The Monster That Is AquaVentus Is Waking Up
I have written about AquaVentus for some time, but inh the last couple of days, ten references have been found to the project by my Google Alert.
What Is AquaVentus?
AquaVentus has a web page on the RWE web site, from where I clipped this image.
Note.
- The spine of AquaVentus is a pipeline called AquaDuctus to bring hydrogen to Germany.
- This image shows 10.3 GW of hydrogen will be generated and brought to near Wilhelmshaven in North-West Germany.
These two paragraphs introduce AquaVentus.
Hydrogen is considered the great hope of decarbonisation in all sectors that cannot be electrified, e.g. industrial manufacturing, aviation and shipping. Massive investments in the expansion of renewable energy are needed to enable carbon-neutral hydrogen production. After all, wind, solar and hydroelectric power form the basis of climate-friendly hydrogen.
In its quest for climate-friendly hydrogen production, the AquaVentus initiative has set its sights on one renewable energy generation technology: offshore wind. The initiative aims to use electricity from offshore wind farms to operate electrolysers also installed at sea on an industrial scale. Plans envisage setting up electrolysis units in the North Sea with a total capacity of 10 gigawatts, enough to produce 1 million metric tons of green hydrogen.
It is not an unambitious project.
North Sea Hydrogen Co-operation: AquaVentus And Hydrogen Scotland
The title of this section is the same as that of this page on the Hydrogen Scotland web site.
This is the introduction.
Hydrogen Scotland signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AquaVentus at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen. The partnership aims to unlock the North Sea’s vast potential for hydrogen production and establish Scotland as a key supplier to European markets through the development of shared infrastructure.
Both partners are committed to intensifying research activities and advocating for the rapid scale-up of a European hydrogen economy.
By joining forces, members of AquaVentus and Hydrogen Scotland can help advance the development and deployment of technologies along the entire value chain – from production through transport and storage to the use of hydrogen for decarbonising the energy system. In addition, both organisations intend to intensify their supporting activities and jointly advocate for the accelerated ramp-up of a European hydrogen economy.
This map of the North Sea, which I downloaded from the Hydrogen Scotland web site, shows the co-operation.
Note.
- The yellow AquaDuctus pipeline connected to the German coast near Wilhelmshaven.
- There appear to be two AquaDuctus sections ; AQD 1 and AQD 2.
- There are appear to be three proposed pipelines, which are shown in a dotted red, that connect the UK to AquaDuctus.
- The Northern proposed pipeline appears to connect to the St. Fergus gas terminal on the North-East tip of Scotland.
- The two Southern proposed pipelines appear to connect to the Easington gas terminal in East Yorkshire.
- Easington gas terminal is within easy reach of the massive gas stores, which are being converted to hold hydrogen at Aldbrough and Rough.
- The blue areas are offshore wind farms.
- The blue area straddling the Southernmost proposed pipe line is the Dogger Bank wind farm, is the world’s largest offshore wind farm and could evebtually total over 6 GW.
- RWE are developing 7.2 GW of wind farms between Dogger Bank and Norfolk in UK waters, which could generate hydrogen for AquaDuctus.
This cooperation seems to be getting the hydrogen Germany needs to its industry.
These five paragraphs outline a position paper by AquaVentus.
This opportunity for German-British cooperation on hydrogen is highlighted in a position paper presented by AquaVentus alongside the signing of the MoU. This paper addresses how the requirements of German-British cooperation – as outlined, for example, in the July 2025 Kensington Treaty between the UK and Germany and the European Commission’s Common Understanding published in May 2025 – can be met.
