Pipeline operators Gascade and Fluxys have accelerated their plans for a green hydrogen pipeline in the North Sea by applying to the European Commission for fast-track approvals and funding.
The move is in line with Germany and the European Union's efforts to shift towards renewable energy production and to produce, import, and market clean hydrogen, which is derived from carbon-free wind and solar power, in order to eliminate climate-warming gases.
The two companies said in a joint statement that they are seeking to help speed up the development of a hydrogen economy by seeking Project of Common Interest (PCI) status from the EU, which would allow them to benefit from accelerated permissioning procedures and funding.
The 400 km pipeline, called AquaDuctus, could become a collecting path, or “backbone,” for electricity output from offshore wind power production sites that would be converted on-site into clean hydrogen via electrolysis plants.
Shipments are set to begin in 2030 from the wind park SEN-1 in the North Sea, and in subsequent years, wind farms further offshore in Germany's exclusive economic zone in the North Sea may be linked up to transport hydrogen from plants operated by other countries, such as Norway or Britain, into Germany.
Studies estimate that there is up to 100 GW of hydrogen capacity potential in the German and European North Sea. Gascade is a subsidiary of Wiga, which is jointly owned by oil and gas producer Wintershall Dea and gas importer Securing Energy for Europe (Sefe). Some climate campaigners argue that new forms of energy should be developed outside of the influence of fossil fuel incumbents.
