Supply chains for new energies will need to be built from scratch. GES and Provaris are leveraging their different skill sets to bring compressed hydrogen to Rotterdam
Global Energy Storage (GES) and Provaris Energy have agreed a collaboration to develop a gaseous hydrogen import facility at the terminal currently being developed by GES in Rotterdam to import refrigerated ammonia and compressed hydrogen. The multi-client, multi-product terminal will ship product out by barge, rail, truck and Gasunie’s HyNetwork hydrogen grid.
Under the collaboration, GES and Provaris will complete a comprehensive prefeasibility study to demonstrate the technical and economic viability of berthing and unloading of Provaris’ H2Neo compressed hydrogen carriers. Activities will also include the joint marketing of the proposed facility where Provaris will be responsible for the transport of the hydrogen in the H2Neo carriers and GES responsible for the discharge and injection into the hydrogen grid.
“This collaboration with Provaris showcases the types of partnerships that GES is pursuing to facilitate the energy transition through our contribution with storage and logistics solutions, at Rotterdam as well as other existing and future locations,” says Peter Vucins, CEO of GES. “I welcome the opportunity to work closely with Provaris to develop a cost competitive import solution for Rotterdam and European energy customers.”
STEPS ON THE ROAD
Both parties have a shared belief that the GES terminal in Rotterdam is an ideal site for bulk scale import of green hydrogen given the early connection to the HyNetwork grid for gaseous supply to industrial users in the Port of Rotterdam and key industrials users in Europe. The project also rests on the opportunities provided by the compressed hydrogen vessels designed by Provaris, as well as the potential for it to be able to supply green hydrogen from Norway, where it has a collaboration agreement with Gen2 Energy.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with GES on a world-first terminal for bulk scale import of gaseous hydrogen that can accelerate the availability of green molecules for industrial users,” says Martin Carolan, managing director and CEO of Provaris Energy. “GES has a global network and track record of terminal assets and is demonstrating leadership in the development of a bulk terminal for hydrogen and derivatives for Europe. We look forward to the outcomes of this collaboration which can accelerate the delivery of ambitious import volumes required for the European market and support export projects under development based on the Provaris approach to the simple and energy efficient marine transport of hydrogen.”
There is, though, much work to be done. Over the course of this year, GES and Provaris plan to complete prefeasibility level studies focused on the jetty facilities to discharge the H2Neo carrier, along with scavenging compression, storage, HyNetwork grid connection, risk and safety, emissions, and other permitting and environmental considerations. Provaris, an Australia-based company developing a portfolio of integrated green hydrogen projects in Asia and Europe, is meanwhile completing construction and testing of its prototype cargo tank, with final construction approval from Class anticipated in mid-2024.
