Dutch energy company VTTI has decided to explore the development of a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility that will provide the Netherlands with additional storage and import capacity.
As disclosed, the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) facility will be connected to one of the largest industrial clusters in the Netherlands and to the Dutch and European gas grid.
The facility will have an annual throughput capacity of approximately 5 billion cubic metres , which corresponds to around 15% of the current total gas consumption in the Netherlands.
VTTI aims to make the facility operational at the beginning of 2024.
Additional capacity is expected to enhance the gas supply to the Netherlands and Europe, contributing to the security of supply and strengthening the competitiveness in LNG deliveries and infrastructure, while delivering a transitional infrastructure solution towards green energy carriers.
The company said it also plans to use the infrastructure for the import of green energy carriers such as hydrogen.
The planned facility is in line with the Dutch government policy , to work towards a CO2-neutral and circular energy economy by 2040.
Guy Moeyens , CEO of VTTI, explained: “As part of our diversification strategy, VTTI’s ambition is to develop a worldwide LNG portfolio at strategic locations, offering transitional solutions for green energy carriers such as hydrogen.
“ The Netherlands needs additional LNG import capacity in the short term to enhance energy supply security. We are pleased to contribute to this based on our many years of experience in the field of energy infrastructure and storage. “
In addition to VTTI, Gasunie is also investigating options for LNG import expansion in the Netherlands. So far, there are plans to further expand the existing LNG facilities in Eemshaven (EemsEnergyTerminal) and Rotterdam ( Gate ) on the basis of technical optimisations, as well as a plan for a new LNG terminal in the port of Terneuzen