Port of Antwerp-Bruges facilitating close cooperation between the chemical industry and energy transformation in Europe
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges will be organising the second “Chemistry & Energy Summit” in Burghausen on May 16, 2024 in order to explain the essential relationship between the chemical industry and the energy sector and to initiate a fundamental process of dialogue. This summit will emphasise the significance of adopting an all-embracing approach to current challenges and opportunities as well as the need for close cooperation between both key industries to enable a future that is emission-free.
Several projects are currently being completed at the ports sites of Antwerp and Zeebrugge in Belgium, designed to pave the way for climate neutrality for European industries. One of the showcase projects related to the energy revolution is the former refinery site in the port area, which is currently being transformed into a new hub for green energy. The Vopak Energy Park Antwerp site, which measures 105 hectares, will not only offer access to the sea, but also to various transport networks, including inland waterways, roads and rail services – and to pipeline links to north-west Europe, which will make it possible to supply hydrogen and hydrogen carriers to the important business centres there. The port platform is ideally located at the centre of Europe.
Open-access import terminal
Alongside these developments, the construction of an open-access import terminal is continuing at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The goal is to already transport sustainable ammonia to the chemical industry in the vicinity and to European destinations further inland via the terminal by 2028. This innovative project is being managed by the following companies – Fluxys, Advario Stolthaven Antwerp and Advario Gas Terminal – and is designed to help provide reliable supplies of green ammonia for the whole of Europe.
Demonstration plant for converting ammonia
The French gas corporation, Air Liquide, is also investing in an innovative pilot plant at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, which will make it possible to convert ammonia into hydrogen with the lowest possible carbon footprint. This demonstration plant, which is being supported by the state Flanders Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO), is being built on the BASF site and is set to cut emissions.
This is just one of many companies operating within the port’s ecosystem, which are making their contribution to developing hydrogen as a key technology for the energy revolution, said a release.
Promoting a fundamental dialogue
“The chemical industry in particular is currently facing enormous challenges: the increase in competitive pressure driven by higher energy prices, changes in the demand situation…,” says Tom Hautekiet, the Chief Business Development & Transition Officer at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. “The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is aiming to actively support industry’s efforts to face up to these challenges, among other things, by promoting energy supplies based on hydrogen and adopting measures to separate, store and subsequently use carbon dioxide. The port also views itself as a facilitator in the communications between all those involved in the search for strategies to resolve the problem.”
source: Exim News Service: Antwerp, April 25