Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) presented its hydrogen projects at this year's Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe, which took place in Hamburg on 23 and 24 October 2024. At the conference held at the same time, HHLA's hydrogen team exchanged ideas with industry experts on the latest technologies and technical solutions in the hydrogen sector.
Karin Debacher, head of HHLA hydrogen projects, moderated two panels at the Hydrogen Technology Conference on the role of ports in the introduction of green energy sources and the development of viable business models for hydrogen, as well as the associated regulatory challenges.
In her closing remarks, Debacher said: “This conference shows that the hydrogen economy is moving from the initial hype to the phase of concrete implementation. Despite the challenges, we are seeing progress in the industry. Innovative projects and increasing investment, such as the expansion of the hydrogen ecosystem in the Port of Hamburg, are further driving this development. Now it is important to strengthen our networks and form partnerships in order to consistently drive the transformation forward and achieve our ambitious climate targets.”
In July, HHLA already opened the first test site for hydrogen-powered port logistics and a hydrogen refuelling station in the Port of Hamburg. At the Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT), HHLA is working with partners to test the use of hydrogen to power heavy-duty vehicles in order to accelerate the decarbonisation of logistics and achieve emission-free operations.
“Our goal is to become climate-neutral across the group by 2040. Hydrogen will play an important role in this, especially in port logistics. In addition, our European network of terminals and intermodal connections means that we are ideally positioned to support the import and distribution of hydrogen. The Hydrogen Technology Expo offers us an excellent platform for networking with partners and solution providers,” Debacher continued.
Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe is considered one of the leading events for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The conference brought together over 300 speakers and 1,500 participants from industry, the energy sector and other industries to exchange ideas on research approaches and application examples. The expo will also take place in Hamburg in the coming years.