Alongside other avenues, renewable hydrogen made in Europe from the wind-swept North Sea provides a unique opportunity to build a new pillar of European energy resilience while also boosting Europe’s industrial competitiveness. It is a critical juncture for Europe in its energy transition, which highlights the urgency of a clean energy shift at competitive prices.
Made‑in‑Europe” Hydrogen: Unleashing the North Sea’s Potential
Europe stands at a pivotal moment in its energy transition, with the North Sea offering a unique opportunity to develop truly European-made green hydrogen. According to experts Bernd Weber, Alex Barnes, and Matthias Janssen, the region’s ability to scale offshore wind power – from under 30 GW today to 120 GW by 2030 and 300 GW by 2050 – could make the North Sea a cornerstone of European energy independence.
A key advantage lies in offshore wind farms’ high capacity factor of about 50 percent—double that of most onshore installations – offering consistent, reliable output well-suited to powering electrolysers. And with turbines located far offshore, converting electricity to hydrogen onsite allows operators to bypass expensive grid expansions: pipelines are far cheaper over long distances. One assessment shows transporting hydrogen via pipeline from a 14 GW offshore installation costs around €1.2 billion, compared to a staggering €44 billion in cabling – not even counting electrolyser expenses.
Green hydrogen in Europe
However, despite enormous potential, Europe’s green hydrogen reality has lagged: less than 2 percent of planned 2030 production capacity is actually underway. To bridge this gap, there should be a bold, integrated strategy encompassing infrastructure roll-out, regulatory harmonization, and financial innovation. Among promising tools are “hydrogen purchase agreements” to create predictable revenue streams, and Germany’s “intertemporal cost allocation” model, which slashes network tariffs with state-backed guarantees – for electrolyser makers and pipeline developers alike.
Cross-border cooperation is also essential: pan-European coordination in permitting, planning, and grid-hydrogen systems will be vital. Denmark’s momentum – through offshore “energy islands” and clear frameworks – exemplifies what’s possible and positions it as a magnet for investment.
Ultimately, “Made‑in‑Europe” hydrogen from the North Sea promises more than clean fuel: it could kick-start a resilient European energy industry, bolster tech competitiveness, and fortify the green transition. With ambitious policy, smart financing, and tight collaboration, Europe can turn this grand vision into reality.
Regional cooperation unlocks North Sea hydrogen potential
The North Sea region – comprising Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK – has set ambitious targets for low‑emission hydrogen production. Collectively, they aim to deploy 30–40 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030, potentially generating over 7 million tons of hydrogen annually – about 2 percent of the region’s primary energy needs.
Despite these goals, only a small fraction – under 4 percent – of projects are currently committed (i.e., in operation, final investment, or under construction), signaling a significant implementation gap. To bridge this, there should be strong regional collaboration.
Key recommendations include:
- harmonizing infrastructure planning
- permitting processes
- regulations across borders to streamline project delivery.
Aligning certification standards and reducing permitting delays are critical to achieving scale. Financial tools like contracts for difference and public subsidy schemes – similar to the EU Hydrogen Bank – can help de‑risk investment and stimulate both supply and demand.
How offshore wind in the North Sea complements hydrogen production
Offshore wind in the North Sea complements hydrogen production particularly well. Electrolysers powered by offshore wind farms benefit from stable output and can integrate into power systems, mitigating curtailment. However, realizing this synergy requires coordinated planning of offshore platforms, pipelines, and interconnectors.
Unlocking the North Sea’s hydrogen potential hinges on multinational coordination. By integrating infrastructure, aligning policies, and fostering unified market frameworks, Northwest European nations can turn regional ambition into reality – enhancing energy security, advancing decarbonization, and unlocking a vibrant hydrogen economy.
