Maritime Hydrogen Production via PEM Water Electrolysis overseen by Fraunhofer at Offsh2ore
The OffsH2ore project, announced on April 28, 2023, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at producing green hydrogen offshore using Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolysis. This innovative approach converts seawater into hydrogen using electricity generated by offshore wind farms, enabling the storage and transport of renewable energy directly at or near offshore wind sites.
Project Overview
The OffsH2ore project, led by partners including PNE, Silica Verfahrenstechnik, Wystrach, Kongstein, and Fraunhofer ISE, focuses on offshore green hydrogen production using PEM water electrolysis. The project's development includes a detailed technical concept for an offshore hydrogen production facility and a ship-based transport system for compressed hydrogen.
Key Technologies
The project uses PEM electrolysers, which are suitable for offshore environments due to their flexibility and responsiveness. PEM electrolysis splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity, with seawater treated to meet purity requirements beforehand.
Techno-Economic Analysis
Although specific detailed techno-economic analyses for OffsH2ore aren't fully published, related projects like HOPE in Belgium target demonstrating technical and financial viability of offshore hydrogen production units (10 MW PEM electrolyser) located close to offshore wind farms.
Operational Concepts
The project includes concepts for integrating offshore electrolysis units directly with wind farms to convert surplus electricity onsite. It also uses seawater treatment systems to enable direct use of ocean water in electrolysis. Flexible composite thermoplastic undersea pipelines are planned to transport hydrogen to shore, lowering transport costs.
Partners Involved
Key partners in the OffsH2ore project include Lhyfe (French green hydrogen producer), Kiel University of Applied Sciences, Element22 GmbH (manufacturer of titanium components), and other research partners. Associated industry and research consortia like CAPTN Energy innovation alliance play a role in supporting offshore hydrogen tech development and deployment.
Notable Projects
Associated projects include the HOPE project, which plans to build the first offshore 10 MW PEM electrolyser demonstrator by Lhyfe, and the AquaDuctus offshore hydrogen transport pipeline project in the North Sea.
Additional Context
Offshore hydrogen production enables better utilization of offshore wind power by converting excess electricity directly where it's generated, avoiding overloading onshore grid infrastructure. Although costs are currently higher compared to onshore hydrogen production, offshore solutions reduce transportation and storage complexity and are crucial for future large-scale offshore renewable energy systems.
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, is crucial for achieving climate targets. OffsH2ore aims to contribute to the future hydrogen demand and the diversification of the hydrogen supply. The project also focuses on the ship-based transport of compressed hydrogen.
Summary
In summary, the OffsH2ore project represents Europe's ambition to develop offshore hydrogen production as a vital component of renewable energy integration and decarbonization strategies by leveraging offshore wind energy effectively. The project's development includes a detailed technical concept, a techno-economic analysis, and a blueprint for a 500 MW offshore hydrogen production platform.
The OffsH2ore project, in collaboration with Lhyfe, Kiel University of Applied Sciences, Element22 GmbH, and other research partners, seeks financing from the industry and research sector to further develop their offshore green hydrogen production platform, aiming to be a significant contributor to the future energy market, particularly in the field of hydrogen supply diversification and demand. The project's success could lead to the widespread adoption of offshore green hydrogen production, ultimately supporting the global energy transition toward renewables and reducing carbon emissions.
