Import of green hydrogen: a necessary and feasible supplement to the energy transition

The import of green hydrogen via the port of Amsterdam offers a unique opportunity for the sustainability of sectors such as heavy industry, transport, and aviation. Although imports in the initial years may incur higher costs than benefits, it can become financially viable in the long term if targeted financial instruments and policy measures are implemented. This is demonstrated by a case study conducted by Invest-NL, in collaboration with Port of Amsterdam, Ecolog, and Tata Steel.

Import as a solution

Green hydrogen is essential to make sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry, transport, and aviation, more sustainable. Dutch green hydrogen production cannot meet future demand due to high production costs and limited renewable energy capacity. Importing hydrogen from regions where renewable energy is abundant and produced at lower costs—such as Oman, Spain, and Brazil—offers an affordable and scalable complement to domestic production.

Bridging the € 2.4 billion funding gap

The case study indicates a funding gap of € 2.4 billion in the first eleven years of the project, despite a forecast of € 2 billion in long-term returns. To close this gap, Invest-NL sees a decisive role for the government. Concrete interventions, such as a Contract-for-Difference (CfD), subordinated loans, and regulatory adjustments, provide security for investors and accelerate the development of a stable green hydrogen market.

Collaboration is key

To realise the import of green hydrogen, cooperation between public and private parties is necessary. Besides the interventions mentioned from the government, a crucial role is assigned to an aggregator. This is an entity that consolidates supply and demand and enters into long-term contracts with both producers and consumers.

“Importing green hydrogen is an essential component to achieve climate goals and simultaneously strengthen the Netherlands’ position as an energy hub. Collaboration and targeted financing to mitigate risks for private financiers are vital,” says Dolores de Rooij, senior business development manager at Invest-NL.

Blueprint for Europe

This report serves as a case example and is also valuable for other import projects. It contains an analysis of the different sectors where green hydrogen can be applied and shows how targeted interventions can make green hydrogen import feasible not only in the Netherlands but across Europe. The Port of Amsterdam is strategically positioned as a hub for Northwest Europe.