Australia advocates for Green Corridor H2 with the Netherlands

Australia signed a memorandum of understanding with the Netherlands to support the development of a green hydrogen supply chain from Australia to Europe.

An agreement announced Wednesday lays the groundwork for an export corridor from Australia to the port of Rotterdam, complementing work already under way with the governments of Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. The goal is to make Rotterdam an international import center for hydrogen, including for transport to other countries in Northwest Europe.

Ultimately, it also highlights Australia's efforts to increase its exports to the EU. Australia's Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen says his country could be a "renewable energy exporting superpower" and that "Europe is starving for energy."

“With significant renewable energy resources, Australia is well positioned to export renewable energy, develop clean energy supply chains and attract foreign investment,” Bowen adds. "Australia and the Netherlands have strong trade and investment ties and we look forward to strengthening them by negotiating an ambitious and comprehensive trade agreement with the European Union."

The Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Dutch authorities covers hydrogen trade policies, standards and certification schemes; port infrastructure and supply chain development; innovative hydrogen technologies, including shipping, equipment and services; and government policy regarding safety, social license and regulations for hydrogen.

The Netherlands intends to invest 2-3 billion euros ($2.17-3.26 billion) in green hydrogen projects, part of which is intended to turn the port of Rotterdam into a global hydrogen terminal. In its quest to build green hydrogen corridors, the port has agreements with countries including Portugal and Chile.

Australia's hydrogen links are also close to Germany, where countries are currently funding research and development and demonstration projects to help build the supply chain.