Green hydrogen produced with renewable energy is considered the energy source of the future. Hydrogen is a key factor in the decarbonisation of energy-intensive sectors – both its production and application are possible without emissions. Which is one reason why green hydrogen has an important role in achieving climate neutrality. The possibilities of green hydrogen are currently being researched all over the world. This is also the case in the Netherlands, where the H₂opZee demonstration project has now been announced.

In cooperation with the largest offshore gas producer in the Dutch part of the North Sea, Neptune Energy, RWE wants to promote the development of a hydrogen economy in the Netherlands. For this purpose, an electrolyser capacity of 300 to 500 megawatts is to be built off the coast of the Dutch North Sea by 2030. The hydrogen generated by offshore wind will then be transported via an already existing pipeline, which will be able to transport 10 to 12 GW in the future.

H₂opZee is an initiative of the offshore wind innovation program TKI Wind op Zee, which was successful in the first round of the National Growth Fund in the Netherlands, along with 36 other projects. TKI Wind op Zee aims to drive the offshore energy transition in the Netherlands and combines research, knowledge and funding to do so. The initiative is also supported by the Dutch government.

As part of the H₂opZee project, RWE is involved in one of the world’s first and largest hydrogen projects of this kind, which will strengthen the competitive position of the Netherlands – as one of the Group’s core markets. To ensure implementation, a feasibility study will be carried out in the second quarter of 2022. A tender methodology for the project's implementation has yet to be defined.

Hydrogen production using offshore wind – H₂opZee

• Dutch demonstration project for green hydrogen with an electrolyser capacity of 300 to 500 megawatts
• Existing pipeline enables transportation of hydrogen produced by offshore wind to land (10 to 12 GW)
• Feasibility study planned for 2nd quarter 2022
• Project to advance the offshore energy transition in the Netherlands