North Sea hydrogen infrastructure as foundation for energy transition
North Sea hydrogen infrastructure as foundation for energy transition
The North Sea has a key role to play in the energy transition: over the coming decades, it will become the Netherlands’ largest supplier of wind energy. But our current electricity grid is unable to optimally distribute the large volume of green energy it will produce. That is why Gasunie, on a world-first project, is working on constructing innovative hydrogen infrastructure in the North Sea. Together with Worley, Witteveen+Bos is carrying out various studies for Gasunie to support the project’s design, feasibility and planning.
These activities are part of our HyOne framework agreement with Gasunie. HyOne aims to integrate offshore wind farms with hydrogen infrastructure and end users in the Netherlands. It involves looking at technology, the environment, operation, and maintenance, as well as the proposed infrastructure’s economic feasibility. Its ultimate goal is to create a sustainable network for the production and transport of green hydrogen.
Pioneering in a rapidly changing landscape
Political and market ambitions surrounding hydrogen currently outpace (European) legislation and technical (design) standards. This means that innovation is taking place simultaneously with the development of new frameworks and ways of working. To ensure success, an integrated approach is required that also embraces pioneering work and collaboration with stakeholders.
Witteveen+Bos is actively working on developing a strong ecosystem of collaboration partners, as only by sharing knowledge and pooling expertise can this complex puzzle be solved. We are currently involved in five subprojects on HyOne:
- routing and landfall study for offshore hydrogen pipelines;
- pre-FEED study for offshore PEM platform;
- nature-enhancing design for offshore infrastructure;
- study for underwater link concepts;
- management and maintenance study.
The North Sea: a multifunctional environment
The North Sea is also an vital part of the energy transition for Belgium and Denmark. At the same time, the North Sea is a valuable natural area, an important shipping route, and a current and future source of economic activity.
Witteveen+Bos contributes to strengthening these functions with a wide range of projects in the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark. On these projects, we are working together with governments, grid operators, contractors, and energy companies to strengthen the energy transition and, together with our partners, build a robust and sustainable international energy system.
Three subprojects highlighted
Routing and landfall study for offshore hydrogen pipelines
One of the first steps in developing the proposed hydrogen infrastructure is mapping out optimal routes through the North Sea and Wadden Sea. This includes identifying effects on the environment and surroundings to highlight and mitigate any negative impact. Relevant laws and regulations are also being analysed, and an overview is being obtained of the permits required. This study will ultimately provide Gasunie with a basis for decision-making and further development.
Nature-enhancing design for offshore infrastructure
What design and construction choices will minimise environmental impact and create positive impact where possible? This study focuses on the impact of the proposed hydrogen infrastructure on the marine environment. We are investigating opportunities for nature restoration and enhancement in the North Sea and Wadden Sea, evaluating conventional and innovative nearshore installation methods, and analysing safety aspects throughout the infrastructure’s entire life cycle.
Management and maintenance study
What is the right maintenance and operation philosophy for the proposed hydrogen infrastructure? We are examining the consequences of the infrastructure for maintenance planning and repair interventions, with the study aiming to identify logistical challenges as well as synergies with existing offshore operations. We are also comparing technological and economic scenarios and collecting best practices from throughout the industry to create a robust management and maintenance framework. In intensive collaboration with Gasunie, this study will provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making.
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