The potential of the Port of Bilbao in hydrogen transport

2025
 Macarena Larrea Basterra, Jokin Txapartegi Trigueros
 https://doi.org/10.18543/QPYM4409
Basque Institute of Competitiveness  - Deusto Foundation

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Abstract

In the context of decarbonization, green hydrogen (H₂) could play a relevant role alongside electrification in meeting the energy needs of those activities that require high temperatures and great flexibility with no other alternatives currently available. However, it faces significant obstacles to its large-scale and commercial use due to its storage and transport limitations, low volumetric and energy density, and flammable nature.

There are various solutions or hydrogen carriers for its transport and storage, which depend, among others, on the end use. Among the different carrier alternatives, this study delves into the transport and storage cases of H₂, such as ammonia, synthetic fuels, liquid hydrogen, metal hydrides, methanol, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC).

This work aims to provide an overview of the potential of the port of Bilbao as a maritime logistics hub for the (renewable) hydrogen value chain and to contrast the most viable options or carriers to do so.