NortH₂

The project

NortH₂ was launched in 2020 in order to investigate the feasibility of large-scale production of green hydrogen in the Northern Netherlands in concert with all other stakeholders. The ultimate aim of the project is to use self-generated offshore wind energy to produce green hydrogen, as well as storing and delivering hydrogen to industry and heavy mobility clients in the Netherlands and beyond. This scope makes NortH₂ one of the most ambitious hydrogen projects in Europe, and almost three years of extensive research have revealed that the collaborative approach works well. The consortium of RWE, Shell, Equinor and Eneco has demonstrated that large-scale production of green hydrogen is feasible in the Northern Netherlands and will now start preparations for the project’s next phase.

Why this project?

The Netherlands - and Europe as a whole - faces the task of more than halving carbon emissions by 2030 on our way to being climate-neutral by 2050. The transition to clean energy occupies a key position in this pursuit, especially for the industry. At the same time, recent geopolitical developments have proved that our energy system is vulnerable and overly reliant on unstable countries, rendering this challenge even more important. Green hydrogen is a key pillar in the energy transition to a more sustainable energy system.

The province of Groningen is in an excellent position to become an energy hub, combining the production, transport and use of hydrogen. The province is home to players in industry and heavy mobility looking to become more sustainable and is building extensive hydrogen infrastructure to prepare for the vast amounts of new green power set to come ashore in the coming years.

Our country has excellent potential for producing green hydrogen. We have the technological know-how, we have the North Sea and its ample wind power, and our infrastructure is well-suited for transporting hydrogen.

Our share

NortH₂ is a consortium consisting of RWE, Equinor, Eneco and Shell, while Gasunie and Groningen Seaports are important chain partners for the development of green hydrogen in the Northern Netherlands. With our broad experience and expertise in offshore wind, green hydrogen project development and energy sales, several business units of RWE are contributing to the project.

What is the end result?

With NortH₂, we aim to realise gigawatt-scale green hydrogen production by early 2030s and beyond, which could be an important first step in making industry more sustainable. We will also make a major contribution to meeting the EU target of installing at least 40 gigawatt of renewable hydrogen electrolysers across Europe in the coming years. Further efforts to upscale offshore hydrogen production are also being considered.

Time frame

The feasibility phase has been completed. We have accumulated a vast amount of knowledge on technological capabilities, market development and planning in the past three years. The study demonstrates the need for an integrated approach and shows that large-scale production is possible in the North. NortH₂ will now focus on preparations for the next project phase with an organisational structure to match.