Australia, Netherlands ink deal for renewable hydrogen supply chain development

The MOU also include hydrogen trade policy, standards and certification schemes.

Australia and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of a renewable hydrogen supply chain from Australia to Europe, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The MOU, signed by Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen and the Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Rob Jetten in the Port of Rotterdam covers hydrogen trade policy, standards and certification schemes.

It also includes port infrastructure and supply chain development, innovative hydrogen technologies, and government policies about safety, social licence and regulations for hydrogen.

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“Australia’s abundance of renewable energy – including solar and wind energy – gives Australia a natural advantage for the extraction of hydrogen from water for domestic and international supply,” the department said.

It added that the agreement is in line with the Port of Rotterdam’s work with the state governments of Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia for the creation of a large-scale hydrogen network between the two countries.

The MOU could make Rotterdam an international hub for hydrogen imports, including for transport to other countries in Northwest Europe.