The German-led initiative AquaVentus and the industry association Hydrogen Scotland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a shared infrastructure for green hydrogen production and transport in the North Sea. The agreement seeks to combine Scotland’s offshore wind potential with German offshore electrolysis expertise in a cross-border energy interconnection model.
An energy corridor between Scotland and Germany
A key component of the cooperation is the AquaDuctus subsea pipeline project. This offshore conduit is designed to transport hydrogen produced from wind-generated electricity. AquaDuctus follows a hybrid “pipes and wires” model, enabling either direct grid connection or conversion into hydrogen via electrolysis for pipeline export.
AquaVentus plans to install 10 GW of offshore electrolysis capacity by the end of the decade, enabling the production of up to 1 Mt/year of green hydrogen. Simultaneously, Scotland targets green hydrogen production of up to 3.3 Mt/year by 2045, primarily for export.
Meeting European hydrogen import ambitions
Germany, facing growing low-carbon energy demand, expects 50–70% of its hydrogen needs to be met through imports by 2030, equivalent to up to 2.3 Mt/year. The partnership aims to address this demand by establishing a secure and interconnected supply route between the United Kingdom and Germany.
The collaboration could lay the groundwork for a strategic hydrogen corridor in Northern Europe, integrating energy production, conversion and transport through subsea infrastructure. Stakeholders state that standardising connections and aligning regulations will be key to the project’s success.
