Vattenfall proposes hydrogen cluster as part of Hollandse Kust West tender

Swedish utility Vattenfall AB today said it will aim to build the world’s first hydrogen cluster if in the autumn it emerges as a winner in the tender for the Hollandse Kust West wind farm, which consists of two 700-MW sites, lot VI and lot VII, in the Netherlands.

If the company secures lot VII, it plans to establish a 45-MW hydrogen cluster by equipping three turbines with electrolysers. The hydrogen generated will travel via a pipeline to the Port of Rotterdam and the hydrogen network there.

Earlier in 2022, Vattenfall was awarded subsidies to develop the world’s first hydrogen turbine off the coast of Aberdeen, Scotland.

“The experience we gain in Scotland through offshore production can be applied on a larger scale at Hollandse Kust West. This makes the wind farm an important next step towards hydrogen production on a commercial scale," said Catrin Jung, head of Offshore Wind at Vattenfall.

According to the company, offshore hydrogen production at the source will provide for competitive prices and will ease pressure on onshore electricity grids.

“Thanks to the 'island mode', hydrogen turbines will eventually be self-sufficient, so there will be no need to connect to the electricity grid," commented bid manager Daan van Eijkel.

Vattenfall is competing in both Hollandse Kust West lots.

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