Members of Parliament visit NOGAT and offshore energy infrastructure in the North Sea
How can existing offshore infrastructure contribute to both energy security and the energy transition? During a working visit hosted by NOGAT and Eni, Members of the Dutch House of Representatives Daniël van den Berg (JA21) and Ulas Köse (D66) gained first-hand insight into the strategic role of offshore energy infrastructure and the opportunities it offers for the energy system of today and tomorrow.
Discussing the energy system of today and tomorrow
NOGAT, together with Eni, welcomed Members of Parliament Daniël van den Berg (JA21) and Ulas Köse (D66) for a working visit focused on the Dutch offshore energy sector. Throughout the programme, one key message remained central: natural gas continues to play an important role in the Dutch energy system. It contributes to energy security in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment while also serving as a transition fuel on the path towards a future-proof energy system.
The visit began with a roundtable discussion featuring Eni, EBN and Energie-Nederland, who shared their perspectives on the energy system of today and tomorrow. Discussions covered the role of natural gas within both the Dutch and European energy systems, as well as challenges related to permitting procedures and spatial planning in the North Sea.
Strategic offshore infrastructure as a foundation
During a second roundtable session, representatives from NOGAT, Element NL, and the Municipality of Den Helder highlighted the strategic importance of offshore energy infrastructure. Topics included the role of energy infrastructure in the North Sea, collaboration across the sector, and the crucial position of Den Helder as a logistics and operational hub within the North Sea energy cluster.
The discussions were chaired by René Peters of TNO and provided an opportunity for an open exchange on the challenges and opportunities facing the Dutch energy sector.
Making smart use of existing infrastructure
During the visit, NOGAT explained how existing infrastructure can support both energy security and the energy transition. Particular attention was given to the NORNET project, which aims to establish a direct connection between Norwegian and Dutch gas infrastructure.
By making use of existing offshore assets, only a limited section of new pipeline infrastructure would be required. Such a connection could contribute to:
- Strengthening Dutch and European energy security;
- Increasing the Netherlands’ energy independence;
- Enhancing the resilience of the North Sea energy infrastructure network;
- Providing a cost-efficient foundation for future hydrogen transportation.
NOGAT also highlighted that its offshore pipeline system has already been certified for the transport of 100% hydrogen. This positions the infrastructure to play an important role in a future North-West European hydrogen network.
Visit to offshore platform L10-A
The working visit concluded with a trip to Eni’s L10-A offshore platform. With more than fifty years of offshore gas production history, the platform demonstrates not only the importance of existing energy infrastructure today but also its potential role in supporting future energy projects.
After completing the mandatory offshore safety training, the Members of Parliament travelled by helicopter to the platform. There, they gained insight into day-to-day offshore operations, the importance of safe working practices at sea, and the opportunities for future energy initiatives in the North Sea.
Valuable exchange of knowledge and experience
NOGAT looks back on a valuable and constructive visit and would like to thank the Members of Parliament, partners, and participating organisations for the open and productive discussions. The visit provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge and perspectives on the role of offshore energy infrastructure in a secure, reliable, and future-proof energy system, while underlining the importance of continued dialogue between policymakers, government, and industry.
Photo caption: Members of the Dutch House of Representatives Daniël van den Berg (JA21) and Ulas Köse (D66) visited offshore energy infrastructure in the Dutch North Sea, including Eni’s L10-A platform, together with representatives from the energy sector.