Off-grid power hubs could in theory cut emissions from port operations and accelerate the UK’s transition to Net Zero.
Workstreams include the development of a low-pressure nanoporous hydrogen storage module (Rux Energy); integration of the hydrogen balance of plant and power conversion systems (Ricardo); design of complex AC/DC electrical architectures with renewable integration (Schneider Electric, University of Strathclyde); platform naval architecture and hydrodynamic testing (University of Strathclyde, Elire); anchoring and mooring (Triton Anchor Europe); and transportation, installation and operational strategy (Sealand Projects).
The feasibility period will run from 13 September to 31 March 2026.
The challenges
Hydrogen floating power hubs are technically feasible but present significant challenges due to high production costs, the need for new infrastructure, and safety concerns regarding storage and transport.
While offering a solution for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like maritime transport and providing a resilient energy source for ports, their widespread adoption will hinge on further technological advancements, substantial cost reductions for electrolysers, and the development of dedicated hydrogen transport networks, especially for large-scale offshore wind-to-hydrogen projects.
Producing green hydrogen using renewable energy is currently expensive, making it difficult to compete with established fossil fuel sources.
Significant investment is needed for new infrastructure, including pipelines, storage solutions, and specialised vessels for transport.
Hydrogen’s overall energy efficiency is also a concern, particularly when considering the multiple conversion steps from electricity to hydrogen and back to power. Hydrogen requires high pressure or low temperatures for storage and poses unique safety challenges as a gas.
Another key element is evolving international standards for hydrogen handling and transfer need to be established to ensure safe and widespread implementation.
Market developments
PEM electrolyser firm Ohmium last year signed a term sheet to supply a 300MW offshore floating ammonia project with its green hydrogen production technology.
Under the non-binding agreement, the company is developing PEM electrolyser solutions for a project being developed by BW Offshore joint venture SwitcH2 off the coast of southern Europe.
Ohmium electrolysers are to be installed onboard SwitcH2’s 268 metre floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.
Floating production and transport of hydrogen to businesses on the UK’s Thames estuary and river is also being explored by maritime safety organisation Lloyd’s Register and green hydrogen tech outfit H2Terminals, under an agreement signed last summer.
The agreement will see the development of a wind, wave and solar plant located 100km offshore, with green hydrogen produced and liquefied onsite, before being transported by ship to a terminal in the Thames estuary.
Deutsche ReGas and Höegh-LNG have also signed an agreement in principle to realise the H2-Import-Terminal Lubmin, which will act as a floating import terminal for the industrial conversion of green ammonia to green hydrogen.
Expected to start operations from early 2026, the companies hope the terminal will be the world’s first floating green ammonia cracker, producing around 30,000 tonnes of hydrogen per year.