Netherlands eyes 500-MW hydrogen-from-offshore wind project for 2031

The Dutch government outlined plans for a large-scale offshore hydrogen production project with an electrolysis capacity of 500 MW, which it targets to be operational around 2031.

The project, which will be the first to connect to Gasunie's offshore hydrogen network, is in the north of the Wadden Islands wind energy area.

The site also offers the possibility to reuse an existing natural gas pipeline to send hydrogen ashore.

The Dutch government will announce tenders for the project after working out issues with the local Groningen region and other stakeholders.

According to Rob Jetten, Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, the Netherlands is taking global leadership with this plan, which comes on top of the 4-GW electrolysis target by 2030.

The 500-MW undertaking will be preceded by a smaller pilot project of 50-100 MW. Its location is planned to be selected later in 2023.