The Q13a-A platform, operated by Eni Energy Netherlands, is the first fully electrified production platform in the Dutch part of the North Sea. PosHYdon is described as the first project in the world to combine offshore wind power, hydrogen production, and natural gas production at a single offshore site.

On the platform, seawater is converted into demineralised water and then transformed into hydrogen through electrolysis, with electricity supplied by offshore wind energy. The pilot tests how efficiently an electrolyser operates when powered by the variable output of wind energy, while also developing knowledge on costs, maintenance requirements, and operational performance of offshore hydrogen installations.

PosHYdon is an initiative of a consortium that includes DEME, EBN, Eneco, Emerson, Gasunie, Hatenboerwater, Investa Expertise Centrum, IV Offshore & Energy, Nel, Eni, Nexstep, NGT, Nogat, TAQA, and TNO. The project received support from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.

René Peters, Business Director Energy Infrastructure of TNO, said: “This project is an important step in scaling up offshore hydrogen production based on offshore wind energy. The pilot offers the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and practical experience that are essential for the further development of large-scale offshore hydrogen production. This helps to reduce risks and control costs more effectively.”

Lex de Groot, Managing Director of Eni Energy Netherlands & Vice-President Element NL, said: “It is remarkable to see that, together with all these public and private partners, we have been able to achieve a world first through PosHYdon. The reuse of existing offshore platforms for sustainable applications is now becoming a tangible reality. Together, we are taking a meaningful step towards a future offshore energy system in the North Sea.”

During the test period, green hydrogen will initially be produced with the objective of achieving stable system operation, followed by tests on the system’s response to fluctuations in wind power generation. Key findings will be analyzed in August and September, with results to be shared with the hydrogen sector in the autumn.

Source:  Hydrogentechworld