In Groningen, the generation of climate-friendly hydrogen starts with green electricity from a mega wind farm
“The Dutch have already rearranged the European energy landscape. Back then it was the discovery of natural gas reserves in Groningen that suddenly made the small EU country into the league of 
very big catapulted. Now the country could initiate the next energy revolution, ”Karin Witsch wrote on February 27, 2020 in the Handelsblatt. 
On the same day, Shell announced that “a consortium of Gasunie, Groningen Seaports and Shell Nederland is planning to launch the NortH2 project”: green hydrogen generated from renewable electricity generated by a mega wind farm – 3 to 4 gigawatts 2030 ,
This would enable some of the goals of the Dutch climate agreement to be implemented. In addition, there is the “ambition to increase the output to about 10 gigawatts by 2040”. The production of green hydrogen, initially in Eemshaven and later possibly also offshore, is expected to be around 0.8 million tons per year by 2040. This avoids around seven megatons of CO2 per year. NortH2 has the support of the province of Groningen and is looking for partners to expand the consortium and realize this project.
Green hydrogen, which is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy, is central to the Dutch climate agreement and the European green deal. The industry is already using large amounts of hydrogen, but they are mainly made from natural gas. The replacement with green hydrogen can contribute significantly to the decarbonization of the industry. ”
First, NortH2 plans to build complex wind farms in the North Sea, which can gradually grow to a capacity of around 10 gigawatts. This would be enough to keep the current one 
To cover electricity consumption from around 12.5 million Dutch households. Many wind turbines have to be installed for this. The first could be ready in 2027 and fully used to generate green hydrogen. In addition, the plan envisages the construction of a large “electrolyser” in Eemshaven, which will convert wind energy into green hydrogen. The consortium is also considering operating offshore electrolysis.
After all, an intelligent distribution network is required in the Netherlands and northwestern Europe in order to supply green hydrogen mainly to industry, but possibly later to consumers. In this project, Gasunie’s natural gas infrastructure, which is now mainly used for natural gas and green gas, is also used for the storage and transportation of hydrogen.
Marjan van Loon, President of Shell Nederland: “We are competing together to make the Netherlands the world leader in hydrogen. In addition, we contribute to the achievement of the goals of the Dutch climate agreement with the project and thus accelerate the energy transition. This project offers opportunities across the entire hydrogen chain. It also goes well with our New Energies ambitions and our ambitions to find new ways to CO2– Reduce emissions and deliver more and cleaner energy at home, on the go and at work. To be able to implement this project, we need several new partners. Together we have to do pioneering work and be innovative to bring together all the knowledge and skills we need. The energy transition requires courage, boldness and action. ”
First wind turbines in 2027
The project is slated to begin a feasibility study later this year – the wind farm alone will cost three to four billion euros. If the result is right, the consortium plans to produce the first hydrogen by 2027. This depends, among other things, on government approvals, the allocation of new wind farm locations in the North Sea, the locations available for the hydrogen plant or plants, and the final investment decisions of the parties concerned. The implementation therefore depends in part on the contributions of various industrial and energy partners. NortH2 partners anticipate that in the initial project phases, available European and national subsidies for the decarbonization of energy may be required.
Han Fennema, CEO Gasunie: “The Netherlands have a leading position in the transition to a hydrogen economy. We have the North Sea for the generation of wind, the ports as logistic hubs, the industrial clusters that want to make the switch to green molecules, and a suitable transport network. This comes together well in the north with Groningen Seaports, where the conversion to hydrogen takes place, the Zuidwending warehouse infrastructure and an ambitious province. If we want to realize our climate ambitions, we need to have a large-scale infrastructure in good time. With these partners and hopefully more partners soon, we are helping the market to accelerate the transition to renewable energies. ”
Northern Netherlands
The north of the Netherlands is well positioned to become the center of green hydrogen in the Netherlands and northwest Europe. The North Sea has considerable potential for large wind turbines, and Eemshaven is an important link between offshore wind energy and green hydrogen generation on land. The natural gas infrastructure is suitable for the storage and large-scale transport of hydrogen from the northern Netherlands to the rest of the Netherlands and northwest Europe.
Next Steps
This announcement is the beginning of the further development of the multi-partner project into a broad coalition, which is necessary for the success of this major project. It is also the beginning of the feasibility studies and the discussion with the responsible European, national, regional and local authorities about the regulatory framework in order to enable the necessary investment decisions.
The Handelsblatt on the possibilities of hydrogen beyond energy storage: “Synthetic fuels, so-called e-fuels, can also be produced from hydrogen, as well as methane substitute for domestic gas heating. The versatile molecule is particularly popular in industry, which today still mostly produces its hydrogen from natural gas. But the promising technology has a catch: it doesn’t pay off. “The production of green hydrogen is now even more expensive than the use of fossil fuels, but the opportunities to go into the cost reduction phase are there,” believes energy expert Christoph Jugel from the German Energy Agency. “
-> Sources:
–
