TopDutch chosen for world’s largest offshore wind-to-hydrogen project

The TopDutch region will power the future hydrogen economy, with a 500MW offshore green hydrogen project. The ‘Ten noorden van de Waddeneilanden’ area – just off the TopDutch coast in the North Sea – had already been selected for a 700MW capacity wind farm, and this week was designated for the large-scale production and transportation of hydrogen.

The TopDutch region was designated by the Dutch government for the development of the world’s largest offshore wind-to-hydrogen region for a number of reasons. Apart from the existing planned wind farm in the area – one of a number of on- and off-shore wind projects in the region – the area also has an existing natural gas pipeline in its proximity, which can be repurposed to transport green hydrogen to land. The Northern Netherlands has long been at the heart of Europe’s gas transportation network, and now is committed to upgrading and extending its infrastructure to transport hydrogen. That means that once the green hydrogen has arrived on-land via the marine pipeline, it can be properly connected to the onshore hydrogen network, and power Western Europe’s energy transition.

Leading the energy transition

The world’s largest offshore wind-to-hydrogen project is the latest addition to billions of euros worth of planned investments in the Northern Netherlands’ hydrogen economy. It follows the appointment of the energy infrastructure company Gasunie, which is headquartered in the region, to develop an offshore hydrogen transport network in the North Sea in December. The Ten noorden van de Waddeneilanded green hydrogen project will be the first to be connected to this network, the complete details of which will be finalized later this year.

With this plan, we are leading the way globally... [the region is] fully commited to a green economy, in which the production of sustainable energy is central.

Rob Jetten, Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy

Rob Jetten, the Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy said: “With this plan, we are leading the way globally. It is also a big step towards our Climate Agreement target of 4GW of electrolysis capacity by 2030. We have already designated the area as a preferred location so that preparations can start quickly and provide clarity to the sector so they can make informed investment plans themselves. I am also very happy with the support we are getting from local governments. The Province of Groningen and the local municipalities are fully committed to a green economy, in which the production of sustainable energy in central.”

Stepping stones

As a stepping stone to the 500 MW offshore green hydrogen project, the Dutch government will develop a smaller, pilot project with an electrolysis capacity of between 50 MW and 100 MW. The pilot will serve to test and modify the technology so that the large-scale project could be realized efficiently. The location for the pilot project will be chosen later this year.

Hydrogen Capital of Europe

TopDutch is also home to the world’s first Hydrogen Valley, and is leading the transition to a green hydrogen economy across the entire value chain. Beyond the extensive investments in infrastructure, transport and storage, the region’s tight-knit hydrogen cluster includes a world-renowned knowledge core – from fundamental science and joint R&D projects to extensive education and skill development programs – and are pioneering a wide array of hydrogen applications in heavy industry, mobility and commercial heating.