As part of the HOPE project (Hydrogen Offshore Production for Europe), Lhyfe Oostende BV, an affiliate of Lhyfe SA, has submitted an environmental and Natura-2000 permit application for the construction, operation and dismantling of an innovative offshore platform for the production of renewable hydrogen. The application is currently under public consultation until 13 June 2025. The project is supported by the European Union through the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and is fully compliant with all environmental and safety regulations.
The offshore platform is located approximately 1.2 km from the coastline and 600 m northeast of the eastern harbour dam of Ostend, within the circular safety zone around the Blue Accelerator. The platform will be installed approximately 190 m northeast of the Blue Accelerator. The planned coordinates of the platform are 51°14’57.3″N 2°55’22.4″E. It includes a renewable hydrogen production facility (produced through water electrolysis), a hydrogen pipeline to transport the produced hydrogen to shore, and an electrical cable to bring renewable electricity from land to the platform. This initiative is part of the broader effort to accelerate the energy transition by producing clean hydrogen at sea using offshore wind power.
- The platform is a small-scale installation focused solely on hydrogen production. It does not involve industrialization or large-scale structures in front of Ostend’s harbour or coastline.
- The platform is located within the existing maritime safety zone of Blue Accelerator, meaning there is no new spatial impact and no additional restrictions on sea traffic or the surrounding environment.
- Lhyfe is a renewable hydrogen company, and HOPE is a sustainable, EU-supported project. All activities fully comply with European, federal, regional, and local environmental regulations.
- The installation meets all safety and emergency standards applicable to offshore infrastructure. There are no increased safety risks to local communities or maritime users.
This application is subject to an environmental impact assessment procedure.
The Minister of the North Sea decides on this application by means of a ministerial decree.
The public consultation is open until 13 June 2025. All interested individuals and organizations are invited to review the application and share their comments, suggestions or concerns.
The official documents can be consulted:
- At the offices of MUMM (Management Unit of the Mathematical Model of the North Sea) in Brussels and Ostend (by appointment only during office hours),
- At local municipal offices along the Belgian coast during office hour
- Or online via the official channels:
- Application – in Dutch
- Environmental Impact Assessment Report – in Dutch (includes concept of Appropriate Assessment and Non-Technical Summary)
Feel free to ask any specific questions directly to the project’s implementor, via:
Email: hope.consultatie@lhyfe.com
Phone: +32 477 28 44 67