From November 7 to 10, the Port of Rotterdam embarked on a comprehensive journey through South China, engaging in a series of impactful events orchestrated by the Netherlands Innovation Network China. Over these four days, the port actively participated in a range of activities, including a Hydrogen Round Table, an insightful hydrogen expo in Foshan, and strategic visits to various key players in the region’s hydrogen landscape. Let’s delve into the dynamic narrative of these collaborative endeavors that unfolded during this intensive exploration.
Following discussions with the Port of Rotterdam of what would be the best time to visit China to explore the country’s hydrogen developments, the team of the Netherlands Innovation Network in China advised the Port to plan a visit to China around the annual hydrogen fair in Foshan. Our team arranged a four-day program including visits to the Foshan hydrogen conference, research institutions, and companies involved in PEM electrolyzers and fuel cell production. Business visits, such as a tour of a hydrogen refilling station with its own alkaline electrolyzer for production, and a ride on a hydrogen-powered boat, were also scheduled.
Meetings with local banks were also arranged to discuss and understand investment policies related to hydrogen in China and a visit to the port of Shenzhen were part of the itinerary.
In China, annual hydrogen conference and expos, including the prominent China Hydrogen Industrt Conference and Expo in Foshan, play a crucial role. Together with the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Guangzhou, we hosted a lunch for Dutch participants and visitors, facilitating exchanges between companies like Teesing, Bronkhorst, and the Port of Rotterdam. This was long impossible in China due the strict restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Experiences and expectations regarding the hydrogen market in China and the Netherlands were shared among the Dutch hydrogen companies.
Our team also secured a speaking slot for the Port of Rotterdam expert, Randolf Weterings, at the expert panel discussion during the China Hydrogen Industry Conference, providing insights into the port’s progress toward a hydrogen economy. Additionally, we selected key Chinese stakeholders present at the expo for in-depth discussions on potential collaboration between Chinese entities and the Port of Rotterdam.
On November 9, the Netherlands Innovation Network China, in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Guangzhou, organised a Sino-Dutch Hydrogen Round Table. Bringing together 11 experts from China and the Netherlands in the field of hydrogen, the event was moderated by Fons Klein Tuente, Senior Officer for Innovation, Science & Technology in Guangzhou. He provided an overview of general hydrogen innovation and developments in the Netherlands, followed by Randolf Weterings from the Port of Rotterdam, who delved into the progress of the port’s plans towards a hydrogen economy. Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Guangzhou, Efstathios Andreou, gave a welcome speech to kick off the session. Stating the importance of the Netherlands and China to work and learn from each other to strengthen the collaboration between both countries.
I am very glad that we are gathered today at the Netherlands consulate in Guangzhou with Chinese and Dutch experts on hydrogen. To find solutions to keep this beautiful planet livable. A different way of thinking is hydrogen technology which plays a crucial role for the Netherlands to reduce CO2 emissions with 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. The Netherlands aims to be a global hub for hydrogen import, transport and storage. The Netherlands is first country in Europe which started building a national hydrogen network, also we have the world’s first offshore green hydrogen production (PosHYdon) and the Dutch government designated an area for the world’s largest offshore hydrogen production project. It is important to strengthen the collaboration between the Netherlands and China to work and learn from each other.
Efstathios Andreou – Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Guangzhou
The subsequent discussion and Q&A session received significant time and attention, fostering mutual learning between the Netherlands and China. It served as a platform to address shared challenges in transitioning to a hydrogen economy and explore potential areas for collaboration.
The Port of Rotterdam gained valuable insights into the rapid developments in South China’s hydrogen sector during the visit, anticipating more visitors in the coming year.