While wind turbines are spinning out electricity they likewise could generate an equally endless supply of green hydrogen (H2) energy from the seawater upon which they reside.
At least that’s the hope of a pilot project unfolding off Aberdeen, Scotland, that aims to begin producing emission-free hydrogen fuel by 2025. In October, ERM Dolphyn contracted Emeryville, Calif.-based floating offshore wind developer Principle Power Inc. to advance the front-end engineering design (FEED) for the development of the 10-MW project, partly funded by the UK government.
The project is designed to prove the concept of producing large-scale green hydrogen from offshore wind facilities. The ERM concept employs a modular design integrating electrolysis and a floating semisubmersible wind turbine platform.
While no similar projects have been initiated in the U.S., the Department of Energy said the production of hydrogen using wind energy “could become a key component in a global zero-carbon future.” The Gulf Coast, where an offshore wind lease sale is expected this year, has evolved into a major U.S. hub for hydrogen fuel production.
