Rotterdam Partners with Brazil to Build Europe's Largest Green Hydrogen Import Route
Rotterdam, Tuesday, 30 December 2025.
Brazil aims to become the world’s cheapest green hydrogen producer, leveraging year-round sunshine and consistent wind conditions to generate reliable renewable energy. The Port of Rotterdam, already a shareholder in Brazil’s Port of Pecém, plans to establish a direct supply chain bringing Brazilian green hydrogen to European markets. This partnership could transform the Netherlands into Europe’s central hub for clean energy distribution, reducing the continent’s dependence on fossil fuel imports and supporting its transition to sustainable energy sources.
Strategic Partnership Through Port Ownership
The Port of Rotterdam’s strategic position in this green hydrogen supply chain stems from its existing shareholding in Brazil’s Port of Pecém [1][2]. This ownership stake provides the Dutch port authority with direct influence over Brazilian hydrogen export operations and establishes a foundation for coordinated infrastructure development. The partnership represents more than just a commercial relationship - it creates an integrated supply chain where Brazilian production capabilities align with European import infrastructure and distribution networks.
Brazil’s Natural Advantages in Green Hydrogen Production
Brazil’s ambition to become one of the world’s most important and cheapest green hydrogen producers [1][2] is underpinned by exceptional renewable energy resources. The country benefits from abundant sunshine throughout virtually the entire year and consistent wind conditions, enabling reliable green electricity generation [1]. These natural advantages position Brazil to produce hydrogen at costs that could undercut many global competitors, making the South American nation an attractive long-term supplier for European markets seeking to transition away from fossil fuels.
Infrastructure Development for Hydrogen Transit
The Rotterdam-Brazil partnership goes beyond production agreements to encompass comprehensive infrastructure planning. The Port of Rotterdam aims to channel Brazilian hydrogen through to the rest of Europe [1][2], positioning the Netherlands as a central distribution hub for clean energy across the continent. This strategy leverages Rotterdam’s existing role as Europe’s largest port and its established connections to inland industrial centers. The development coincides with broader Dutch hydrogen infrastructure projects, including the construction of a national hydrogen network that began in Rotterdam in 2023 [3].
Timeline and Market Impact
While specific timelines for the Brazil-Rotterdam hydrogen supply chain remain under development, the partnership builds on infrastructure investments already underway. Hynetwork, a subsidiary of Dutch gas infrastructure company Gasunie, has been constructing a 1,200-kilometer hydrogen pipeline network to connect Dutch industry with international import locations and storage facilities [3]. This domestic infrastructure will be crucial for distributing Brazilian hydrogen imports throughout European markets. The collaboration represents a significant step toward establishing international green hydrogen trade routes, potentially reducing Europe’s dependence on fossil fuel imports while supporting the continent’s broader climate transition objectives.