Gasunie and Vopak started market consultation on possibilities for LNG, hydrogen and CO2 at EemsEnergyTerminal in Eemshaven, the Netherlands
Groningen/Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 24 June 2024
- EemsEnergyTerminal may be kept at Eemshaven for longer for security of energy supply and the energy transition
In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, Gasunie and Vopak are exploring options to utilize the EemsEnergyTerminal for longer than initially planned at the port of Eemshaven. This market consultation will not only look at LNG but is also intended to explore ways to bring about a future, rapid transition to a more sustainable energy system; one where hydrogen and carbon capture and storage play key roles.
Following the loss of Russian gas and the end of gas extraction from the Groningen gas field, security of energy supply for the Netherlands and its neighbouring countries has changed drastically. Currently, roughly 75% of Netherlands gas needs are met by its imports. As LNG imports are expected to continue to be needed over the coming years, the LNG terminal is set to play a key role in the transition to renewable energy.
Vision for the future
Gasunie and Vopak are keen to affirm their joint ambition to harness this LNG infrastructure to contribute to security of energy supply in Europe. The partners are also making plans for further hydrogen development at the Eemshaven site and exploring options for carbon capture and transport in line with the transition to a more sustainable energy system. One of the options on the table is to keep EemsEnergyTerminal at Eemshaven for longer than initially planned. To assess the viability of this option, Gasunie and Vopak have now launched a market consultation to gauge the market’s interest in hydrogen and CO2 and to see what would be possible.
Consultation on extending EemsEnergyTerminal
The consultation is intended to gauge market interest in importing LNG through EemsEnergyTerminal beyond 2027, as well as to get an idea of the conditions market parties would set. It will also look at permit regulations and the required technical aspects. The results of the consultation may lead to an ‘open season’ where the required capacity is offered to the market in a transparent manner.
Link to market consultation will be available on website EemsEnergyTerminal
About EemsEnergyTerminal
Operational since September 2022, EemsEnergyTerminal was initially contracted for a period of five years, i.e. through to September 2027. Located at the port of Eemshaven in the far north of the Netherlands, this LNG import terminal was developed by Gasunie to increase the security of gas supply and reduce dependence on Russian gas. In December 2023, Vopak became a co-shareholder in EemsEnergyTerminal. Gasunie and Vopak each hold a 50% stake. The terminal makes it possible to import 8 billion cubic meters (bcm) of LNG on an annual basis, which covers around 25% of the Netherlands’ total annual gas demand. Work is currently going into gradually upping the terminal’s capacity to roughly 10 bcm per year.
About Gasunie
Gasunie is a European energy infrastructure company. Gasunie’s network is one of the largest pressure pipeline networks in Europe, comprising over 17,000 kilometres of pipeline in the Netherlands and northern Germany. Gasunie provides natural and green gas transport services through its subsidiaries, Gasunie Transport Services B.V. (GTS) in the Netherlands and Gasunie Deutschland in Germany. With its crossborder gas infrastructure and services, Gasunie facilitates TTF, which has become a leading European gas trading point. Gasunie also provides other gas infrastructure services, including gas storage and LNG. Gasunie wants to help accelerate the transition to a CO2 neutral energy supply and believes that gas related innovations, for instance in the form of renewable gases such as hydrogen and green gas, can make an important contribution. Both existing and new gas infrastructure play a key role here. Gasunie also plays an active part in the development of other energy infrastructure to support the energy transition. www.gasunie.nl
About Vopak
Royal Vopak helps the world flow forward. At ports around the world, we provide storage and infrastructure solutions for vital products that enrich everyday life. These products include liquids and gases that provide energy for homes and businesses, chemicals for manufacturing products, and edible oils for cooking. For all of these, our worldwide network of terminals supports the global flow of supply and demand. For more than 400 years, Vopak has been at the forefront of fundamental transformations. With a focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency, we create new connections and opportunities that drive progress. Now more than ever, our talented people are applying this mindset to support the energy transition. Together with our partners and customers, we are accelerating the development of infrastructure solutions for hydrogen, ammonia, CO₂, long-duration energy storage, and low-carbon fuels & feedstocks – paving the way to a more sustainable future. www.vopak.com
Vopak Press: Liesbeth Lans - Manager External Communication, e-mail: global.communication@vopak.com
Vopak Analysts and Investors: Fatjona Topciu - Head of Investor Relations, e-mail: investor.relations@vopak.com
