Rotterdam MOU

Europe’s largest port signs MOU with Tasmania

28 December 2021

The Tasmanian Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Port of Rotterdam. Under the MOU, a joint pre-feasibility study will be undertaken. It will assess the viability of exporting green hydrogen from Bell Bay to Rotterdam.

The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port for energy import in Europe. . It needs vast amounts of hydrogen to decarbonise its operations to meet broader European climate change goals and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels. Cooperation with international partners such as Tasmania, supports the deployment of hydrogen technologies. Partnerships also enhance skills, training and employment opportunities for both regions.

Tasmania is the only state in Australia that is 100 per cent self-sufficient in renewable electricity, with capacity to expand our wind and solar generation, as well as emerging technologies like wave or tidal generation. Tasmania has a goal to produce green hydrogen for domestic use in the near term and to be a significant global exporter from 2030.

The Port of Rotterdam brings a wealth of knowledge in the shipping sector, particularly around advancements in technology and port logistics. Tasmania can benefit from applying this expertise and innovation to its operations.

The MOU complements the Tasmanian Government’s Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan, which includes establishing a green hydrogen hub at Bell Bay. Find out more about the Tasmanian Government’s vision, visit the Green Hydrogen page.

Her Excellency Marion Derckx, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Australia, Honourable Guy Barnett Minister for Energy and Renewables