Equinor and RWE have joined the NortH2 green hydrogen project, which aims to use offshore wind off the Dutch coast to produce 4GW of the gas by 2030 and 10GW-plus by 2040.
NortH2 was launched in February 2020 by Shell, Groningen Seaports, Gasunie and the province of Groningen.
The project plans to complete a feasibility study by 2021, with the aim to start development activities in the second half of the same year.
NortH2 aims to have a capacity of 1GW in 2027, 4GW by 2030 and over 10GW by 2040.
Equinor chief executive Anders Opedal (pictured) said: “This is a groundbreaking project that Equinor is looking forward to contribute to.
“The project can be an important part in our efforts to build a competitive position in hydrogen, creating future value and industrial possibilities.
“Our aim is to be a net-zero energy company by 2050 and developing a profitable low carbon value chain for hydrogen will be an essential part of our transition to become a broad energy company.
“Hydrogen will be key to decarbonisation and net zero efforts for the energy market, especially in otherwise hard to abate sectors which cannot be served by electricity.”
RWE Generation chief executive Roger Miesen said: “A project such as NortH2, which uses green hydrogen to decarbonise industry, can contribute to the achievement of the Dutch and European climate targets for 2030 and to the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
“We are committed to ensuring that a hydrogen market can develop rapidly in Europe.”
Equinor New Energy Solutions executive vice president Pal Eitrheim said: “NortH2 fits well with Equinor’s experience and position as a leading offshore wind operator.
“Hydrogen will add to the competitiveness of renewables in the years to come, by adding value and an alternative route to market for renewables.
“The development of viable large-scale clean hydrogen value chains twill help meet the Paris agreement targets.”