Shipping green hydrogen from Iceland to Port of Rotterdam is a realistic goal before 2030

Shipping green hydrogen from Iceland to Port of Rotterdam is a realistic goal before 2030


The Port of Rotterdam and The National Power Company of Iceland conducted a pre-feasibility study about exporting green hydrogen from Iceland to Rotterdam. The results indicated that such a project could be feasible and have a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.

CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority, Allard Castelein, said: “We are very excited by the results of the study as well by the good chemistry between our two companies which is key to develop such impactful new supply chains. 

“This new green energy for Europe, distributed via Rotterdam’s terminals and hydrogen backbone, could further help decarbonise our industrial complex and our customers elsewhere in Europe.”

An assessment was made of possible hydrogen carriers taking into account energy density, costs, demand and other attributes. The companies collaborated to chart the key components of the value chain from renewable power generation and hydrogen production in Iceland and then ship it to the Port of Rotterdam.

The study demonstrated that the first such project could be realised in the second half of this decade and be between 2 and 4 TWh (some 200 to 500 MW). These initial steps can contribute up to 1m tons CO2 reduction per year whereas in the longer term the potential could be a reduction of millions of tons. 

The energy required could be a combination of renewable generation including hydro, geothermal and wind. The Port of Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port and energy hub and has established an ambitious hydrogen masterplan, with which it aims to become the main import hub for hydrogen to supply to Europe’s changing energy offtake. 

CEO of Landsvirkjun, Hordur Arnarson, said: “The results of the pre-feasibility study are very encouraging. We at Landsvirkjun are determined to continue leading the way in renewable energy. 

“It is the way to a better future for all. We believe in our partnership with Port of Rotterdam and look forward to finding the best way to bring our clean energy to foreign markets.”

The Port of Rotterdam and Landsvirkjun plan to work closely together to explore and develop this excellent opportunity and expect to elaborate on these plans in the second half of 2022.

For more information visit www.portofrotterdam.com

21st June 2021