H2Hinterland

Comparative study of different modes of transport for the transport of hydrogen and ammonia in seaport hinterland transport

Study of different transport mode alternatives for the import of hydrogen and ammonia between seaports and points of consumption

The energy transition is regarded as essential to reducing the damage to the environment and society caused by conventional energy generation (and consumption). Hydrogen can play a role here, as it can be used in a variety of ways as a fuel for vehicles, heating systems and other industrial applications, and helps to reduce CO₂ emissions.

For industrial production in Germany – which is sometimes particularly energy-intensive and has therefore relied heavily on fossil fuels to date – hydrogen represents a promising avenue for decarbonisation. Green hydrogen can be used to operate production facilities efficiently.

The smooth transition of the energy supply from the existing, long-established and optimised large-scale supply of fossil fuels to a reliable supply of hydrogen (in its pure form and in a suitable storage form) via efficient, safe and cost-effective transport modes is a fundamental prerequisite for climate-neutral production / steel production.

Hydrogen or ammonia can be transported using various modes of transport. The client has commissioned the consortium, as part of this study, to examine the technical and economic feasibility of transporting hydrogen and ammonia from the seaport to the point of consumption. The study focuses on direct transport via pipeline, freight train and inland waterway vessel, and examines mode-specific technical aspects as well as a comparison of transport costs for all three alternatives under consideration.