Technological innovation is crucial to this transformation. (AI Generated Image)
Europe is turning to the windswept North Sea to generate as much as 45,000 tonnes of green hydrogen each year, in a bid to revolutionise its energy sector, Indian Defence Review (IDR) has reported. Through a fusion of offshore wind power and electrolysis technology, the continent is laying the groundwork for large-scale hydrogen production that promises to eliminate carbon emissions and bolster regional energy security.
The shift comes at a crucial time, as the European Union and the UK race to meet climate targets and cut dependence on imported fossil fuels. The North Sea, historically exploited for oil and gas, now holds the key to future energy sovereignty. Offshore wind farms are expected to generate up to 300 gigawatts of power, enough to drive large-scale hydrogen electrolysis without releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Technological innovation is crucial to this transformation. Systems like the Windcatcher — a floating turbine array acting as a wind “wall” — are designed to enhance electricity capture, reduce infrastructure costs, and power the hydrogen process more efficiently. The North Sea’s shallow waters further reduce construction and maintenance expenses, making it one of the most viable regions for offshore hydrogen development.
“We are pleased to announce this agreement with Centrica, which represents an exciting opportunity to drive forward the clean energy transition through large-scale offshore green hydrogen production,” said Colin Brown, UK and Ireland country manager at Lhyfe, in a statement to IDR. “Offshore electrolysis coupled with hydrogen storage will maximise the huge potential of offshore wind around the UK,” he added.
Martin Scargill, managing director of Centrica Storage, emphasised the role of hydrogen in Britain’s energy plans, telling IDR, “Hydrogen is going to play a key role in decarbonising the UK’s power supply by 2035.”
The pilot comes as the UK government doubles its low-carbon hydrogen target from 5 GW to 10 GW by 2030, with half the supply expected to come from green hydrogen. These targets align with the EU’s Green Deal and Fit for 55 packages, which aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent by 2030.
However, the journey is not without hurdles. As per IDR, only 0.2 GW of offshore electrolysis capacity is expected by 2030, increasing to 0.7 GW by 2040 under conservative economic forecasts. This slow build-up underscores the need for policy alignment, cross-border regulation, and public-private collaboration across European nations.
Experts warn that funding bottlenecks, high start-up costs, and the lack of harmonised policies remain major obstacles. Yet, according to a Science Direct study cited by IDR, green hydrogen will be “a vital component for energy evolution through its renewable production methods” and could “strengthen energy security systems substantially.”
Despite these barriers, the North Sea offers unmatched advantages — abundant wind, low installation costs, and proximity to energy-intensive industries — placing Europe in a strong position to become a global hub for clean hydrogen. Policymakers, engineers, and environmentalists alike now see hydrogen as the final link in the transition from fossil fuels to a net-zero carbon economy.
