Germany and Scotland Join Forces on North Sea Hydrogen Infrastructure
AquaVentus and Hydrogen Scotland signed an agreement to expand North Sea hydrogen infrastructure, linking offshore wind and pipelines to boost Europe’s energy transition and strengthen cross-border trade.
(P&GJ) — AquaVentus and Hydrogen Scotland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate hydrogen development across the North Sea, the groups announced at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen. The partnership aims to expand hydrogen production, transport, and storage while supporting the creation of a European hydrogen market.
“Scotland is uniquely positioned to become a leading exporter of green hydrogen thanks to its vast offshore and onshore wind potential,” said Nigel Holmes, CEO of Hydrogen Scotland. “By working closely with AquaVentus, we are building a bridge across the North Sea – not just between two countries, but for a truly European hydrogen market.”
AquaVentus Chairman Jörg Singer said the deal opens the door for Germany, Europe’s largest industrial hub, to secure reliable hydrogen imports. “We are combining offshore wind, electrolysis and a joint pipeline infrastructure,” Singer said. “In this way, we create security of supply, economic prospects and genuine added value for the energy transition across Europe.”
The agreement also comes with a new AquaVentus position paper that calls for stronger cross-border networks, harmonized regulations, and integration of electricity and hydrogen systems. The paper highlights Scotland’s potential to scale hydrogen exports and Germany’s growing need for imports.
Robert Seehawer, managing director of AquaVentus, emphasized the importance of hybrid connection concepts and a broader European Hydrogen Backbone. “Together with our partners in Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway, we are building the economic, secure and clean Green Power Plant North Sea,” he said.
The cooperation is expected to support projects like AquaDuctus, which could serve as a foundation for a pan-European hydrogen pipeline network.