Hup! and (S)poke! says TenneT North Sea GW Multy Energy Hub

July 9, 2019

According to TenneT, Energinet, Gasunie and Port of Rotterdam , partners of the North Sea Wind Power Hub (NSWPH) in the future (after 2030), once large, far-offshore wind regions have been defined for development, it will be possible to develop several hubs that will act as central platforms for supporting the infrastructure required to transport the energy, e.g. for converting electricity into gas (including and in particular green hydrogen) instead of using the offshore converter platforms commonly used at the moment. These so called Hub-and-Spoke projects, combining wind power connection, coupling of energy markets through interconnection and smart integration in the onshore energy grid, including power to gas serve as teh consortium answers to current energy and climate agreements e.g. Paris and in The Netherlands and Denmark as well as to German fade out of nuclear power and coal exit.

The relevant wind power capacities in question range from 70 to 150 gigawatts by the year 2040 and up to 180 gigawatts by 2045 in the North Sea and are intended to be developed using a modular, gradual approach and, according to the NSWPH could be supplying “hundreds of millions of Europeans with green energy (we only are 500 mln…).

On July 9, 2019 , presented the results of the project’s assessment phase:

Large scale offshore wind will play a major part in meeting climate goals on time
The North Sea Wind Power Hub Consortium developed a Hub-and-Spoke concept to facilitate this large-scale roll-out
Initial study and preliminary test results confirm the proposed project’s technical and economic feasibility
Invitation to the Danish, Dutch and German governments and the European Commission to consider setting-up consultation

The consortium’s vision is based on an internationally coordinated rollout of

Summary of key findings

The proposed Hub-and-Spoke concept is technically feasible
A gradual roll-out of 10 to 15 gigawatts hubs is the next logical step towards a large offshore wind build-out
A first Hub-and-Spoke project will likely be electrically connected to shore and with additional power-to-gas to provide energy system flexibility and could be operational in the 2030s
While it is likely possible to build a first Hub and Spoke project within the current regulatory framework and market design, i.e. current EU and national legislation, significant changes are required in national practices, approaches, planning and policies in order to allow for integrated infrastructure projects such as the modular hub concept being part of the long term energy transition
According to all international studies and scenarios the large scale roll-out rate of offshore wind is crucial to meet “Paris targets”. Acceleration is needed.
As the North Sea is hosting a large potential for offshore wind power, the implementation of 180 gigawatts offshore wind can be achieved by 2045 by the consortium’s approach
An international coordinated approach could connect and integrate large scale offshore wind more effectively and with significant lower costs compared to a continued individual national planning
Long term market security is needed for all stakeholders to invest and build-up the required supply chains
Urgent agreements on developing sustainable energy from offshore wind after 2030 are needed
Consortium has started and facilitates discussion with governments, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), policy makers and industry: Close cooperation and support is needed by setting up consultation processes and international agreements
Balanced decision making is required by policy makers and spatial planners to weigh the environmental impact of offshore wind farm developments against its techno economic impact, and the urgency to meet the long-term climate goals
Using power-to-gas conversion and transmission in combination with coupling with other sectors will bring benefits to the overall energy system

Summary of key findings

Photo: CourtesyTenneT, TenneT CEO Manon van Beek and Dutch Royal Highness King Willem Alexander before the Hub and Spoke presentation in May 2019