Revolutionizing Energy: Gasunie and Petrogas Eye Hydrogen Transport via North Sea Pipelines
In a bold move that could redefine the future of renewable energy, Dutch energy giants Gasunie and Petrogas Transportation are teaming up to explore the potential of repurposing the Petrogas pipeline under the North Sea for green hydrogen transport. This collaboration is part of Demo 1, a groundbreaking initiative by the Dutch Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth, aimed at constructing a 20 to 50 MW electrolysis plant for green hydrogen production in the North Sea, with landfall in the North Sea Canal Area.
Harnessing Offshore Wind: The Hydrogen Advantage
Gasunie is not just thinking outside the box; they’re redefining it. The company argues that an offshore hydrogen network is essential to capture the full potential of offshore wind energy. “In this system, wind energy is converted into hydrogen right at the source and transported to shore via offshore pipelines,” Gasunie explains. This approach not only maximizes energy capture but also minimizes the need for extensive cable networks and land-based electrolyzers, making it a win-win for both efficiency and environmental impact.
Moreover, hydrogen transport is touted as highly cost-efficient, significantly reducing the overall cost of energy infrastructure. Gasunie also highlights the potential for importing hydrogen from other North Sea countries through these pipelines, creating a robust, interconnected energy network.
Feasibility and Future Prospects
The research is comprehensive, covering technical, legal, economic, and environmental aspects. Gasunie is collaborating with various stakeholders, including the Dutch Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, to ensure that all bases are covered. Petrogas, on the other hand, is exploring multiple options for reusing its existing infrastructure, with green hydrogen transport being a key focus.
This partnership aims to determine whether the Petrogas pipeline can be safely repurposed for hydrogen transport, adhering to the latest industry standards. Gasunie, designated as the future network operator for the North Sea hydrogen network, is also investigating the reuse of existing gas infrastructure, as announced by the Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy in a 2024 letter to the House of Representatives.