The position paper highlights the significant potential of hydrogen production in Scotland, the necessity of imports for Germany, and references transport infrastructure already under planning. It thus lays the foundation for cross-border hydrogen trade between Germany and the United Kingdom, and for deeper European cooperation in the hydrogen sector, with three essential prerequisites:
Firstly, the networking of producers and consumers across national borders is critical for a successful market ramp-up
Secondly, beyond this synchronised production and transport infrastructure, regulatory frameworks must also be harmonised. Hybrid connection concepts (pipes & wires) that integrate both electricity and hydrogen networks provide the necessary flexibility for future energy needs, enable efficient use of renewable energy and ensure cost-effective grid expansion
Thirdly, the development from a national core network to a European Hydrogen Backbone is emphasised. Projects such as AquaDuctus can serve as a nucleus for building a pan-European hydrogen network that will shape Europe’s energy infrastructure in the long term. For the authors, strengthened cooperation with the United Kingdom is not only a sound energy policy and economic decision, but also a key contribution to European energy resilience.
Note.
‘Targeted Attack’ | US DOI Plans To Revoke More Permits; White House Seeking To Engage Health And Human Services Department?
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
In a matter of months, the US offshore wind industry went from a growing investor and employer to an industry that is now undergoing what Oceantic Network called a “targeted attack” after reports emerged that the US Department of the Interior (DOI) plans to revoke federal permits for two more projects. The Trump administration has reportedly also asked multiple agencies, some of which are typically not involved in offshore energy permitting, to get involved in reviewing the impacts of offshore wind.
The whole article is very much a must-read.
The last two paragraphs are a quote from Sam Salustro, who is SVP Policy & Market Strategy at Oceantic Network.
“The Trump administration is singling out an American energy industry, undermining a 40-state, $25 billion domestic supply chain while holding American business investments hostage. This is from a political playbook that should make every industry worry whether they will be targeted by this administration or the next”
“We call on federal leaders to halt this targeted attack and restore certainty and predictability to our energy industry and the thousands ready to get back to work.”
Trump has no right to destroy an industry along with thousands of jobs, just because he doesn’t like it, when there is no commercial or environmental reason.
I will certainly not welcome Trump and his fellow travellers to the UK for his State Visit.
Scotland And AquaVentus Partner On North Sea Hydrogen Pipeline Plans
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on H2-View.
These four paragraphs introduce the deal and add some detail.
Hydrogen Scotland has committed to working with the AquaDuctus consortium on cross-border infrastructure concepts to connect Scotland’s offshore wind power to hydrogen production in the North Sea.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two organisations plan to combine Scotland’s offshore wind with AquaVentus’ offshore electrolysis expertise, linking export and import goals across the North Sea.
The AquaDuctus pipeline is a planned offshore hydrogen link designed to carry green hydrogen through the North Sea, using a pipes and wires hybrid approach. The German consortium plans 10GW of offshore electrolysers in the North Sea, producing around one million tonnes of green hydrogen.
The pipeline design allows offshore wind farms to deliver electricity when the grid needs it, or convert power into hydrogen via electrolysis and transport it through pipelines.
Germany is embracing hydrogen in a big way.
- I introduce AquaVentus in AquaVentus, which I suggest you read.
- AquaVentus is being developed by RWE.
- AquaVentus connects to a German hydrogen network called H2ercules to actually distribute the hydrogen.
This video shows the structure of AquaVentus.
I clipped this map from the video.
Note.
- The thick white line running North-West/South-East is the spine of AquaVentus, that will deliver hydrogen to Germany.
- There is a link to Esbjerg in Denmark, that is marked DK.
- There appears to be an undeveloped link to Norway, which goes North,
- There appears to be an undeveloped link to Peterhead in Scotland, that is marked UK.
- There appears to be a link to just North of the Humber in England, that is marked UK.
- Just North of the Humber are the two massive gas storage sites of Aldbrough owned by SSE and Rough owned by Centrica.
- Aldbrough and Rough gas storage sites are being converted into two of the largest hydrogen storage sites in the world!
- There appear to be small ships sailing up and down the East Coast of the UK. Are these small coastal tankers, that are distributing the hydrogen to where it is needed?
When it is completed, AquaVentus will be a very comprehensive hydrogen network.
I believe that offshore electrolysers could be built in the area of the Hornsea 4, Dogger Bank South and other wind farms and the hydrogen generated would be taken by AquaVentus to either Germany or the UK.
- Both countries get the hydrogen they need.
- Excess hydrogen would be stored in Aldbrough and Rough.
- British Steel at Scunthorpe gets decarbonised.
