The 20th edition of StocExpo, the world’s leading tank storage and energy infrastructure event, has begun in Rotterdam, amid a period of geopolitical uncertainty.
Opening the conference, Bruno Hayem, chairman of the Federation of European Tank Storage Associations (FETSA) reinforced the important role storage would play in the energy transition.
‘We are meeting at a time of great change,’ he said in his opening address. ‘Recent evolution on the geopolitical landscape has led to increased attention of energy security. This has been growing for quite some years. We have had the opportunity to show the importance of our industry over the past 4-5 years as we faced the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Energy security and the energy transition are vital, and storage will play a vital role in both.’
Over the next two days, delegates will have the opportunity to share knowledge and ideas with each other, while discovering the latest developments in robotics, future fuels infrastructure and safety equipment.
Highlights will include:
- Brand new Clean Ammonia Storage Conference: A new partnership with NH3 Event will provide a dedicated platform to discuss ammonia’s role in the global energy transition.
- Sprint Robotics Demonstrations: In a first for StocExpo, Sprint Robotics’ members will showcase their cutting-edge robotics and drone technologies for tank inspection and storage management.
- North America Pavilion: This pavilion will bring together key players from the US offering attendees a glimpse into the latest innovations and trends from across the Atlantic.
As Bruno Hayem highlighted in his opening remarks, ‘innovation will be critical’ to the energy transition. ‘This is not just a challenge, but a responsibility and an opportunity for leaders to debate on how to secure our energy and our security. We are at the forefront of that change.’
The role of alternative fuels was the lead topic at the Future Fuels Stage.
Amit Rao, principal consultant at S&P Global, looked at how Europe specifically has put clean energy high on its agenda. ‘Tanks are the backbone of the energy supply chain in Europe,’ he said. ‘But European clean energy emissions targets are reshaping the industry.’
Europe’s bulk liquid storage is expected to shift towards alternative fuels with emissions reduction high on the agenda.
‘Looking at the energy trilemma of emissions reduction, security and affordability, emissions have been the most important for Europe. But we are seeing increasing importance given to security due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the decoupling of US/EU relations. This has made energy security more important in the eyes of European policy makers. But what is the cost of the renewables and future fuels which need to be integrated to achieve energy security? How can the bulk liquid industry navigate from here to balance the trilemma?’
‘The industry is predominantly dominated by oil, fuel and chemicals. If we don’t adapt, we risk being left behind. If we overinvest in expensive alternatives, we could invest in our own bankruptcy. In the long term, the industry will be impacted and this shift has already started, so we need to make decisions today to ensure sustainability tomorrow. But where do we look? Which infrastructure do we invest in?’
Rao looked at both biofuels – specifically SAF – as well as bunker fuels – methanol, hydrogen and ammonia – which he says will both play their part going forward although the cost for these is expected to remain high.
‘The industry is currently walking on a tightrope with a big stick in our hand,’ he explained. ‘If we invest too far in the energy transition, or choose a specific infrastructure for alternative fuels without the correct financing, we will tip over. But we will tip the other way if we purely maintain or expand our current legacy infrastructure. It is a balancing act that we need to get right.’
