Working visit focused on import and distribution of green hydrogen
Rotterdam, June 28, 2024 – On June 6, a delegation from the German state of Baden-Württemberg visited Gunvor Energy Rotterdam (‘Gunvor’) in the Port of Rotterdam. The delegation was comprised representatives from the state government, the transport sector, and industry, including Ms. Elke Zimmer (State Secretary, Ministry of Transport), members of Parliament such as Mr. Boris Weirauch (SPD) and Mr. August Schuler (CDU), and Mr. Uwe Köhn (Director, Port of Mannheim) and Robert Jan Reuvekamp (Air Products).
The visit, coordinated by Deltalinqs and the Port of Rotterdam, focused on developments and projects in the field of the energy transition, particularly the import and distribution of green hydrogen. In the port of Rotterdam, companies like Gunvor play a key role in hydrogen import and transport to surrounding countries. Cooperation between the Netherlands and Germany is crucial to realizing hydrogen ambitions and aligning supply and demand. For optimal collaboration, both countries must further develop and integrate their storage and transport infrastructure. During this visit, the challenges and opportunities in this area were discussed.
The delegation received an extensive presentation on renewable energy production projects and how Gunvor is practically implementing sustainability in its activities. By evolving from a traditional refinery to a sustainable energy company, Gunvor aims to play a significant role in the energy transition within the port of Rotterdam. Under the leadership of General Manager Erwin Goosen, the company is set to transform from “grey to green” in the coming years.
“It was an honor to welcome the State Secretary and the delegation and to discuss, together with our partner Air Products, how we as companies play an active role in the energy transition. We remain committed to developing solutions and thus contributing to a sustainable future for our stakeholders, including in Germany,” said Goosen.
A key part of the discussion involved Air Products’ renewable hydrogen facility, which is being developed on Gunvor’s site. This site is strategically positioned to receive renewable ammonia from sunny and windy areas, which can be used in Rotterdam as feedstock for renewable hydrogen production. The produced renewable hydrogen can be used to make industry and mobility in the Netherlands and neighbouring countries more sustainable. The visit of the German delegation to the port of Rotterdam underscores the importance of international cooperation for a successful energy transition.