The N05-A gas platform, operated by ONE-Dyas, has been connected to the Riffgat offshore wind farm, located in German waters of the North Sea.
Offshore wind and natural gas platform
Following the collaboration with EBN and Tenaz Energy, the platform operates using marine power supply for its extraction processes. The drilling of new wells will also be carried out using wind energy, reducing CO₂ emissions to minimum levels in all operational phases.
This electrified system eliminates the use of diesel generators and avoids the emission of polluting gases at sea. The N05-A has the capacity to produce up to 2 bcm of natural gas per year, covering 7% of the Netherlands’ and 2.5% of Germany’s demand.
Being located on the marine border between the two countries, the platform is part of a network of small fields that strengthen regional energy autonomy. This strategy is aligned with the German-Dutch bilateral policy that promotes local extraction during the transition phase.
Despite the push for renewables, the demand for natural gas demand for natural gas remains significant. In 2024, Germany will need about 75 bcm, while the Netherlands will need about 30 bcm. In this context, projects such as N05-A reduce dependence on external sources and offer a stable supply, under a cleaner energy model.
The agreement signed in 2025 between the two governments supports this approach, and recognizes the potential of the GEMS area, which could contribute up to an additional 50 bcm through similar developments.
The mobile drilling unit, which will be temporarily connected to N05-A to enable a second well, will also run 100% on wind power. This makes the project one of the first in the world where all offshore operations are run without fossil fuels.
ONE-Dyas CEO Chris de Ruyter van Steveninck said the goal is to integrate environmental responsibility with security of supply. The commitment to electrify natural gas from the North Sea strengthens energy self-sufficiency without sacrificing climate commitments.
The N05-A model could be replicated in other fields in the region, driving a new stage for the European offshore industry based on the integration of clean sources with conventional resources. With full electrification, emissions reduction and cross-border collaboration, this platform redefines the role of natural gas in the continent’s energy future.
Source and photo: ONE-Dyas