Green Hydrogen Export Corridors from Sines, a Feasibility Study

The establishment of transnational hydrogen supply chains represents an essential pillar in European industrial decarbonization and energy security strategies. The deep-water industrial complex of Sines occupies a geographically privileged gateway on the Atlantic coast, offering direct deep-sea maritime access and high solar and wind irradiation resources that make it an ideal hub for clean fuel generation [3][4]. Evaluating the infrastructural, thermodynamic, and logistical viability of dedicated export corridors from this hub is critical for structuring resilient clean energy trade routes between Southern and Northwestern Europe.

Despite ambitious renewable energy targets across the continent, substantial engineering and economic uncertainties persist regarding large-scale hydrogen conveyance. The selection among carrier vectors—specifically liquefied hydrogen, ammonia, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers—imposes distinct technological demands on conversion efficiencies, cryogenic storage facilities, and port bunkering operations [4]. Furthermore, the lack of standardized techno-economic comparisons between specialized maritime shipment and emergent pipeline interconnections complicates capital allocation, infrastructure planning, and regulatory alignment for port authorities and industrial off-takers alike.

This study evaluates the operational and economic feasibility of establishing green hydrogen export corridors from the Port of Sines to major industrial off-take hubs in Northern Europe. Utilizing a synthesized techno-economic modeling framework grounded in secondary literature, energy systems engineering principles, and published transport metrics, the work analyzes generation capacity factors, carrier synthesis trade-offs, and destination re-gasification dynamics [3][4]. The findings provide evidence-based parameters to inform port planning, carrier vector selection, and decarbonization investments.