Ireland’s largest bulk port, Shannon Foynes, and the renowned Port of Rotterdam have inked a strategic agreement to explore the development of a supply-chain corridor aimed at exporting green fuels into Europe. The collaboration focuses on maximizing the immense renewable energy potential off the west coast of Ireland, boasting over 80GW of green electricity, more than ten times the country’s current national requirement.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed in Rotterdam, emphasizes market and trade development for substantial volumes of green hydrogen and its derivatives, to be produced at the planned international green energy hub on the Shannon Estuary. The ports envision proof-of-concept volumes by 2030, aligning with Europe’s broader strategy to import 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by the same year, catering to industries traditionally dependent on coal, natural gas, and oil.
Mr. René van der Plas, Director International at the Port of Rotterdam, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “This agreement with Shannon Foynes Port is one such partnership and can support our efforts to set up supply chain corridors for the import of Green Hydrogen into north-west Europe from countries elsewhere with high potential for green and low carbon hydrogen production.”
The collaboration doesn’t stop at hydrogen; the MOU explores additional opportunities, including forming coalitions with commercial parties and engaging relevant public stakeholders. The initiative aims to deliver the first proof-of-concept volumes before 2030 and shares information on green hydrogen derivatives like ammonia and methanol.
Mr. Patrick Keating, CEO of Shannon Foynes Port Company, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This agreement with the Port of Rotterdam is a key step towards enabling that. The port of Rotterdam already works on introducing the fuels and feedstocks of the future with major oil and gas companies and its broader port community of over 3,000 commercial companies. It can be a key supply chain corridor for exporting green fuels from the Shannon Estuary into Europe.”
The collaboration extends beyond the mere exchange of goods; it opens avenues for joint market development, finding off-takers, and addressing the specific needs of industries such as maritime fuels, sustainable aviation fuels, green fertilizer, and steel production.
In the words of Mr. Brendan Rogers, Ambassador of Ireland to the Netherlands, “What a great day as two major ports Rotterdam and Shannon Foynes sign an MOU to cooperate on green hydrogen, one of the key sustainable fuels for a carbon-free and renewable energy future for Ireland, the Netherlands, and Europe.”
This collaboration signals a pivotal moment in the transition towards sustainable energy and a cleaner future for Europe.
