OX2 has initiated the development of the offshore energy hub Neptunus in the southern Baltic Sea, about 50km of the coast of Blekinge.
It is estimated to have a total installed capacity of 1.9GW and will produce electricity and hydrogen. The project will be included in OX2’s project development portfolio for the first quarter, 2023.
The energy hub will be located in the Swedish economic zone and will comprise of offshore wind turbines as well as installations to convert electricity to hydrogen. The annual production is estimated to 8TWh of electricity, corresponding to about 5 % of Sweden’s current annual electricity consumption.
OX2 has screened and conducted surveys in the area during the last two years and during the winter conducted consultations with authorities and the public. The next step is to compile an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which will be submitted during 2023-2024. The energy hub can be in operation by the early 2030s.
Welcoming the project, Head of Offshore Wind Development Sweden at OX2 Emelie Zakrisson said: “The shift towards hydrogen, fossil-free industries and general electrification demands huge amounts of renewable energy and Neptunus is strategically located to play a key role in this transition. I am happy to announce we have included another project to the Swedish development portfolio.”
Hydrogen is expected to play a key role as an energy carrier in the future energy system, as heavy industry and transport need solutions to reduce carbon emissions. Hydrogen can be used to store, transport and supply energy as well as be converted to other e-fuels. The planned electricity production of Neptunus would facilitate an annual hydrogen production of up to 225,000 tonnes.
OX2 will also investigate if the oxygen, which is a biproduct of hydrogen production, can be used to oxygenate the bottom waters of the Baltic Sea in the project area.