Milestone Achieved in North Sea Hydrogen Production Project
Key Ideas
- A study by NZTC and Apollo Engineering in Aberdeen has successfully envisioned producing 'green' hydrogen on North Sea oil and gas platforms, marking a significant milestone.
- The Hydrogen Offshore Production Project (HOP2), supported by the Scottish Government's Just Transition Fund, aims to scale up hydrogen production, with potential cost savings identified.
- Scottish hydrogen exports are projected to meet 100% of German import demand by 2045, with Scotland investing in a £2.7 billion pipeline network to connect hydrogen hubs to Germany.
- Despite concerns raised by NZTC's programme manager, there is optimism about Scotland becoming a major hydrogen exporter, contributing to green economic prosperity.
A recent study by the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) and Apollo Engineering in Aberdeen has made significant progress in the production of 'green' hydrogen on North Sea oil and gas platforms. The project, named Hydrogen Offshore Production Project (HOP2), received £2.12 million from the Scottish Government's Just Transition Fund and aims to replace North Sea topsides with electrolysers powered by renewable energy, potentially leading to cost savings. The study evaluated UK offshore assets and emphasized the importance of bespoke electrolyser designs for offshore applications.
The NZTC has also revealed that Scottish hydrogen exports could fulfill all of German import demand by 2045, with plans for a £2.7 billion pipeline network connecting hydrogen hubs in Scotland to Germany. This initiative aligns with Scotland's goal to become a major hydrogen exporter to Northern Europe and the UK, supporting climate objectives and the green economy. Despite concerns raised by NZTC's programme manager about the current pace of progress, there is a positive outlook on Scotland's potential in the hydrogen market.