The Role of Inland Ports as Hydrogen Hubs: A Study Commissioned by the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Economic Affairs
Introduction
In regions with a high demand for hydrogen and without connection to the hydrogen core network, inland ports are of central importance for the supply of this energy source, at least in the interim. This is the conclusion of a study commissioned by the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Economic Affairs and conducted by the consulting firm Accenture on the development of inland ports as hydrogen hubs.
The Benefits of Hydrogen Transport by Inland Waterways
The study found that the transport of hydrogen by inland waterway vessels could significantly increase supply security in such regions, even though transport in containers on inland waterways is relatively slow and expensive. The study states that for distances with inland waterway vessels of up to approximately 400 kilometers, the transport of gaseous hydrogen in tank containers is the most economical option, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. For distances over 400 kilometers, liquid hydrogen in tank containers is more economical.
Limitations of Inland Waterway Transport
However, the transport of large quantities of hydrogen by inland waterway vessels reaches its limits due to the high costs. According to the study, gas tankers for the transport of cold liquefied ammonia could provide a solution in the future, and a company is currently developing Europe’s first ship of this type. Hydrogen produced elsewhere can be bound in the chemical ammonia and then transported further.
Specific Findings for Three Inland Ports
The Accenture study examined three inland ports in more detail: Bendorf and Speyer on the Rhine and Trier on the Moselle, all of which already have tanker terminals. The study also looked at the feasibility of setting up electrolysis plants for the production of hydrogen on site. It was found that there are numerous potential buyers in the industrial sector in the vicinity of Bendorf and Speyer. The proximity of these ports to the hydrogen core network and their good connections also speak in favor of developing them into regional hydrogen hubs.
The study was more cautious about the potential of Trier port. According to the study, there is a lack of "willing industrial buyers" in the immediate vicinity, and the establishment of a hydrogen filling station is also not feasible there.
Summary and Conclusion
On balance, the Ministry of Economic Affairs states that inland ports are particularly important for the handling and transport of hydrogen, at least until a complete pipeline network for hydrogen is available. More than 80 percent of the hydrogen used in Rhineland-Palatinate in the future will have to be imported.
