Norwegian LNG terminal operator prepares to import hydrogen to Germany

Norwegian LNG shipping company Höegh LNG is preparing to convert its floating LNG terminals off the coast of Germany to hydrogen. The terminals are expected to be able to start importing hydrogen into Germany as early as 2028. The foreign news outlet Clean Energy Wire reported.

Höegh LNG, which specialises in transporting LNG by sea, operates 10 floating LNG terminals. Three of these terminals are located off the coast of Germany. Their conversion to hydrogen is expected to take place gradually as demand for hydrogen grows.

Demand for hydrogen is expected to start growing in the coming years as selected industrial sectors seek to decarbonise their operations.

The hydrogen import terminals, together with a planned 11,000-kilometre hydrogen network connecting the terminals with industrial centres in Germany, will be key to achieving the targets set out in the hydrogen strategy.

Imports will be absolutely crucial

Germany’s updated hydrogen strategy envisages hydrogen demand reaching 95–130 TWh in 2030, only a modest increase compared with the original version from 2020. Current hydrogen demand in Germany stands at 55 TWh. This hydrogen is produced from imported natural gas and consumed mainly in refineries and the chemical industry.