Concept paper 2: the vision
The Hub-and-Spoke concept as modular infrastructure block to scale up fast
To facilitate the energy transition, the modular Hub-and-Spoke concept of the North Sea Wind Power Hub can be an important solution. This concept consists of modular hubs in the North Sea connecting offshore wind farms through interconnectors to bordering North Sea countries. It facilitates sector coupling through power-to-hydrogen conversion. The Hub-and-Spoke concept ensures a modular build-out approach that can start development today without having to rely on cutting edge innovation to reach sufficient maturity and reliability in fields such as DC grid protection strategies.
The modular Hub-and-Spoke concept in an internationally coordinated roll-out brings forward several key benefits:
- Higher utilization and lower costs through combined transmission and interconnection
- Optimised roll-out and connection of offshore wind areas through international coordination
- Providing flexibility to the energy system by facilitating sector coupling
- Modularity, adaptability and scalability
The consortium is well placed to develop and operate modular Hub-and-Spoke projects, and to advise on the techno-economic and operational impacts of the energy transition on the energy system. Given the significant lead times and scale that are required to realise the projects that make the energy system compatible with the Paris Agreement towards 2050, it is crucial to act now.
