TotalEnergies has acquired a 50 percent stake in the OranjeWind offshore wind farm, located in the Hollandse Kust West VII field in the North Sea, from Germany’s RWE. This partnership marks a significant step in integrating renewable energy sources with innovative hydrogen production technologies. OranjeWind, positioned over 30 miles off the Dutch coast, is set to become one of the most advanced and integrated offshore wind farms.
RWE secured the tender for the OranjeWind site in 2022 and has since developed a comprehensive plan to utilize the wind farm’s intermittent electricity production efficiently. TotalEnergies announced that its share of the generated power will be directed towards the production of green hydrogen. This hydrogen production will be facilitated through a 350 MW electrolyzer, expected to generate approximately 40,000 tons of green hydrogen annually.
The collaboration between RWE and TotalEnergies aims to seamlessly integrate renewable energy into the Dutch energy system. Each partner is committed to using their portion of the wind farm’s power for various innovative applications. These include powering electrolyzers for hydrogen production, implementing smart charging solutions for electric vehicles, deploying e-boilers for heating, and enhancing battery storage capabilities.
Strategic Partnership to Advance Renewable Energy Integration
The OranjeWind project serves as a platform to accelerate the commercial application of cutting-edge offshore technologies. An integral part of this project is the development of an offshore demonstration floating solar farm in partnership with SolarDuck. This initiative aims to maximize the efficient use of ocean space. Additionally, the project will incorporate advanced technologies such as scanning LiDAR systems for precise wind measurement and a seabed battery system, along with a pumped hydro-storage system, to enhance energy storage solutions.
TotalEnergies’ investment in this 795 MW wind project highlights its commitment to transitioning towards low-carbon energy solutions. By dedicating its share of the power to hydrogen production, TotalEnergies expects to replace the hydrogen currently used in its refineries with green hydrogen. This transition is projected to prevent the emission of approximately 400,000 tons of CO2 annually, significantly contributing to the company’s sustainability goals.
Although the purchase price for TotalEnergies’ stake in the project has not been disclosed, both companies have confirmed their final investment decision. The wind farm will feature 53 Vestas 15 MW turbines, with RWE leading the development. Offshore construction is slated to begin in 2026, with Jan De Nul contracted to transport and install the foundations and wind turbines. The company plans to utilize its floating heavy lift vessel Les Alizés and jack-up installation vessel Voltaire for the construction process.
RWE’s first project in the Netherlands, OranjeWind, is expected to be fully operational by early 2028. This initiative is anticipated to serve as a model for the industry, addressing the challenges of intermittent wind generation and flexible energy demand. The collaboration between RWE and TotalEnergies exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to integrating renewable energy with hydrogen production, setting a precedent for future projects in the renewable energy sector.
By combining their expertise and resources, RWE and TotalEnergies aim to establish OranjeWind as a benchmark for sustainable energy projects. The innovative technologies and integrated approach employed in this project highlight the potential for large-scale renewable energy solutions to contribute significantly to global carbon reduction efforts. As the world continues to shift towards greener energy sources, projects like OranjeWind demonstrate the critical role of strategic partnerships in driving the transition to a more sustainable future.