- A 1.8 GW hydrogen-fired powerstation at Keadby gets the hydrogen it needs to backup the wind farms.
Germany and the UK get security in the supply of hydrogen.
Conclusion
This should be a massive deal for Germany and the UK.
US Transportation Dept Cancels Funding For 12 Offshore Wind Port Projects To ‘Invest In Real Infrastructure’
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has withdrawn or terminated funding for twelve offshore wind-related port projects, totalling USD 679 million (approximately EUR 580 million). These funds will be used, where possible, “to invest in real infrastructure, restoring American maritime dominance,” according to a press release issued by USDOT on 29 August.
The rest of the article is in two sections.
- US Wind-Backed Sparrows Point Steel Marshalling Port on the List
- ‘Prioritizing Real Infrastructure Improvements Over Fantasy Wind Projects’
Both sections are worth a detailed read.
They sound even more stupid decisions, if read in a voice reminiscent of Baldrick with an American accent.
‘This Has Nothing To Do With National Security’ | Revolution Wind Halt Leaves Connecticut Leaders Demanding Answers
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
Connecticut officials say they have been left in the dark about why the US federal government suddenly ordered construction of the Revolution Wind offshore project to stop, even as billions of US dollars, hundreds of jobs, and counted-on grid capacity hang in the balance.
This paragraph outlines what has happened.
On 25 August, the Connecticut State Government, joined by congressional leaders and representatives from the offshore wind supply chain, held a press conference at the New London State Pier after the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a directive on 22 August halting all offshore activities on the almost-completed Revolution Wind, citing national security concerns and interference with US waters.
This may only appear to be about Trump stopping the erection of a wind farm in its tracks, but it is classic example of how to not do things.
He has left two states very angry, because of his prejudices.
Renewable Power By 2030 In The UK
I am doing this to see what the total output will be by the net election.
Offshore Wind Power
I shall start with offshore wind power.
- Operational in July 2025 – 16,035 MW
- 2025 – Dogger Bank A – 1,235 MW
- 2026 – Sofia – 1,400 MW
- 2026 – Dogger Bank B – 1,235 MW
- 2026 – East Anglia 1 North – 800 MW
- 2026 – East Anglia 3 – 1,372 MW
- 2027 – Dogger Bank C – 1,218 MW
- 2027 – Hornsea 3 – 2,852 MW
- 2027 – Inch Cape – 1,080 MW
- 2027 – Llŷr 1 – 100 MW
- 2027 – Llŷr 2 – 100 MW
- 2027 – Norfolk Boreas – 1,380 M
- 2027 – Whitecross – 100 MW
- 2028 – Aspen – 1008 MW
- 2028 – Morecambe – 480 MW
- 2028 – Ossian – 2,610 MW
- 2028 – Stromar – 900 MW
- 2029 – Beech – 1008 MW
- 2029 – East Anglia 2 – 967 MW
- 2029 – Green Volt – 400 MW
- 2029 – Mona – 1,500 MW
- 2029 – Morgan – 1,500 MW
- 2029 – Norfolk Vanguard East – 1,380 MW
- 2029 – Norfolk Vanguard West – 1,380 MW
- 2029 – North Falls – 504 MW
- 2029 – West of Orkney – 2,000 MW
- 2030 – Awel y Môr – 500 MW
- 2030 – Bellrock – 1,200 MW
- 2030 – Berwick Bank – 4,100 MW
- 2030 – Caledonia – 2,000 MW
- 2030 – Cedar – 1008 MW
- 2030 – Five Estuaries – 353 MW
- 2030 – Morven – 2,907 MW
- 2030 – N3 Project – 495 MW
- 2030 – Outer Dowsing – 1,500 MW
- 2030 – Rampion 2 Extension – 1,200 MW
This gives these yearly totals, if I use pessimistic dates.
- 2025 – 1,235 MW
- 2026 – 4,807 MW
- 2027 – 5,350 MW
- 2028 – 4,998 MW
- 2029 – 9,631 MW
- 2030 – 15,263 MW
This adds up to a total of 58,897 MW.
