Hydrogen Offshore Production (HOP2): Phase 1 Concept Development
At a glance
The Hydrogen Offshore Production Project (HOP2) explores the feasibility of producing green hydrogen at scale in the UK Continental Shelf by repurposing existing oil and gas infrastructure.
The concept centres on a 500MW offshore hydrogen facility, aligned with the UK’s ambition to expand both wind and hydrogen capacity in the 2030s.
The North Sea holds a wealth of renewable energy potential, but much of it lies far from shore and grid connections. HOP2 investigates a practical solution: generating hydrogen offshore at the source of wind power while reusing oil and gas assets that would otherwise be decommissioned. Twelve platforms and three pipelines have already been identified as suitable for repurposing.
Insights from Phase 1 will shape the direction of the project as it progresses:
Infrastructure repurposing is technically viable: The project has demonstrated that a 500MW offshore hydrogen production system could be developed using existing offshore assets. Twelve platforms and three associated pipelines were found to be strong candidates for reuse, offering a practical way to reduce capital costs and avoid early decommissioning.
Electrolyser technology needs further development: Current electrolyser stacks and supporting systems are not designed for the space constraints or harsh conditions of the marine environment. Offshore deployment will require innovation in system design, with greater focus on resilience, compactness and integration of supporting operations.
Offshore hydrogen offers strategic value: While hydrogen produced offshore may not yet be cost-competitive with onshore alternatives, it presents important wider benefits. These include reduced decommissioning costs, lower environmental impact and potential socio-economic gains for coastal and offshore communities.
Legislation is still evolving: UK regulation has begun to adapt to accommodate hydrogen production, but gaps remain. HOP2 found that this is not unique to the UK, with similar legislative challenges in countries like Australia and across Europe. Addressing these gaps will be critical for offshore hydrogen deployment.
Timelines will need to be flexible: Although the project was initially aligned to the early 2030s, revised expectations for wind and hydrogen project buildout mean a longer development window is likely. These updated timeframes will be reflected as the project progresses.
Report authors
Hayleigh
Barnett
Technology Principal: Hydrogen, Alternative Fuels, CCUS
Hayleigh Barnett
Hayleigh Barnett is the Technology Principal for Hydrogen, Alternative Fuels, and CCUS at the Net Zero Technology Centre. In this role, she delivers on and oversees the strategic direction and delivery of key initiatives across these focus areas. Her work spans the development of innovative projects such as the Hydrogen Backbone Link, the Energy Hubs project and Phase 2 of the Hydrogen Offshore Production project.
With over 12 years of experience in engineering and business development, Hayleigh brings a strong blend of technical expertise and commercial insight. She has successfully delivered a wide range of projects—from early-stage technology concepts to detailed engineering projects— and has also supported the development of early technology readiness level concepts. With her clear communication and collaborative approach, Hayleigh is passionate about driving forward sustainable energy solutions.
Emma
Swiergon
Hydrogen Technology Manager
Emma Swiergon
Emma Swiergon is an experienced technology manager with over 12 years of experience across the energy sector and consultancy, with over 5 years specialising in hydrogen and energy transition projects. At NZTC, she leads strategic initiatives, NZTC’s Hydrogen roadmap, delivers key technology development projects, and produces industry reports and thought leadership articles.
Emma’s expertise spans project management, technical analysis, stakeholder engagement, risk assessments, safety studies, and safety case development for offshore assets. Emma supports business cases, proposals, and funding requests, with current projects including HOP2, ScotWind-2-Hy. Additionally, she provides support to Hydrogen Backbone Link and Energy Hubs and contributes to working groups and forums to advance the hydrogen economy.
She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Monitoring, Modelling, and Reconstruction, and a BSc in Geology and Physical Geography.
Darren
Gee
Head of Government Funded Projects
Darren Gee
Darren Gee is a System Engineer, with experience across a number of Industries delivered worldwide. Darren has over 18 years experience in the oil and gas industry – from Work Package Engineer through Test Engineering and Engineering and Project Management. Darren has a background in Aviation and Subsea Engineering and has delivered a number of large engineering projects including first of type systems including Workover Systems, Subsea Compression and Robotic inspection vehicles. Darren has been involved in many Subsea Production Controls projects directly within engineering delivery, through Project Engineering and leading Engineering departments including Systems and Project Delivery, Analysis, and the Chief Engineers office.
As Head of Government Projects at NZTC, Darren is responsible for all projects delivered through direct or partnered arrangements with Governments. Previous to this position Darren led the NZTTP through to the Industrial phase and previously managed the Energy Hubs phase one working with a variety of partners, contractors and stakeholders to develop technologies required to enable these projects, covering areas of Hydrogen Production (on and offshore) inc, utilisation, storage and by-products along with Alternative fuels, and CCS
This report was produced by our in-house hydrogen experts. To learn more, get involved or ask a question, feel free to contact a member of the team.
Next steps
HOP2 is now moving into Phase 2, focused on concept definition. This stage will refine the technical design of the offshore system, including detailed engineering work and engagement with technology providers. Key priorities include improving system integration, reducing space and weight requirements and capturing synergies such as heat recovery from the electrolysis process.
A full report on Phase 2 outcomes will be published in Q3 2025.
