The international consortium partners of the North Sea Wind Power Hub (NSWPH) presented the results of the project's assessment phase. Over the past months, the consortium has been analysing the possibility and conditions required to build one or several wind power hubs in the North Sea. The vision is based on an internationally coordinated rollout of 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.
Key findings of the research are:
- The proposed Hub-and-Spoke concept is technically feasible
- A gradual roll-out of 10 to 15GW 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
- As the North Sea is hosting a large potential for offshore wind power, the implementation of 180GW 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
- Using power-to-gas conversion and transmission in combination with coupling with other sectors will bring benefits to the overall energy system
The international consortium consists of TenneT, Energinet, Gasunie and Port of Rotterdam