A Dutch-led consortium plans to use excess electricity from North Sea offshore wind farms to produce green hydrogen at sea, helping ease grid congestion and improve energy security in Europe.
Hydrogen of Dutch Origin (H2DO) and partners launched feasibility and concept design studies for offshore green hydrogen production and pipeline transportation in the North Sea, the company announced on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the project, which is expected to have a capacity of 30-50 megawatts (MW), aims to contribute to the goals of the Hamburg Declaration, signed by European countries to transform the North Sea into a clean energy hub, while also strengthening Europe’s energy independence.
“The consortium includes H2DO, H2sea, Haskoning, TCI Risk Management and ECHT Regie in Transitie. Smulders HSM and other stakeholders interested in advancing the offshore hydrogen value chain are also supporting the initiative,” the statement read.
The partnership covers the entire value chain, ranging from technical and offshore infrastructure development to certification, regulatory frameworks, commercial structuring and market design.
The rapid expansion of offshore wind capacity in the North Sea is placing increasing pressure on the Dutch electricity grid and creating growing transmission challenges.
Under the project, electricity generated by offshore wind farms that cannot be transmitted to shore due to grid constraints will instead be used to produce hydrogen near the wind farms.
“This approach is expected to convert surplus renewable electricity into green hydrogen, helping to reduce the burden on the power grid,” according to the statement.
The hydrogen produced could then be transported through existing pipeline infrastructure, reducing overall system costs and improving energy efficiency. Green hydrogen generated from North Sea wind resources is also expected to help reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and vulnerable supply chains.
Commenting on the project Patrice Hijsterborg, managing partner of H2DO, described the initiative as a concrete step toward implementing the objectives of the Hamburg Declaration.
“Our goal is to unlock more offshore wind energy, reduce pressure on land use and water resources, and build a resilient European hydrogen value chain,” Hijsterborg said.
