Dutch energy company, Gasunie is seeking options for a further temporary expansion of its LNG import capacity in the Netherlands.
A study is underway following consultation with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, which fits in with the plans Minister Rob Jetten for Climate and Energy sent to the Lower House on 9th December, the company said.
Both existing and new sites are being investigated. For example, there are plans to further expand the existing LNG facilities in Eemshaven (EemsEnergyTerminal) and in Rotterdam (GATE) through technical optimisation.
In addition, one or more new FLNG terminals will have to ensure a sufficient supply of gas next year. Terneuzen is being considered as one of the locations.
The pressure on the current high prices can be eased by saving energy, expanding the Dutch LNG import capacity and accelerating the energy transition, the company said.
Gasunie is also looking at a temporary further expansion of import capacity until winter 2025/2026. These are measures that can be deployed as early as next winter (2023/2024) and preferably before the gas storage filling season starts (April, 2023).
The intention is to use as much of the temporary installations as possible for hydrogen shipments after a few years.
VTTI interest
Another Dutch terminal operator, VTTI, is also exploring the installation of an FSRU in the Netherlands.
The FSRU will be connected to one of the largest industrial clusters in the Netherlands and to the Dutch and European gas grids.
It will have an annual throughput capacity of around 5 bill cu m, which corresponds to around 15% of the current total gas consumption in the Netherlands.
In time, VTTI plans to use the infrastructure for the import of green energy, such as hydrogen. It aims to bring the facility into operation at the beginning of 2024.
Guy Moeyens, VTTI CEO, said: “As part of our diversification strategy, VTTI’s ambition is to develop a worldwide LNG portfolio at strategic locations, offering transitional solutions for green energy carriers, such as hydrogen.
“The Netherlands needs additional LNG import capacity in the short term to enhance energy supply security. We are pleased to contribute to this based on our many years of experience in the field of energy infrastructure and storage,” he said.
