Addressing practical challenges of electrification and smart energy for port systems – and the research challenges that they present – were identified during the 2019 Living Energy Conference in Rotterdam on Friday 12 April at World Port Centre, Rotterdam. The ‘Connected Port Deep Dive’ is the second of a series of Living Energy Conferences organised by Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne (EWI), and the Erasmus Centre for Future Energy Business at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM). During the conference it became clear that the energy transition and digital transformation are not simultaneous, but rather complementary, and offer tremendous opportunities that cross geographic boundaries as well as organisational limits.
Nico van Dooren, Director Energy and Industry, Port of Rotterdam (PoR) said: “Three steps have been defined by the Port of Rotterdam to be able limit global warming to 1.5-2.0C in 2050. These steps seem chronological, but given the complexity of this transformation that the Port and society is facing, they are all interconnected. We need CCUS storage, we need huge wind power from sea power hubs, we need waste-to-chemicals projects, and we need make our transport and logistics supply chains sustainable. In order to achieve the goal within all the sectors and markets, the Port is working in a multidisciplinary way and welcomes new applications and digital opportunities – and the research opportunities they present.”
Shell has changed its business portfolio in recent decades. Stijn van Els, former CEO Shell Germany and recently appointed as member of the Supervisory Board at electricity transmission system operator (TSO) TenneT, explained how Shell is transitioning within the German market. “Shell’s assets for oil, gas and hydrogen in Germany are very valuable, however its customer connections are even more so. Shell is investing widely in making new connections and building on the existing ones. For example, the recent takeover from Sonnen, New Motion and First Utility along with the build out of the H2 Mobility Deutschland Joint Venture [a hydrogen refuelling network for fuel cell electric vehicles].”
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