TotalEnergies has announced the acquisition of a 50% interest in OranjeWind, a 795 MW offshore wind project in the Netherlands, from German energy producer RWE. The renewable energy generated from this project will be directed towards powering electrolyzer installations to produce green hydrogen, marking a significant stride in TotalEnergies’ sustainability goals and efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
TotalEnergies’ latest move aligns with its broader strategy to cut net Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. The company aims to substitute 500,000 tons of the hydrogen utilized in its refineries with green hydrogen, which could potentially cut CO2 emissions by 5 million tons annually. The wind farm’s renewable energy will fuel 350 MW electrolyzer projects, generating around 40,000 tons of green hydrogen annually and cutting CO2 emissions by approximately 400,000 tons a year.
Strategic Partnership with RWE
Stephane Michel, President of Gaz Renewables & Power, and Bernard Pinatel, President of Refining & Chemicals at TotalEnergies, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with RWE. They emphasized the project’s role in enhancing green hydrogen production to decarbonize TotalEnergies’ refineries in Northern Europe.
“We are delighted to working with RWE, a major player in renewables, on a project that will enable us to develop production of green hydrogen, which we need to decarbonize our refineries in northern Europe. This integrated, innovative project perfectly illustrates our pioneering role in the energy transition in Europe, especially through the emergence of offshore wind power linked to green hydrogen electrolyzers in the Netherlands.”
Investment Decisions and Construction Timeline
The collaboration between RWE and TotalEnergies also includes a mutual investment decision to develop the OranjeWind offshore wind farm. Located in the North Sea, 53 kilometers off the Dutch coast, the project is managed by RWE, which will oversee its development, construction, and operation. Offshore construction is expected to start in 2026, with the wind farm fully operational by early 2028.
Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind, recognized the Netherlands as a crucial market for their green portfolio expansion. He appreciated having TotalEnergies as a partner to realize their first offshore wind project in the Netherlands and to advance the integration of renewable energy systems.
“The Netherlands is one of our strategic core markets to grow our green portfolio. In TotalEnergies I am delighted to have a strong partner at our side with whom we can realize our first offshore wind project in the Netherlands and at the same time unlock the full system integration of OranjeWind. Together, we will provide a blueprint for the Dutch energy system of the future, designed to tackle the challenges of intermittent wind generation and flexible energy demand.”
In the past, TotalEnergies has made similar investments in renewable energy projects worldwide, including large-scale solar and wind farms. The company’s focus on green hydrogen aligns with global trends towards decarbonization and increasing renewable energy sources. Previous projects, however, often faced challenges around scalability and integration into existing energy grids. This new venture in the Netherlands leverages TotalEnergies’ experience while addressing past issues through innovative solutions.
RWE, renowned for its extensive renewable energy portfolio, has consistently expanded its investments in wind and solar projects across Europe. The partnership with TotalEnergies reflects an evolving strategy aimed at overcoming challenges in intermittent renewable energy generation and meeting flexible energy demands. This collaboration signifies a shift towards more integrated and large-scale renewable solutions.
TotalEnergies’ acquisition of a stake in the OranjeWind project represents a significant step towards achieving their ambitious environmental targets. The production of green hydrogen from renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind, is crucial for the decarbonization of industrial processes and energy systems. By integrating offshore wind power with green hydrogen production, TotalEnergies and RWE are contributing to a sustainable energy future. This project not only enhances their renewable portfolios but also sets a precedent for future energy transition initiatives.
