This summer marks an important milestone in the energy transition in the North Sea: the innovative PosHYdon pilot project has successfully produced green hydrogen on the operational offshore platform Q13a-A, operated by Eni Energy Netherlands. PosHYdon is the first project in the world to combine offshore wind power, hydrogen production, and natural gas production at sea. The project was made possible through the support of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, EBN (Energie Beheer Nederland), TNO, and a broad consortium of suppliers and partners.

The Q13a-A platform, located approximately 13 kilometers off the coast of Scheveningen, is the first fully electrified production platform in the Dutch part of the North Sea. Here, seawater is converted into demineralized water, which is subsequently transformed into hydrogen through electrolysis. The electricity required for this process is supplied by offshore wind energy. PosHYdon is an initiative of DEME, EBN, Eneco, Emerson, Gasunie, Hatenboerwater, Investa Expertise Centrum, IV Offshore & Energy, Nel, Eni, Nexstep, NGT, Nogat, TAQA and TNO.

The objective of the pilot is to gain practical experience with integrating multiple energy systems offshore and producing hydrogen in a marine environment. The project also tests how efficiently an electrolyzer operates when powered by the variable output of wind energy. In addition, knowledge is being developed regarding the costs, maintenance requirements, and operational performance of offshore hydrogen installations.

Rene Peters, Business Director Energy Infrastructure 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 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 be produced, initially with the objective of achieving stable system operation. Subsequently, tests will focus on the extent to which the system can respond to fluctuations in offshore wind power generation. The entire operational approach has been carefully assessed for safety and environmental impact, enabling the collection of valuable practical data. The key findings from the pilot will be analyzed and compiled in August and September, with the results to be shared with the hydrogen sector in the autumn.