Hyacint

Turning offshore wind curtailment into a hydrogen opportunity

Offshore wind farms are increasingly confronted with curtailment, where electricity production is temporarily reduced. This phenomenon can result from grid congestion, maintenance constraints, or negative electricity prices. In addition to the loss of renewable energy, curtailment can also accelerate the structural fatigue of turbines.

In this context, the HYACINT project investigates how hydrogen production at sea or near the coast can valorise this surplus electricity, support the balance of the electricity grid, and contribute to a longer lifetime for offshore wind installations.

Target audience

This project is particularly relevant for:

• Operators of offshore wind farms and providers of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) services in the North Sea

• Hydrogen offtakers and industrial users

• Electrolyser manufacturers and technology providers

• Grid operators such as Elia Group

Context

Curtailment represents a double challenge. On the one hand, repeated stop-and-start cycles can negatively affect the lifetime of wind turbines. On the other hand, valuable renewable energy is lost when turbines are switched off.

To maximise the use of green energy while protecting the lifetime of installations, flexible and economically viable energy offtake solutions are required. HYACINT explores electrolysis as a pathway to convert surplus electricity into hydrogen. Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that can support multiple applications, ranging from operational use offshore to seasonal energy storage and grid balancing.

A specific focus lies on the Princess Elisabeth Zone and the Princess Elisabeth Island. The project investigates how hydrogen could contribute to grid stability and support an optimal lifetime for new offshore wind installations.

Objectives & expected results

Main project objectives

• Improve insight into curtailment events and their frequency

• Quantify the economic and structural impact of curtailment on monopile-based wind turbines

• Define a feasible hydrogen value chain linked to offshore wind

• Develop initial outlines for a future demonstration project

Expected results

• Forecast models for future curtailment events

• Quantified impact of curtailment on turbine lifetime

• Economic valuation of lost energy and structural wear

• Conceptual designs for offshore hydrogen production

• Defined hydrogen offtake scenarios and associated business cases

Approach

The HYACINT project combines technical, economic, and system-level analyses. The methodology consists of several steps:

• Curtailment data analysis: Analysis of curtailment events and quantification of energy losses and their structural impact on offshore installations.

• Lifetime consumption modelling: Evaluation of the impact of repeated stop-and-start cycles on monopile foundations.

• Hydrogen production scenario analysis: Sizing and evaluation of different hydrogen production options using electrolysis to valorise surplus electricity.

• Use case evaluation: Assessment of scenarios based on technical feasibility, economic viability, and their integration potential within the energy system.

The scenarios under investigation include hydrogen use for offshore service vessels, grid balancing, seasonal energy storage, and broader energy system integration.

This project is funded by:

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