CO₂ capture plant: blue hydrogen production in Rotterdam
Can large-scale carbon capture really make industry sustainable? The Port of Rotterdam is proving that it can. The largest CO₂ capture installation in Europe is under construction. This innovation is not only a breakthrough for hydrogen production, but also for the Dutch climate goals.
What is the project?
The project is an initiative to capture CO₂ from the existing (SMR) plant in Rotterdam. The plant will be built on an adjacent plot and capture CO₂, which will then be dried, compressed and transported to storage sites under the North Sea.
The plant uses amines to remove CO₂ from flue gases. This process makes it possible to produce blue hydrogen: hydrogen extracted from natural gas, with the released CO₂ captured and stored.
Technology behind the CO₂ capture system
The CO₂ capture system consists of several technical components, including:
- two stripper towers for separating CO₂;
- heat exchangers to reuse energy within the process;
- circulation pumps and a buffer tank with MDEA.
MDEA is relatively safe to use, not extremely toxic and suitable for large-scale application in industrial processes. The captured CO₂ is offered to the network after processing.
Logistics and infrastructure
An important part of the project is the connection to the first large-scale CO₂ transport and storage network in the Netherlands. The CO₂ will be piped under the A15 over a distance of about 500 meters via a 106-cm pipeline.
"The first concrete has been poured, the 470 meters of pipeline is in. Those are really moments you work towards together," says Dave, who has been involved in the project since the early stages.
After transport through the pipeline, the CO₂ is permanently stored in empty gas fields under the North Sea, at a depth of more than three kilometers. This keeps the CO₂ out of the atmosphere for thousands of years, with no impact on the environment.
People behind the project
Besides the technology and infrastructure, this project is also about the people running it. "We started with four people on site, now there are 15 of us and soon we will be heading toward 220," Dave said.
"The team on site is really great. Everyone helps each other, especially in those first few months, everyone just had to pitch in, no matter your position."
Safety plays a central role in this. Dave, HSE manager on behalf of BENK PROJECTS on the project, emphasizes the human aspect behind procedures:
"As HSE manager, I see it as my job not only to monitor rules, but above all to make sure everyone feels heard. Even if they don't speak Dutch."
Impact and future vision
The expected operational start of the plant is in 2026. At that time, this client will reduce its CO₂ emissions in the Port of Rotterdam by more than 50%. In addition, the project will supply blue hydrogen to a major refinery and other customers via the hydrogen network, among others.
This project represents a concrete contribution to the Dutch Climate Agreement. But it looks beyond that, because in parallel to this project, the company is working on the production of green hydrogen from imported renewable energy. The combination of blue and green hydrogen makes it possible to support customers in their transition to sustainable industry and mobility.
This project shows how innovation, cooperation and the commitment of involved employees go hand in hand in the energy transition. This CO₂ capture installation plays a pioneering role in making industry more sustainable.
Share BEN PROJECTS
Since August 2024, Dave has been the first from BENK PROJECTS to start on this project. From the beginning we have been intensively involved in implementation and support. Meanwhile we provide expertise in multiple disciplines: HSE, Piping & Mechanical, E&I, contracting, engineering and scaffolding.
With our focused expertise within oil & gas, we deliver exactly what is needed: professionalism, stability and the right people at the right time.