AquaVentus and Hydrogen Scotland signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen. The aim of the cooperation is to significantly strengthen H₂ production and transport in the North Sea region and to make better use of the potential of shared infrastructure.

By joining forces, the two leading associations are pushing forward the development and deployment of technologies along the entire value chain – from production through transport and storage to the use of H₂ for the decarbonization of the energy system. In addition, both organizations intend to intensify their research activities and jointly advocate for the accelerated ramp-up of a European H₂ economy.

Nigel Holmes, CEO of Hydrogen Scotland said, “Scotland is uniquely positioned to become a leading exporter of green H₂ thanks to its vast offshore and onshore wind potential. By working closely with AquaVentus, we are building a bridge across the North Sea – not just between two countries, but for a truly European H₂ market. This partnership is a milestone on the way to decarbonizing energy systems on both sides.”

Jörg Singer, Chairman of AquaVentus said, “Germany, as Europe’s largest industrial hub, depends on reliable supplies of green H₂. Working with our partners in Scotland opens up tremendous opportunities: we are combining offshore wind, electrolysis and a joint pipeline infrastructure. In this way, we create security of supply, economic prospects and genuine added value for the energy transition across Europe.”

Offshore wind energy from the North Sea will play a key role in providing climate-neutral energy to surrounding countries. To ensure this energy is used efficiently, combined infrastructures such as electricity grids and H₂ pipelines are essential. This is precisely where AquaVentus and Hydrogen Scotland come in: by linking wind power, offshore electrolysis and a European H₂ backbone, the establishment of a transnational energy market can be accelerated. The strengthened German-Scottish cooperation is also reflected in the recent membership of Scottish Enterprise in AquaVentus.

In the same direction points a position paper presented by AquaVentus alongside the signing of the MoU. It addresses how the requirements of German-British cooperation – as outlined for example in the Kensington Treaty between the UK and Germany and the European Commission’s “Common Understanding” published in May – can be met. The paper highlights the significant potential of H₂ production in Scotland, the necessity of imports for Germany, and references transport infrastructure already under planning. It thus lays the foundation for cross-border H₂ trade between Germany and the United Kingdom – and for deeper European cooperation in the H₂ sector.

From the authors’ perspective, three prerequisites are essential. First, the networking of producers and consumers across national borders is critical for a successful market ramp-up. Second, beyond this synchronized production and transport infrastructure, regulatory frameworks must also be harmonized. Hybrid connection concepts that integrate both electricity and H₂ networks provide the necessary flexibility for future energy needs, enable efficient use of renewable energy and ensure cost-effective grid expansion.

Robert Seehawer, Managing Director AquaVentus said, “The hybrid connection concepts agreed in the coalition treaty, as well as the inclusion of cross-border H₂ pipelines, should be swiftly enshrined in the Offshore Wind Energy Act (WindSeeG) to create a consistent legal framework. This will make cost-effective offshore electrolysis possible in periods of low energy prices – and at the same time provide an additional business model for offshore wind operators. Together with our partners in Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway, we are building the economic, secure and clean Green Power Plant North Sea.”

As a third element, the development from a national core network to a European H₂ Backbone is emphasized. Projects such as AquaDuctus can serve as a nucleus for building a pan-European H₂ network that will shape Europe’s energy infrastructure in the long term. For the authors, strengthened cooperation with the United Kingdom is not only a sound energy policy and economic decision, but also a key contribution to European energy resilience.