Netherlands plans 500-MW hydrogen-from-offshore wind project

March 20 (Renewables Now) - The Dutch government today outlined plans for a large-scale offshore hydrogen production project with an electrolysis capacity of 500 MW and expected start of operations around 2031.

It is to be located in an area already intended for an offshore wind farm, the north of the Wadden Islands wind energy area. The site also offers the possibility to reuse an existing natural gas pipeline to send hydrogen ashore. The project will be the first to connect to Gasunie's offshore hydrogen network, details of which will be decided this year, according to the announcement.

The government said that tenders for the project will be announced after working out issues with the local Groningen region and other stakeholders.

Rob Jetten, Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, said the Netherlands is taking global leadership with this plan, which comes on top of the 4-GW electrolysis target by 2030.

The 500-MW undertaking will be preceded by a smaller pilot project of 50 MW-100 MW. Its location is planned to be selected later in 2023.

There is a growing interest in producing green hydrogen from offshore wind. Also today, French green hydrogen company Lhyfe SA and UK energy services company Centrica PLC https://renewablesnow.com/news/lhyfe-centrica-team-up-on-offshore-green-... target="_blank">unveiled a partnership on offshore green hydrogen in the UK.