The Government of the Netherlands has announced plans to use offshore wind power for large-scale offshore hydrogen production.
The project has approximately 500MW of electrolysis capacity and will be based in the North of the Wadden Islands wind energy area. It is scheduled to be operational around 2031.
The area was chosen because a wind farm was already planned there to produce electricity, and an existing natural gas pipeline could be reused for transport to land and connected to the onshore hydrogen network.
Ahead of issuing tenders, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate is considering a number of important matters together with the Groningen region, parties around the Wadden Sea Region and involved parties.
These include the landing of the pipeline to bring the hydrogen from the wind farm ashore and how hydrogen production can be done safely and in an ecologically responsible manner.
As a stepping stone to this project, work is also underway on a smaller pilot with an electrolysis capacity of approximately 50-100MW. This should remove the first defects from the technology so that the project of 500MW can be realised efficiently.
Minister for Climate and Energy Policy Rob Jetten said: “We are a global leader with this plan. It is also a big step on top of the goal of 4GW electrolysis in 2030 from the Climate Agreement. We have already designated the area as a preferred location so that preparations can start quickly and we provide the sector with clarity so that they can make their investment plans.
“I am also very happy with the support we receive from local authorities. The province and the municipalities are fully committed to a green economy in which the production of sustainable energy is central.”