Solar Power
For solar power, I just asked Google AI and received this answer.
The UK government aims to have between 45 and 47 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity by 2030. This goal is set out in the Solar Roadmap and aims to reduce energy bills and support the UK’s clean power objectives. The roadmap includes measures like installing solar on new homes and buildings, exploring solar carports, and improving access to rooftop solar for renters.
Let’s assume that we only achieve the lowest value of 45 GW.
But that will still give us at least 100 GW of renewable zero-carbon power.
Energy Storage
For pumped storage hydro, I asked Google AI and received this answer.
The UK’s pumped storage hydro (PSH) capacity is projected to more than double by 2030, with six projects in Scotland, including Coire Glas and Cruachan 2, potentially increasing capacity to around 7.7 GW from the current approximately 3 GW. This would be a significant step towards meeting the National Grid’s required 13 GW of new energy storage by 2030, though achieving this depends on policy support and investment.
It looks like there is about another 5 GW of capacity to find.
Global Offshore Wind Capacity Reaches 83 GW, 100 GW More To Be Awarded in 2025-2026, New Report Says
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
According to a new market report from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), there are now 83 GW of offshore wind capacity installed globally, with 48 GW more in the construction phase worldwide as of May this year.
The first paragraph is a quote from Rebecca Williams, Deputy CEO at GWEC.
Our report finds that there is now already 83 GW of offshore wind installed worldwide, keeping the lights on for 73 million households, and powering countries’ economic development. There is currently a further 48 GW of offshore wind [under] construction worldwide. With its unique position in the marine space, and ability to produce large amounts of reliable, homegrown power, nations around the world are pushing forward the technology to enhance their energy independence and autonomy
I doubt Ms. Williams will be on the Donald Trump’s Christmas card list.
The article is worth a full read, as it contains some interesting statistics.
This is the last paragraph of the article.
Global Wind Energy Council’s 2024 global offshore wind outlook for total additions in the 2025-2029 period was 156.72 GW, which has now been downgraded to 118.56 GW.
These are my estimates for the amount of offshore wind in the UK.
- Currently Installed – 16, 035 MW
- To Be Installed in 2025 – 1,235 MW
- To Be Installed in 2026 – 4,907 MW
- To Be Installed in 2027 – 5,750 MW
- To Be Installed in 2028 – 480 MW
- To Be Installed in 2029 – 1,363 MW
The UK should be installing 13,735 MW, which would.
- Lift total offshore wind capacity to 29.8 GW.
- This is an 86 % increase in capacity from July 2025.
- As I write this, we are using 29.3 GW.
- We would be adding 11.6 % of the global additions for 2025-2029, which isn’t bad for such a small country.
All this wind will need to be backed up, for when the wind doesn’t blow.
So I asked Google AI how much electricity storage we will have by 2029 and got this AI Overview.
In 2029, the UK is expected to have a significant amount of battery energy storage capacity, with estimates ranging from 27 to 29 GW, according to the House of Commons Library and Cornwall Insight. This capacity is crucial for supporting the UK’s transition to a clean energy system and ensuring a stable electricity supply.
Obviously, Google AI isn’t that intelligent, as it made the mistake made by many electricity storage companies of just giving the output of the battery, as it sounds better, rather than both the output and the storage capacity.
Consider.
- Most Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can provide two hours of output.
- Highview Power’s big batteries are 200 MW/2.5 GWh, so will provide 12.5 hours of output.
If I assume that the average storage is just two hours, that means the available storage will be at least 54 GWh.
Given that we also had 16 GW of solar power in June 2024 and if this increases at a similar rate to offshore wind power, it will certainly be able to help fill the energy storage, I think we’ll have enough renewable energy to play a big part in the next election.
About The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)
I asked Google AI for a summary about GWEC and got this AI Overview.
The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has its global headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal. Additionally, they have offices in Brussels, Belgium; Singapore; and London, UK.
GWEC’s presence is not limited to these locations, as they have a global network of experts working across different continents, according to the organization’s website. Their flagship report, the Global Wind Report, is launched annually in London. For example, the 2025 report launch took place in London.
Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t mention an office in the United States.
The report, which forms the basis of this post, can be downloaded from the GWEC web site.
Reform Declares War On County’s Net-Zero Projects
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
Reform UK leaders in Lincolnshire say they have “declared war” on green energy projects.
These three paragraphs outline their policies.
Boston and Skegness MP Richard Tice, Greater Lincolnshire’s mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns and Councillor Sean Matthews, who leads the county council, launched a campaign at a press conference held in Boston earlier.
They said they opposed wind and solar farms and battery storage facilities, with Tice adding: “It is an absolute outrage what the madness of net stupid zero is doing to our county, as well as to our country.”
The government said green energy was vital in delivering energy security, while Labour MP Melanie Onn argued Reform’s stance posed a risk to thousands of jobs.
It should be noted that Lincolnshire has a lot of projects, that will be concerned with renewable energy.
Lincolnshire is one of the UK counties, with the highest level of wind power.
- There are over 7 GW of wind farms, that already do or will land their electricity in the county including 5.5 GW from the world’s largest offshore wind farm; Hornsea.
- There is approaching 300 MW of onshore wind in the county, which includes England’s largest onshore wind farm at Keadby, which is 68 MW.
I asked Google how much solar there was in the county and I got this AI Overview.
Lincolnshire has a significant amount of solar power capacity, with several large solar farms and numerous smaller installations. The county is a major location for solar energy development, with some projects aiming to power tens or even hundreds of thousands of homes.
In the real world of wind and solar energy, all of this renewable energy will need backup and the county has it in hundreds of megawatts.
- Keadby One is a 732 MW gas-fired power station owned by SSE Thermal.
- Keadby Two is a 849 MW gas-fired power station owned by SSE Thermal.
- Keadby Three will be a 910 gas-fired power station, fitted with carbon capture, that is being developed by SSE Thermal.
- Keadby Next Generation Power Station is a 1800 MW hydrogen-powered power station, that is being developed by Equinor and SSE Thermal. I wrote about it in Consultation On Plans For Keadby Hydrogen Power Station To Begin and it will generate 900 MW of zero-carbon electricity.
Now that it what I call backup.
Conclusion
Lincolnshire generates a lot of renewable energy and Reform UK want to throw it all away.
As I showed in US Gov’t Withdraws All Offshore Wind Energy Areas, Trump’s policies against renewable energy and wind in particular are not good for investment and employment.
We don’t want Trump’s policies in the UK.
And especially in Lincolnshire, where all this energy can attract jobs.
US Gov’t Withdraws All Offshore Wind Energy Areas
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has rescinded and de-designated all Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) on the US Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The WEAs are areas in the US federal waters that BOEM previously identified as suitable for wind energy development and, following a multi-stage process, designated Wind Energy Areas for which a lease sale may be proposed.
This first paragraph adds more details.
“By rescinding WEAs, BOEM is ending the federal practice of designating large areas of the OCS for speculative wind development, and is de-designating over 3.5 million acres of unleased federal waters previously targeted for offshore wind development across the Gulf of America, Gulf of Maine, the New York Bight, California, Oregon, and the Central Atlantic”, the US agency said on 30 July.
Trump may not be able to do anything about windmills in Scotland, but he has certainly killed them off in the seas around the United States.
The last paragraph of the article contains the words of Stephanie Francoeur, SVP of Communications & External Affairs at Oceantic Network, who are a US offshore renewable energy industry organisation.
“This will result in even higher energy costs, increased blackouts, job loss, and billions of dollars in stranded investments, further delaying shovel-ready projects supported by a domestic heavy manufacturing supply chain renaissance that spans 40 states. Crippling affordable and reliable wind energy makes no economic sense and undermines the administration’s “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. We urge the Department to adopt policies which put all sources of American energy on an even playing field.”
Donald! The lady has warned you! And she seems angry!
Could This Decision Be Beneficial To Other Wind Projects Around The World?
I wouldn’t be surprised, as there will now be a lot of quality resources and assets in the United States, that will be looking for work.
The Anonymous Widower 