The Rotterdam Harbour in the Netherlands has announced that it has identified a viable method to produce green hydrogen, a clean energy source that can replace fossil fuels.

The harbour, which is the largest in Europe, plans to use wind and solar energy to power the production of green hydrogen, which will be used to fuel ships, trucks, and other vehicles. This is a significant step in the effort to reduce carbon emissions and move toward a more sustainable energy future.

The Rotterdam Harbour is one of the busiest ports in the world, with more than 140,000 ships passing through each year. It is also one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide in the Netherlands, accounting for nearly 20% of the country’s total emissions. The harbour has been working for several years to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to more sustainable energy sources.

The plan to produce green hydrogen involves using wind and solar energy to power electrolysis, a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen will then be stored and transported for use in fuel cells, which convert the hydrogen back into electricity and produce only water as a byproduct. This process is known as the hydrogen fuel cycle and is a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions in transportation and other industries.

The Rotterdam Harbour’s plan is part of a larger initiative to develop a green hydrogen economy in the Netherlands and Europe. The European Union has set a target of producing 40 gigawatts of electrolysis capacity by 2030, which would be enough to power 40 million cars. The Netherlands aims to have 500 megawatts of electrolysis capacity by 2025 and 3-4 gigawatts by 2030.

While the development of green hydrogen infrastructure is still in its early stages, the potential impact of this technology is significant. Green hydrogen can be used in a wide range of industries, including transportation, power generation, and manufacturing, and can replace fossil fuels in many applications. It is also a key component of the energy transition and the effort to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.