The Dutch offshore wind farm developer CrossWind, a joint venture between Shell (80%) and Eneco (20%), has rewarded Rosetti Marino SpA a new Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation and Commissioning (EPCIC) contract.
The contract is for building and demonstrating a green hydrogen production and storage plant – called the ‘Baseload Power Hub’ – located within CrossWind’s Hollandse Kust Noord offshore windfarm, which is located 18.5 kilometres off the Dutch coast. The innovative pilot plant on a MegaWatt scale, fully integrated in an offshore wind farm, is a world first. Activities are due to start immediately and are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, as Rosetti Marino states.
It will convert excess wind energy to green hydrogen through an electrolyser and store it as green hydrogen, that can be converted to electricity when needed via a fuel cell. It will also include battery storage for shorter term power storage.
The Baseload Power Hub aims to reduce the problem of the intermittent character of renewable energy production as the wind does not blow at all times, by storing energy and releasing it when demand exceeds the wind farm output.
The scope of work of the contract awarded to Rosetti Marino SpA includes detailed engineering of the Baseload Power Hub, procurement of material and equipment, construction work, transport and installation at sea, commissioning and start-up of the platform (EPCIC).
Oscar Guerra, CEO of the Ravenna-based company, said: “We are proud that an esteemed client such as CrossWind has chosen Rosetti Marino for the realisation of this extraordinary project. It is the first platform of its kind in the world and the first that will produce offshore green hydrogen for renewable energy storage. Rosetti Marino hopes that solutions like this will have a significant follow-up and marks another important step towards diversification in favour of renewable energy and the circular economy.”
Maria Kalogera, Innovations Manager at CrossWind, said: “Securing the EPCI contract between Rosetti Marino SpA and CrossWind for the Baseload Power Hub is a great milestone for both companies. By addressing the intermittency challenge associated with renewable power generation, we are revolutionising the way renewable energy sources can contribute to a cleaner and more reliable energy future. The realisation of the Baseload Power Hub with Rosetti Marino SpA will not only showcase CrossWind’s commitment to innovation but also demonstrate our dedication to foster better energy solutions. We are excited to be at the forefront of integrating electricity production, hydrogen storage and conversion systems offshore and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our energy landscape and the acceleration of the energy transition.”
