Apollo assessing Phase 2 needs for UK offshore hydrogen project

The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) has asked engineering consultancy Apollo to lead the Phase 2 concept definition for the Hydrogen Offshore Production (HOP2) initiative.

Phase 2, which will build on Apollo’s earlier work in Phase 1, will progress the design of a potential 500-MW offshore hydrogen production facility, using the substructure for CNR’s Ninian Central platform in the UK northern North Sea as a template.

HOP2, funded by the Scottish government, is intended to demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale offshore green hydrogen production, through repurposing offshore oil and gas infrastructure.

Apollo’s tasks will include developing detailed designs for the topsides, integrating systems such as electrolysers, water treatment and hydrogen compression; reviewing the main safety and environmental challenges to ensure compliance and sustainability; and preparing a Class 4 cost estimate and a project schedule to support future pre-FEED and FEED phases.

Emma Swiergon, NZTC technology manager, said, “Affordable, efficient hydrogen production at scale is key to establishing the UK as a global hydrogen leader while supporting the transition to net zero.”