Provaris and GES agree to develop new hydrogen import facility in Rotterdam port

Australian developer of green hydrogen projects Provaris Energy and Singapore-based storage terminals operator Global Energy Storage (GES) have entered a collaboration agreement to develop a gaseous hydrogen import facility at the GES terminal in the Rotterdam port.

GES is developing a multi-client, multi-product terminal in Rotterdam for importing refrigerated ammonia and compressed hydrogen, with redeliveries into barges, rail, trucks, and the hydrogen grid (HyNetwork) operated by Gasunie. 

GES and Provaris have now agreed to complete a comprehensive pre-feasibility 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 hydrogen transportation in the H2Neo carriers and GES will be in charge of the discharge and injection into the hydrogen grid. 

The pre-feasibility 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 are scheduled for 2024.

Provaris has advanced the H2Neo hydrogen carrier through an extensive FEED package design approval in December 2022, with a prototype tank under construction and testing program underway in Norway to support a final construction approval from the classification society targeted for mid-2024.  

The collaboration builds on both companies’ 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 industrial users in Europe. 

Furthermore, Provaris’ compressed hydrogen supply chain is said to offer a competitive alternative to chemical carriers from regional supply sources from the Nordic region and across the Baltics, North Sea, Iberia, and North Africa.  

Peter Vucins, CEO of GES commented: “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. I welcome the opportunity to work closely with Provaris to develop a cost competitive import solution for Rotterdam and European energy customers.” 

Martin Carolan, CEO of Provaris Energy, said: “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.

“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.”