H2opZee is a demonstration project which aims to build 300–500 MW electrolyser capacity in the Dutch North Sea to produce green hydrogen using offshore wind. The hydrogen will then be transported to land through an existing pipeline.

The pipeline has a capacity of 10–12 GW, so is already suitable for the further roll-out of green hydrogen production to gigawatt scale in the North Sea. The intention is to begin a feasibility study in 2Q2022. The project is an initiative of TKI Wind op Zee, an initiative supported by the Dutch government as part of its energy transition plans.

Neptune Energy’s Managing Director in the Netherlands, Lex de Groot, says: ‘We see an important role for green hydrogen in future energy supply, and it can be produced here in the North Sea. The energy transition can be faster, cheaper and cleaner if we integrate existing gas infrastructure into new systems.’

He continues: ‘This infrastructure is technically suitable, no new pipeline at sea is needed and no new landfall is required through the coastal area. With the PosHYdon pilot we are one of the leaders in this field of offshore energy system integration and reuse. The lessons learned from this project apply to H2opZee. The faster we can scale up green hydrogen at sea, the faster industries such as chemicals and steel production can become more sustainable.’

Sven Utermöhlen, CEO Offshore Wind at RWE Renewables, adds: ‘Hydrogen is a gamechanger in the decarbonisation of energy-intensive sectors and H2opZee is a world first of this kind and scale.’