Utility RWE considers equipping Germany’s planned first LNG terminal with entry points for liquid hydrogen to make large-scale imports possible of the green gas produced from wind or solar energy.

RWE currently is developing the terminal at Brunsbüttel near Hamburg together with ‘German LNG terminal’ (a joint-venture of Dutch companies Gasunie LNG Holding and Vopak LNG Holding, and Germany’s Oiltanking GmbH). The parties are currently negotiating legal contracts for LNG imports, but haven’t taken an investment decision for the LNG terminal yet.

The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote the use of hydrogen produced from renewable sources ('green hydrogen').

“RWE’s interest in jointly exploring the import of hydrogen in Brunsbüttel proves the strategic importance of the site and the project. Hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources is in line with Germany’s goal to become climate-neutral by 2050,” said Rolf Brouwer, managing director of German LNG Terminal GmbH.

Adding a hydrogen import option to the LNG terminal plan comes after Germany’s government earlier this month presented its national hydrogen strategy. It earmarks billions of euros to build up capacities to produce green hydrogen in Germany, but also stresses that large-scale imports will be unavoidable.

Existing gas pipelines connected to the LNG terminal are perfectly fit to distribute hydrogen locally, RWE said.

“We want to make sure we are prepared for the next technological advancement. In the future hydrogen will play a key role as a climate-neutral fuel in the energy mix,” said Javier Moret, global head of LNG at RWE Supply & Trading.

“We are prepared for this next step with the new agreement. Therefore we are happy to support German LNG Terminals’ initiative in this field.”

Transition

RWE mulls green hydrogen imports via future German LNG terminal