The BaseLoad Power Hub arrived in Eemshaven harbour on September 27 at 5 PM, after a sea voyage from Italy. Construction of the compact platform for hydrogen production and storage in the Southern European country took over two years. The platform measures 23 by 46 meters (75.5 by 151 feet), weighs 1,800 tonnes (3,968,320 lbs), and combines a 2.5-megawatt electrolyser, 1,200 kilograms (2,646 lbs) of hydrogen storage, and a conversion module with a 1-megawatt battery and a storage capacity of 5 MWh.
In Eemshaven harbour, province of Groningen, a new purpose was found for the hydrogen platform. New owner DOT (Delft Offshore Turbine) will use the BaseLoad Power Hub—renamed Phynix—for further research to gain deeper insights into the production and storage of renewable hydrogen. DOT is seeking collaborations with universities and industries. A Shell Technology team will remain engaged with the project.
Investing in the North of the Netherlands
"We are proud of our contribution to this renewable hydrogen platform," President Director Shell Netherlands Frans Everts says. "By handing it over to DOT, we promote further knowledge and innovation in the energy transition. It feels right that this project is taking place in the north of the Netherlands and can contribute to the hydrogen economy of the Groningen area."
"The demand for renewable hydrogen as a carrier of sustainable energy is still small, but once it grows, we as a sector must be ready to scale up quickly and efficiently," Karen de Lathouder, Chief Operating Officer Assets at Eneco, adds. "That's why research into hydrogen and its storage is so important. This way, we will be able to use hydrogen as a flexible energy source, helping to reduce grid congestion."
Future applications of renewable hydrogen
New owner DOT — founded in 2014 — aims to contribute to the development of hydrogen technology in Groningen and the Netherlands. DOT sees Phynix as the ideal place where education, industry, government, and research institutions can collaborate intensively to quickly translate innovation into skills and practical applications.
"Phynix demonstrates how learning, scaling, and training can go hand in hand," Jan van der Tempel, CEO at DOT, says. "We're starting on land to build capacity, while developing and sharing knowledge. The final destination is the North Sea, where the installation could contribute to tomorrow's hydrogen supply."
Dutch hydrogen economy
The new future of the hydrogen platform is supported by organisations including the Groningen Seaports authority and MissionH2, an advocacy group of companies in the Dutch hydrogen economy.
"Thanks to Eemshaven harbour, Groningen Seaports is a top international player in offshore energy development," Bart Jan Hoevers, CEO of Groningen Seaports says. "With the arrival of the hydrogen platform, we strengthen our position as a testing ground for innovative hydrogen technology. This project shows how, as an energy port, we can offer the right location in collaboration with regional companies and knowledge partners, directly contributing to the growth of the Hydrogen Valley."
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