The Port of Rotterdam Authority, Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), and the Australian government have teamed up to develop a joint hydrogen hub in Western Australia.

The initiative is in line with the Port of Rotterdam’s ambition to become a hydrogen hub for Northwest Europe.

The TrHyHub project aims to build a modern port industrial complex for large-scale hydrogen production for both local use and export.

Around 20 companies from the three countries have indicated their intention to take part.

The partnership was announced during the German Minister for Research and Education’s visit to the port of Rotterdam on 13 February, where the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Fraunhofer confirmed their intention for further partnership.

The parties involved are committed to combining their technology, knowledge, and expertise to develop the Australian hydrogen hub and supply chain to the German hinterland.

As part of the new port, they will be exploring the possibility for the joint construction of an offshore export terminal to enable faster hydrogen exports to Northwest Europe.

The Dutch and Australian ministers for Climate and Energy had already signed a partnership agreement in this area earlier this year.

Both governments have stated their ambition to cooperate in four areas, including hydrogen trade policy, standards, and certification; port infrastructure and the development of supply chains; innovative hydrogen technology, including transport by vessel; and government policy for safety, training, regulations, and social support for hydrogen.

The partnership also looks to enhance the sustainability of the energy supplies for Germany and the Netherlands and accelerate the replacement of coal and oil imports with green hydrogen, reducing their dependency on Russia.

According to the partners’ recent release, the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area (SIA), where the joint hydrogen hub will be developed, has the potential to become one of the world’s largest hydrogen-producing areas due to its optimal wind and solar power generation conditions.

Last month, the Port of Rotterdam joined forces with STC International to organise the port energy transition management programme.