Prospects for offshore hydrogen production in the Netherlands
article
Using a technology-rich optimization model for the Netherlands, we analyse the potential role of
offshore energy options for system integration purposes. Our focus is on offshore hydrogen
production produced by wind power in the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone of the North Sea. We
conclude that large-scale offshore green hydrogen development is a robust outcome of our
scenarios. We also find that offshore green hydrogen production dominates over onshore hydrogen
generation with green electricity delivered to shore through power lines in the North Sea. The main
reason is the avoidance of elevated costs associated with a high voltage electricity grid at sea. We
observe a large range of possible offshore hydrogen production levels, from 40 to 250 TWh yr−1
in 2050, depending e.g. on the level of total hydrogen demand, the availability of competing emission abatement options, and the offshore wind energy potential. After 2040 it becomes optimal to
transport most energy from newly installed offshore wind capacity to shore in the form of
hydrogen. Because of the long lead times involved in infrastructure planning, offshore hydrogen
production and transportation should be put high on political and industrial agendas.
offshore energy options for system integration purposes. Our focus is on offshore hydrogen
production produced by wind power in the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone of the North Sea. We
conclude that large-scale offshore green hydrogen development is a robust outcome of our
scenarios. We also find that offshore green hydrogen production dominates over onshore hydrogen
generation with green electricity delivered to shore through power lines in the North Sea. The main
reason is the avoidance of elevated costs associated with a high voltage electricity grid at sea. We
observe a large range of possible offshore hydrogen production levels, from 40 to 250 TWh yr−1
in 2050, depending e.g. on the level of total hydrogen demand, the availability of competing emission abatement options, and the offshore wind energy potential. After 2040 it becomes optimal to
transport most energy from newly installed offshore wind capacity to shore in the form of
hydrogen. Because of the long lead times involved in infrastructure planning, offshore hydrogen
production and transportation should be put high on political and industrial agendas.
TNO Identifier
1007012
Source
Environmental Research Energy, 2, pp. 1-28.
Pages
1-28