Hydrogen pipeline from North Sea wind farms could gain ‘common interest’ status

European gas network operators Fluxys and Gascade have asked the European Commission to have a proposed pipeline collecting hydrogen produced by North Sea wind farms designated a Project of Common Interest (PCI).

by Janet Wood 2 February 2023

Studies identify up to 100GW of hydrogen production potential in the North Sea (pic credit: Fluxys)

The pipeline is a key element of the AquaVentus Green Hydrogen Initiative, a 40-member consortium of companies, organisations and research institutions that aims to install electrolysers powered by 10GW of offshore wind energy in the North Sea by 2035. PCI designation for the AquaDuctus project would smooth permitting and open it to EU funding.

Gascade and Fluxys say the first step will see the proposed SEN-1 hydrogen wind farm connect to AquaDuctus, with flows to start in 2030. By 2035, the 400km pipeline would collect hydrogen from production sites and link with other international hydrogen flows through the North Sea, feeding up to one million tonnes of hydrogen a year into Germany’s onshore hydrogen network.

Based on the gas and hydrogen package currently being negotiated at EU level, the two transmission system operators plan the AquaDuctus offshore pipeline to be a regulated open access infrastructure, available to all future operators of hydrogen wind farms, leading to greater security of supply.

Pascal De Buck, managing director and chief executive of Fluxys said AquaDuctus would play a crucial role in Europe’s drive towards climate neutrality and security of energy supply.

Studies have identified up to 100 GW of hydrogen production potential in the North Sea and view an integrated European offshore pipeline network as the ideal transport solution. 

A comprehensive feasibility study for the project has been completed, confirming the technical and planning feasibility of all phases. The study also analysed commercial aspects, marketing potential, pricing and regulatory design options.

Last month, German energy giant RWE and Norwegian counterpart Equinor agreed to collaborate on green hydrogen projects including a cross-border pipeline, with offshore wind set to play a key role.

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