Rene Peters, Business Director, TNO

The North Sea is transitioning into a European sustainable energy hub. With extensive shallow water areas, ideal wind conditions, and a strong industry cluster for supply, installation and maintenance, the North Sea is perfect for producing clean energy at competitive rates. It is estimated that the investment, job creation and revenue from offshore renewables will be comparable, if not more significant, than that of the oil and gas industry.

Offshore wind deployment is rapidly taking over marine space, installing infrastructure to transport energy back onshore. With plans to install 300 GW of offshore wind power by 2050, the North Sea is the global leader in clean offshore energy production. 

However, as the shallow areas of the seabed become crowded, offshore wind production could be forced into deeper waters, creating additional risks and challenges, including intermittent power provision, increased material cost, rising transport cost (HVDC) and market volatility. 

Offshore hydrogen production offers an alternative solution. Hydrogen provides continuous power to the onshore grid through the ability to store energy for extended periods, benefits from reduced transportation costs, and provides alternative energy to a less volatile market. However, this technology is still in its infancy and collaboration between current offshore asset owners, electrolyser OEM's and offshore wind developers will accelerate its development.

The solution to our climate change goals involves integrating multiple energy systems to provide clean energy. These systems need to work together, and need industry to come together to plan projects, share knowledge and accelerate the North Sea energy transition. Net Zero Technology Centre and TNO have taken the initiative to kickstart cross border collaboration and invite you to engage with the One North Sea platform. Because the North Sea does not stop at borders. 

For more information, visit our website www.onenorthsea.com

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Net Zero Technology Centre