TotalEnergies and Air Liquide are advancing Europe’s green hydrogen ambitions with plans to jointly develop two large-scale projects in the Dutch North Sea that could deliver up to 45,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. The initiative highlights Europe’s determination to scale renewable hydrogen as a central pillar of its energy transition and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The two projects will draw renewable power from the OranjeWind offshore wind farm, located in the Dutch North Sea, which is currently under development. The hydrogen produced will be transported via a dedicated pipeline to the Hydrogen Network Rotterdam (HyNetwork) grid, ensuring integration into the Netherlands’ expanding hydrogen infrastructure. This integration is a critical step in creating a reliable supply chain capable of meeting industrial and transport demand across Europe.

Both companies bring significant expertise to the partnership. TotalEnergies has been ramping up its investments in offshore wind and renewable energy, while Air Liquide is a global leader in hydrogen production, distribution, and technology. Their collaboration is designed to accelerate deployment of large-scale electrolysis facilities that can efficiently convert renewable electricity into clean hydrogen.

Once operational, the combined projects are expected to deliver an annual output of 45,000 tonnes of green hydrogen. This volume could displace a substantial amount of fossil-fuel-based hydrogen used in industries such as chemicals, refineries, and heavy transport. By targeting sectors that are difficult to electrify, the projects align with European Union decarbonisation goals and the Netherlands’ ambition to position itself as a hub for renewable hydrogen.

The projects will also benefit from the Netherlands’ supportive policy framework for hydrogen. The Dutch government has set clear targets for expanding offshore wind capacity and integrating hydrogen into its energy system, including investments in infrastructure to connect offshore projects with onshore demand centres. The Hydrogen Network Rotterdam (HyNetwork) grid, in particular, will serve as a backbone for hydrogen distribution across the country and beyond.

Globally, green hydrogen has emerged as a cornerstone of long-term climate strategies, with Europe leading deployment efforts. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that Europe will remain a key player in advancing electrolysis capacity and driving down costs through scale. Partnerships like that of TotalEnergies and Air Liquide signal how major energy companies are repositioning themselves for a low-carbon future.

Source: 

https://energiesmedia.com/tons-of-this-new-resource-sit-under-this-sea/