The German portion of the North Sea will have a hydrogen network thanks to Gasunie.
The extensive import of hydrogen from Norway and the growing supply of clean hydrogen from upcoming wind farms in the North Sea are both made possible by this German hydrogen network. The Dutch offshore network will be connected to the German offshore network, allowing for cross-border alternatives for the import and eventually export of hydrogen. The company has now requested Project of Common Interest (PCI) certification from the European Commission in order to establish the offshore hydrogen network.
Clean Hydrogen for Europe
In order to realize the whole hydrogen chain, from production to storage to connecting end consumers in northwest Europe, Gasunie’s application is a part of the global Clean Hydrogen for Europe cooperation. Companies from Germany, Belgium, France, and Norway have also donated their PCI projects to the cooperation, in addition to Gasunie. The hydrogen network in the German North Sea is expected to be operational by 2030. Later on, there will be a connection to the Netherlands.
In addition to a nationwide hydrogen network and sizable storage facilities, the North Sea is a key component of the German government’s hydrogen strategy for strengthening European energy independence and making German society more sustainable.
Germany seen as crucial region
Germany also sees itself as a crucial region for the development of the European hydrogen market. Beginning in 2030, there will be a sharp increase in both the amount of hydrogen produced by offshore wind farms and the amount of hydrogen imported from neighboring nations. It must be transported to shore via an underwater hydrogen transport network. The first German wind farm, known as SEN-1, with an electrolysis capacity of roughly 1 GW, will be put up for bids in 2023, according to a recent announcement.
Esbjerg Declaration
The Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and Belgium pledged to use the North Sea as a “green power plant” when they signed the Esbjerg Declaration in 2022. A considerable portion of wind energy will already be turned into hydrogen at sea, which will be carried ashore from the North Sea via international hydrogen connections, in addition to the electrical energy that will be massively delivered to land. To the greatest extent possible, network operators and governments from various nations are collaborating to realize the green power plant.
With the growth of a hydrogen market in the Netherlands, Germany, and the North Sea, Gasunie has a connecting role in assisting with the acceleration of the energy transition.
