Within the INTERREG project NS H2V Ports, the ports of Brest, Esbjerg, Bremen and Den Helder are joining forces to develop concrete roadmaps that form the basis for maritime Hydrogen Valleys. This ambitious project brings together relevant stakeholders to further develop and realise hydrogen programmes in these ports. An important milestone was the second consortium meeting in Esbjerg on 24 and 25 February.
In developing four master plans simultaneously, the focus is on identifying and exploiting synergies. We do this by standardising concept designs and use cases, as well as sharing best practices. In addition, the ecosystems reinforce each other through joint external communication, lobbying activities and developing hydrogen import and export corridors. The power of cooperation is already visible in the stakeholder meetings organised in all four ports.
Highlights from Esbjerg
An important milestone was the second consortium meeting in Esbjerg on 24 and 25 February. Here, Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Noord-Holland Noord (ONHN) and New Energy Coalition (NEC) were present on behalf of the Port of Den Helder. The two-day meeting focused on exploring opportunities for a robust hydrogen infrastructure along the North Sea coast.
What were the highlights of the visit? For each of the participants, this will yield a different answer, but for Robin Bäcker (far left) and Giulietta Cohen (seventh from right) from ONHN, the following are at the top of the list.
- Networking with leading hydrogen stakeholders from Denmark and beyond.
- Developing strategies for an integrated and sustainable hydrogen ecosystem.
- Visit to the port of Esbjerg, the world’s largest base port for offshore wind energy.
From plans to realisation
In the coming period, ONHN and coördinator NEC are committed to holding talks with hydrogen producers, customers, infrastructure developers and other stakeholders. The aim is to identify plans and challenges and take concrete steps towards implementation. Experts within the consortium will help overcome barriers in the market, explore financing options and develop strategies for the realisation of the hydrogen roadmaps.
By acting together, we will accelerate the implementation of maritime value chains and contribute to a sustainable and future-proof hydrogen economy in the North Sea region. This project is not only an opportunity, but also a necessary step towards a carbon-neutral maritime sector.
