In the evolving landscape of energy ecosystems, the mounting recognition of offshore power-to-X production’s potential has ushered in a new era. Strohm, a Dutch supplier and participant in nationwide green hydrogen projects, claims that the energy transmission of the thermoplastic composite pipeline is nine times more effective than a traditional cable. This adaptable pipeline, ideal for storing hydrogen, boosts the operational time of energy generated by offshore wind farms.
Offshore Production: The Green Hydrogen Strategy
Anticipating the allure of offshore power-to-X production, many European renewable energy initiatives are turning their attention towards floating platforms to manufacture green hydrogen and power-to-X fuels, like ammonia. Equipped with the potential to aggregate offshore hydrogen production from distinct wind farms, DNV’s study, focused on the North and Baltic Seas, emphasizes hydrogen transmission’s lesser costs compared to electricity. Especially for offshore wind farms located more than 100 kilometers away from the coastline, offshore hydrogen production becomes highly cost-effective.
Enabling Strategic Access to Clean Ammonia
Maciek Lukawski, VP of Strategy & Business Development for Amogy, underscores the importance of floating production platforms for areas with limited shallow waters, like Japan, Europe, and the US. These platforms could pave the way for easy access to clean ammonia. “Transportation of green ammonia through shipping can provide widespread access in the near future rather than the development of offshore pipelines.” Notably, Amogy has signed Memorandums of Understanding with Southwind and Marco Polo Marine to explore and expand its ammonia-to-power solutions.
The P2XFloater: A Solution to Renewable Energy Challenges
The P2XFloater, designed by H2Carrier, addresses key challenges scribbling the landscape of renewable energy projects, such as cost, environmental impact, and grueling planning and regulation processes. Thanks to its positioning flexibility, it can be stationed wherever renewable energy costs are affordable, leading to economically friendly green ammonia production. “Offshore wind is technically feasible but currently too costly,” Mårten Lunde, CEO of H2Carrier, states. He anticipates near-shore operation at the onset to leverage low-cost electricity.
Harnessing the Potential of Offshore Hydrogen Production
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE aim to optimize offshore hydrogen production. The OffsH2ore project envisions an offshore source of hydrogen, backed by an offshore wind farm, producing 500 MW of power. Meanwhile, other European sectors are concentrating on developing energy islands and pipeline infrastructure “Backbone”. A study by DNV emphasizes the benefits of an offshore hydrogen backbone, AquaDuctus, in the North and Baltic Seas, concluding that offshore hydrogen manufacture connected to a pipeline is more affordable than onshore production. According to Pascal De Buck, CEO of Fluxys, the AquaDuctus offshore pipeline contributes substantially to the diversification of Europe’s hydrogen supply sources.
The Intersection Between Offshore Production and Automation
The H2Mare project, steered by Siemens Energy in collaboration with 32 partners, initiates a contemplative dialogue: what’s the best way to supply power to offshore power-to-X facilities–as electricity or hydrogen? The project tipped favorably towards the idea of producing hydrogen at each wind turbine and later assembling it at the power-to-X facility. Such a vision might seem farfetched now, largely echoing the narrative of science fiction. However, significant strides have been taken to corroborate the technologies required for realizing this concept. The journey towards an energy-efficient future, rich in renewable resources and smart automation, awaits.
