Hydrogen gas pipeline from offshore wind energy has a billionaire investment and will be essential for the energy transition of the European Union, according to data from DNV GL

New construction of an unprecedented gas pipeline from offshore wind energy promises to supply 15% of the entire need of the European Union by 2050

According to DNV GL Consultancy, one of the largest in the world in the oil and gas sector, a new innovative gas pipeline can be built in the European Union. However, this work would allow the transport of hydrogen generated from offshore wind energy. In this way, European countries will be able to take full advantage of this new form of energy and become more independent from Russia.

DNV GL developed a comprehensive study based on the request of the German gas pipeline operator Gascade. However, after some detailed analysis, the consultancy concluded that the North Sea can yield up to 300 terawatt hours (TWh) per year of hydrogen. However, only billionaire investments could make the entire construction viable. Know more!

Learn more about the European Union's pursuit of hydrogen as a substitute for natural gas with the video below

Billionaire investment may enable the construction of an unprecedented structure of 4.200 kilometers of gas pipeline

As pointed out by the studies by the DNV GL Consultancy, only investments in the billions of dollars will be able to make the construction of the gas pipeline feasible. In this regard, an amount between US$ 16 billion and US$ 24 billion may be required. However, this value will be reversed in a wide structure of pipelines that cover a distance of 4.200 kilometers.

The structure would link countries like Norway, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and a few other nations. Furthermore, the production and distribution of hydrogen from offshore wind energy would be able to meet 15% of the European Union's demand for fuel. Thus, one of the main goals would be energy independence from Russia, in addition to the energy transition.

How does hydrogen production from offshore wind energy work?

Offshore wind energy is produced from the force of the winds on the high seas, capable of turning huge propellers. In this way, large electrolysis plants receive this produced energy, carry out chemical processes and transform it into hydrogen. However, a structure that is very well connected with coastal power plants is necessary for the transmission to be effective and fast. Thus, losses are avoided.

According to studies carried out by DNV GL Consulting, the distance that produces the most satisfactory results is 100 kilometers between the power plant and the towers. After all, hydrogen is generated more quickly due to transmission optimization.

Hydrogen benefits from offshore wind

Using the power of offshore winds to produce offshore wind energy and hydrogen has several benefits. Check out the main ones:

• Reduction in the existence of expensive electrical cables, which make energy transport more expensive;
• Reduction in the use of fossil fuels;
• Renewable energy without as many limitations as fossil fuels;
• Lower energy costs compared to importing hydrogen from abroad;
• Less reliance on natural gas from Russia.

Countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium want to greatly expand offshore wind energy production by 2050

According to the executive representatives of Gascade, which commissioned the research, the countries of the European Union have ample potential to use offshore wind energy. Proof of this is that Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark have committed, in 2022, to encourage and finance constructions that generate up to 150 gigawatts of wind energy by 2050.

However, in 2021, the European Union alone was responsible for producing 15 Gigawatts of offshore wind energy. The promise signed between the countries last year is described in the Esbjerg's statement. However, the forecast is that the signatory countries will meet again to discuss the details in April this year.