For pipeline system operators NGT (NoordGasTransport) and NOGAT (Northern Offshore Gas Transport), H2SEA has developed a strategy to repurpose existing offshore pipeline infrastructure for hydrogen transport to shore.
H2SEA carried out the strategy study together with the consulting firm Guidehouse. specialized a.o. in energy transition and Enersea, experts in offshore engineering.
The NGT infrastructure consists of almost 500 km of pipeline from the UK North Sea border to the Dutch reception facilities in Uithuizen, greater Eemshaven area. NOGAT owns and operates 250 km of pipeline running North to South on the North Sea, landing in Den Helder. The NOGAT infrastructure has a connection with Denmark and Germany. By joining forces, NGT and NOGAT aim to facilitate offshore hydrogen production and can achieve this by making (parts) of their own gas pipeline infrastructure ready for hydrogen transport. This while still serving existing and future gas producers.
H2SEA and Enersea investigated the phasing out of natural gas production over time and a phased reservation of pipeline sections for hydrogen transport to shore.
H2SEA’s scope was the assessment of the production phasing whereas Enersea’s specifically focused on the flow assurance and potential fatigue loading of the system which were assessed and found suitable for long-life application.
The offshore hydrogen backbone NGT and NOGAT are planning to create, can be connected to the already envisaged onshore hydrogen backbone in Eemshaven and Den Helder areas.
“Repurposing (of parts) of our combined assets has enormous environmental benefits,” says Mr Ron Hagen, Managing Director at NGT. “There is no impact on the vulnerable ecosystems of the North Sea and the Wadden Sea. The infrastructure is already positioned right in the middle of future offshore wind park areas for hydrogen.”
Mr Hans Janssen, Managing director of NOGAT continues: “Our combined infrastructure can be hydrogen-ready and operational before 2030. It can facilitate bringing hydrogen production from the already planned pilot plants of 100 MW and 500 MW by Dutch Authorities to shore. In total, both pipelines can accommodate about 10-14 GW of offshore wind and will accelerate the energy transition and contribute to achieving the climate goals.”