceland to Rotterdam. The results indicate that such a project could be technically feasible, financially attractive and would have a significant contribution to the fight against climate change as economies around the world will switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy in the coming decades.
The two companies worked together to map the key components of the value chain from renewable power generation and hydrogen production in Iceland and then ship it to the port of Rotterdam. A comparison was made of possible hydrogen carriers taking into account energy density, costs, demand and other attributes.
The study shows that the first such project could be realized in the second half of this decade and be between 2 and 4 TWh (some 200 to 500 MW). These initial steps can contribute up to 1m tons CO2 reduction per year whereas in the longer term the potential could be a reduction of millions of tons. The energy needed could be a combination of renewable generation including hydro, geothermal and wind. The availability of diverse sources of sustainable energy is a great advantage to Iceland and leads to a competitive price for the Icelandic hydrogen on the European market. The hydrogen would be produced through electrolysis and then either liquified or converted into a carrier for transport to Rotterdam where it would be recovered for use at the Port or in the hinterland.
Landsvirkjun´s vision is a sustainable world powered by renewable energy. The company already has a meaningful role in the reduction of CO2 emissions and intends to play a meaningful role in the energy revolution that must occur in the coming years and decades.
The port of Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and energy hub and has developed an ambitious hydrogen masterplan, with which it aims to become the major import hub for hydrogen to supply to Europe's changing energy offtake. Upon request by the Dutch government the Port of Rotterdam Authority identified high potential hydrogen exporting countries and companies to meet Europe’s future demand, of which Iceland was one of the strong contenders.
Landsvirkjun and the Port of Rotterdam intend to continue to work closely together to explore and develop this unique opportunity and expect to elaborate on these plans in the second half of 2022.
Allard Castelein, CEO Port of Rotterdam Authority said, “We are very excited by the results of the study as well by the good chemistry between our two companies which is key to develop such impactful new supply chains. Iceland always has been a frontrunner in renewable power production. This new green energy for Europe, distributed via Rotterdam’s terminals and hydrogen backbone, could further help decarbonize our industrial complex and our customers elsewhere in Europe.”
Latest News
Rotterdam throughput falls in first nine months of 2025
(Posted on 04/11/25)Total throughput in the port of Rotterdam fell slightly by 2.6% in the third quarter of 2025 compared... Read more
Bayan, Indonesia, reaches 100,000 operating hours
(Posted on 04/11/25)E-Crane Asia has announced a major milestone achieved by Bayan in Indonesia: the company’s three... Read more
Teesport automated weighbridges boost bulk cargo efficiency
(Posted on 27/10/25)PD Ports has successfully introduced fully automated weighbridge systems at Teesport and Hartlepool,... Read more
Mixed picture for Antwerp-Bruges in volatile trade climate
(Posted on 24/10/25)In the first nine months of 2025, Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 202.6 million tonnes of maritime goods... Read more
NPRC presents strategic course at 90th anniversary assembly
(Posted on 20/10/25)The 90th General Assembly of the inland shipping cooperative NPRC has highlighted the importance of... Read more
Bilbao leads in transparency among Spanish ports
(Posted on 17/10/25)The Bilbao Port Authority has obtained the highest score in the second evaluation of the Mandatory Information... Read more
Embassy reception highlights Hamburg – Czech Republic partnership
(Posted on 14/10/25)The economic and logistical ties between the Czech Republic and Hamburg were brought to the attention... Read more
Italian ports expand capabilities with Liebherr
(Posted on 08/10/25)Liebherr has dispatched four additional mobile harbour cranes to Italy, reaffirming its role in the... Read more
Euroports celebrates 25-year Terminal Rinfuse Venezia concession
(Posted on 08/10/25)Euroports, Europe’s largest port infrastructure operator, has celebrated its new strategic 25-... Read more
PhilaPort acquires 152-acre Mustin Yard
(Posted on 07/10/25)PhilaPort has announced that it has acquired the Mustin Yard Property from Norfolk Southern Corporation... Read more
