CrossWind project: Base Load Power Hub arrives in Netherlands

CrossWind, the Shell–Eneco joint venture behind the Hollandse Kust Noord (HKN) wind farm project in the Netherlands, has celebrated the successful arrival of the first-of-its-kind offshore Base Load Power Hub (BLPH) for hydrogen storage and conversion at the project’s base in the Port of Eemshaven. Powered by six Ballard  FCwave™ modules, the platform marks a major milestone in offshore renewable energy innovation. 

This groundbreaking project is the first offshore fuel cell–powered platform designed to smooth wind intermittency by producing, storing, and re-converting green hydrogen. The BLPH platform:

• Measures 23x46 meters
• Weighs 1,800 tons
• Includes a 5MW electrolyzer
• Stores 1,200kg of hydrogen
• Features a 1MW battery with 5MWh of storage capacity

Following completion of commissioning tests at the Rosetti Marino Group yard in Italy, the BLPH began a five-week sea journey to the Netherlands, navigating rough seas and Storm Amy. Upon arrival in Eemshaven, the platform was handed over to Delft Offshore Turbine (DOT), which will lead the next phase of the project - focusing on research into offshore hydrogen production and storage in collaboration with partners from the Groningen Hydrogen Valley project, supported by Shell and Eneco. 

[Footage courtesy of CrossWind]

Renamed Phynix after the handover to DOT on October 3, the platform is the world’s first offshore hydrogen production and storage system built for real-world sea conditions. Configured for peak shaving – absorbing excess wind energy when generation exceeds demand and releasing stored energy during low-wind periods – Phynix demonstrates how hydrogen can balance renewable output and enhance grid stability.

"We are proud of our contribution to this renewable hydrogen platform. 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."

Frans Everts President Director, Shell Netherlands

Now located off the coast of the Netherlands, Phynix operates as part of HKN’s 759MW wind farm, which will generate at least 3.3 terawatt-hours per year, enough renewable power to supply over one million Dutch households.

With a focus on demonstrating the complete offshore hydrogen value chain, the platform uses a single full-scale wind turbine to test energy-shifting solutions that make offshore wind power more consistent and reliable.