German government joins Netherlands’ Port of Rotterdam and WA Government in Mid West hydrogen export study

The Mid West could be an important player in Europe’s transition to renewable energy, as the German Government joins the Netherlands in investing in the Oakajee hydrogen project. The WA Government has announced Germany’s Federal Ministry for Education and Research will join a project by the government and the Dutch Port of Rotterdam to study the potential for fast-tracking hydrogen exports from the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area to the European nations. The study will include an look into the site’s potential for hydrogen generation, the development of an integrated port at Oakajee, the supply costs to the Port of Rotterdam, and port-to-customer transport to Germany. Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Western Australia could play an important role in helping the European Union meet its goal of importing 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030 as it seeks to end its reliance of fossil fuels. “The Oakajee SIA is a prime example of how Western Australia — with our abundance of renewable energy resources and suitable land areas — is well placed to meet this demand,” she said. Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems will undertake the study with WA’s Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the Mid West Port Authority and a team from the Port of Rotterdam. The Government said the institute’s expertise would help accelerate hydrogen production and exports. The WA Government said the BMBF intends to contribute funding of up to AUD $781,726 (EUR €500,000), joining AUD $500,000 committed by the State Government and AUD $390,863 (€250,000) allocated by the Port of Rotterdam. In 2021 Australia and Germany signed an agreement to help develop the hydrogen industries of both nations.