The concept of stranded assets takes on new meaning when green hydrogen enters the picture.
Traditionally associated with fossil energy resources losing value in a decarbonizing economy, the term now applies to offshore wind sites with optimal wind conditions but no grid connection.
Green hydrogen offers a potential solution to this challenge.
Combining Green Hydrogen and Offshore Wind
The integration of green hydrogen production with offshore wind has been gaining attention. Excess electricity from wind turbines, particularly during nighttime when demand is low, can be used to power electrolyzers that split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
This electrolysis can occur onshore or offshore, depending on grid availability. Offshore electrolyzers offer the advantage of utilizing wind farms located farther from shore, where wind speeds are more consistent.
Challenges and Opportunities for Offshore Hydrogen Production
While building new wind farms solely for green hydrogen production is economically challenging, repurposing existing infrastructure could be a viable solution. The Net Zero Technology Centre in Scotland is studying the potential of repurposing offshore oil and gas rigs for green hydrogen production.
This program, known as HOP2, considers both new and existing infrastructure costs in its feasibility analysis.
Wind Europe has identified significant low-cost offshore wind resources in the North Sea, many of which are far from shore and existing electrical infrastructure. This presents a unique opportunity for hydrogen production and storage at the electricity source, capitalizing on existing infrastructure in the region.
Promising Results from Feasibility Studies
Studies have indicated that producing hydrogen offshore on repurposed or new installations may be the most cost-effective option for large-scale green hydrogen production.
Engineering firm Apollo has conducted further research for the HOP2 project, suggesting viable options for both new and repurposed offshore assets. While repurposing existing substructures poses challenges, the potential cost savings justify further investigation.
The Global Green Hydrogen Race
The pursuit of green hydrogen solutions is accelerating worldwide. Net Zero has committed to a 10-gigawatt export pipeline to the EU, recognizing the potential for Scottish green hydrogen to meet a substantial portion of Germany’s hydrogen demand.
In the Netherlands, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Vattenfall have formed Zeevonk, a joint venture to develop the 2-gigawatt IJmuiden Ver Beta offshore wind farm, incorporating an electrolyzer system and a floating offshore solar array.
This project demonstrates the growing interest in combining multiple renewable energy sources for green hydrogen production.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles and Cost Reduction Efforts
The development of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) is also progressing, particularly in Europe. Collaborations like the one between Renault Group’s HYVIA and HYPE aim to align green hydrogen supply with fueling station availability.
Other automakers are focusing on larger vehicles with higher power demands, seeking to achieve cost parity for zero-emission commercial vehicles.
Efforts to reduce the cost of electrolyzer systems and hydrogen storage are ongoing. Researchers are exploring alternatives to expensive platinum catalysts, such as ruthenium.
Additionally, the emerging field of liquid organic hydrogen carriers offers innovative solutions for hydrogen transportation and storage, with the potential to revolutionize the hydrogen supply chain.