13 May 2025 Position paper of the Wasserstoffachter: implementing offshore electrolysis for an optimised offshore expansion in Zones 4 and 5 based on combined connection concepts of submarine cables and pipeline
Introduction. The ongoing development of offshore wind energy in Germany requires an efficient and forward-looking grid connection in order to make the best possible use of the renewable electricity generated, to achieve the offshore wind expansion and climate protection targets, and to accelerate the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy. The Wasserstoffachter advocates a stronger integration of offshore electrolysis into maritime site development planning in order to minimise grid bottlenecks, increase economic viability and adapt the regulatory framework accordingly. In view of the optimisation of offshore wind expansion currently under way, what is therefore needed is a system-integrated overall concept for Zones 4 and 5 of the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that enables an economically sound, balanced and practicable implementation of the measures currently under discussion, including reduced power densities, overplanting, peak shaving and offshore electrolysis. It should also be set out how and where the energy is to be transported away by means of offshore electrolysis hubs based on combined connections of submarine cables and pipeline.
Optimising the grid connection through combined connection concepts. The offshore grid connection systems (ONAS) designed for Zones 4 and 5 by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) in the Site Development Plan (FEP) currently require clarification and optimisation with regard to actual transport capacities. Furthermore, the cost reduction sought by the BSH by focusing solely on electricity as the energy carrier is not sufficient. The signatory institutions and associations therefore call for: • The plan set out in the coalition agreement to enable combined connection concepts of submarine cable and pipeline to be implemented promptly in the Offshore Wind Energy Act. Unlike peak shaving, integrating offshore electrolysis can reduce revenue losses during generation peaks. • The designation of sites in Zones 4 and 5 of the EEZ that can be used for offshore electricity and hydrogen production and that lie in spatial proximity to the AquaDuctus offshore pipeline.
– The creation of regulatory framework conditions for offshore hydrogen hubs in order to lower infrastructure costs and use the transport infrastructure more efficiently.
The blanket overplanting and peak shaving of wind farms currently under discussion (BSH consultation on Annex 3 of the FEP 2025 of February 2025) may potentially entail operational and macroeconomic risks as well as revenue losses, and may also work against the stated objective of saving costs and increasing efficiency.
Developing an overall concept for Zones 4 and 5 in the EEZ embedded in a European context. Implementing the measures requires harmonised European realisation alongside national action, particularly for the use of offshore infrastructure in the North Sea. The signatory institutions and associations therefore recommend: • Uniform European standards for offshore hydrogen production and its transport. • Coordinated offshore network planning that interlocks electricity and hydrogen grids and aligns them efficiently with one another, including cross-border investment mechanisms. • Regulatory and financial clarification for pilot projects on offshore electrolysis, which should be coordinated among the North Sea riparian states in order to deliver the best possible insights for scaling the technology.
The Wasserstoffachter further recommends adhering to ambitious national and European offshore expansion targets in the North Sea. On the basis of the overall concept, including offshore electrolysis in designated areas and sites in Zones 4 and 5, concrete conclusions can be drawn on a sounder and simpler basis.
Conclusion. The Wasserstoffachter affirms the need for an integrated offshore strategy that takes account of both wind energy and hydrogen generation. Through an optimised combination of electricity and hydrogen infrastructure, costs can be lowered, grid bottlenecks reduced and the efficiency of offshore wind energy maximised. It is indispensable to set out, within an overall concept for Zones 4 and 5, where and to what extent system-integrated use of electricity by means of offshore electrolysis can take place in an economically sensible way. This also includes where the energy should be cost-efficiently transported away via offshore electrolysis hubs using combined connection concepts of power cable and hydrogen pipelines. The signatories call on the new Federal Government to create the corresponding framework conditions in the Offshore Wind Energy Act in order to ensure sustainable and economic implementation.
The signatories. Founded in 2021 as a joint initiative, the "Wasserstoffachter" seeks a partnership between policymakers and industry in order to contribute swiftly and effectively, in a moderating and cross-cutting role, to the necessary course-setting decisions, and to accelerate the expansion of renewable energies together with hydrogen in a cost-efficient manner.