The Dutch domestic hydrogen company, H2DO, along with its partners, has initiated a feasibility and concept study for a 30-50 megawatt offshore green hydrogen project in the Dutch North Sea. The aim is to demonstrate how offshore hydrogen production can support the expansion of offshore wind power while alleviating pressure on onshore infrastructure.

This study, funded by a leading Dutch energy program, will assess development options for offshore hydrogen production facilities connected to shore via pipelines.

The project intends to convert electricity generated by offshore wind farms into green hydrogen at sea. This approach is designed to help ease grid congestion and reduce the need for additional power transmission infrastructure. The concept also aims to lessen pressure on scarce onshore land and freshwater resources required for electrolysis.

The study's objective is to deliver a conceptual design for a 30-50 MW offshore hydrogen production unit, including hydrogen export infrastructure, that is ready to proceed to the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) stage. It will concurrently evaluate technical, commercial, regulatory, and permitting requirements.

The partners will also assess the project's alignment with European renewable fuel standards, North Sea spatial planning considerations, commercial structures for hydrogen sales, and the economic comparison between offshore hydrogen production and onshore facilities supported by high-voltage direct current transmission systems.

The consortium members include H2sea, Haskoning, TCI Risk Management, and ECHT Regie in Transitie. They are supported by Smulders HSM and other companies involved in the offshore hydrogen value chain.

The partners state that the project aims to advance the concept to a maturity level suitable for the next development phase and to conduct preparatory work for a demonstration project planned to be operational by 2031.

Patrice Hijsterborg, Managing Partner at H2DO, commented, "It is great to see all core partners for this study now on board. This study is a concrete step to realize the ambitions of the Hamburg Declaration on a medium scale: unlocking more offshore wind potential, reducing onshore space and water pressure, and building a resilient European hydrogen value chain."

The project aligns with the goals of the Hamburg Declaration, which advocates for the development of offshore hydrogen production to support the growth of offshore renewable energy and strengthen Europe's energy security.