Dilemmas in port infrastructure for the energy transition

On June 22, 2023, the third edition of the Belgian-Dutch Port Day will take place in Antwerp.

Ports are the starting point for the energy transition. Industry, government and business are ready to facilitate the energy transition. But there is one major common challenge: energy infrastructure. Whether importing hydrogen or LNG, connecting to offshore wind farms or electrification, a good port infrastructure is essential to achieve climate goals. How are Belgian and Dutch ports tackling these challenges together?

Key questions during the Belgian-Dutch Port Day:

• Can Belgian and Dutch ports jointly compete with larger countries in Europe?
• Where should the 380Kv stations be located?
• What are the challenges for hard and soft infrastructure?
• The offshore wind challenge: what is needed to properly land and install these gigawatts at sea?
• When can we make the full transition from gas infrastructure to hydrogen?
• How do we ensure independence from countries outside Europe when importing green hydrogen?
• What is the place of delta ports in strategic autonomy?

Including:

• Allard Castelein (Port of Rotterdam)
• Paul Dirix (Port of Moerdijk)
• Daan Schalck (North Sea Port)
• Cas König (Groningen Seaports)
• Koen Overtoom (Port of Amsterdam)
• Dirk Declerck (Port of Oostende)
• Jacques Vandermeiren (Port of Antwerp-Bruges)