Energy is becoming a mature cluster in North Sea Port. Companies currently use a lot of energy, but they will have to operate in a climate-neutral manner in the future. The port authority wants to assist in this process. Short-term and medium-term focus will be on hydrogen, green electricity and heat exchange.
Hydrogen hub
North Sea Port has the ambition to be a hub in the European hydrogen network. Switching to low-CO2 hydrogen will be required if the most energy-intensive clusters such as steel and chemicals are to become climate-neutral. The aim is to import green hydrogen and attract large-scale local hydrogen production.
Connection to the backbone
This will require infrastructure, such as pipelines to distribute the hydrogen between companies in the port area and connection to the 'backbone' linking other European ports and industrial areas. The substantial local demand for hydrogen and the favourable central location of North Sea Port should enable it to become a hydrogen hub within the European network. By 2025, 500 MW of green electricity will be converted into hydrogen in the port area every year.
Electrification is essential
The landing of offshore wind energy and further development of the high-voltage grid (380 kV) are essential if the entire port cluster is to be supplied with green electricity. This electrification is essential for the local production of green hydrogen. Electrification will also enable shore power for shipping.
The port area has a lot of residual heat that can be exchanged between companies. North Sea Port is promoting this heat exchange, providing the necessary space and connecting companies and network operators.