- RWE secures permits for a 100MW electrolyser in Eemshaven, powered by renewable energy from the 795MW OranjeWind offshore wind farm, in partnership with TotalEnergies.
- Green hydrogen production aims to decarbonise local industries and contribute to turning Eemshaven into a renewable energy hub.
- Project success depends on the completion of the Dutch national hydrogen transport network. RWE is also planning a 50MW electrolyser at the nearby Eems power plant.
RWE, the Netherlands’ largest electricity producer, secured permits to build a 100-megawatt (MW) electrolyser near the Magnum power plant in Eemshaven. The project aligns with RWE’s drive to expand green hydrogen production and promote regional energy integration.
RWE will power the electrolyser with renewable electricity from the OranjeWind offshore wind farm, a 795 MW venture developed with TotalEnergies in the North Sea. The facility will convert surplus wind energy into hydrogen, creating a reliable energy source for industries in Eemshaven.
RWE plans to make Eemshaven a hub for renewable energy by using green hydrogen to support decarbonisation. Green hydrogen offers a cleaner alternative for energy-intensive sectors, which cannot rely solely on direct electrification for decarbonisation.
By integrating the 100 MW electrolyser with the OranjeWind wind farm, RWE aims to tackle wind power’s intermittent nature. The electrolyser will convert surplus electricity into hydrogen during periods of high wind production, ensuring the efficient use of renewable energy.
TotalEnergies, which co-developed OranjeWind, intends to use part of the wind farm’s output to supply additional electrolysers. The company plans to allocate 350 MW of capacity to green hydrogen production for its Northern European refineries. This partnership highlights a shared commitment to advancing hydrogen as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.
The Netherlands must complete its hydrogen transport infrastructure to move these projects forward. Dutch authorities are developing a national hydrogen network, known as the “backbone,” to facilitate hydrogen transport to industries nationwide. The realisation of the electrolyser project hinges on this infrastructure.
In addition to the 100 MW electrolyser, RWE is developing a 50 MW electrolyser at its Eems power plant and in Eemshaven. These initiatives demonstrate RWE’s focus on supporting Europe’s energy transition goals by expanding green hydrogen capabilities.
The success of the 100 MW and 50 MW electrolysers depends on final investment decisions, which will consider factors such as the availability of hydrogen transport networks. Once the backbone is in place, green hydrogen can help decarbonise vital European industrial sectors.
Green hydrogen is critical in the European Union’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By investing in projects like the Eemshaven electrolyser, RWE and TotalEnergies aim to help Europe meet its climate targets and transition to a cleaner energy system.
Eemshaven could become a central player in the Netherlands’ renewable energy landscape. These projects will benefit local industries and contribute to reducing carbon emissions and achieving the Netherlands’ and Europe’s climate goals.
Through their green hydrogen initiatives, RWE and TotalEnergies are driving innovation and leading the shift toward a more sustainable energy future for Europe.