The United Kingdom, through the “Dolphyn Hydrogen” project developed by sustainability consultancy ERM, has started producing hydrogen from deep sea seawater. This innovative project uses a wind turbine platform floating to combine electrolysis, desalination and hydrogen production. The first trials, carried out at the port of Pembroke in Wales, mark a significant step towards low-carbon hydrogen production, supported by a grant of more than £8 million from the UK government.
The trials, carried out at the port of Pembroke, south Wales, throughout July 2024, represent a significant step forward in enabling the UK to produce low-carbon hydrogen safely , reliable and large-scale.
The Dolphyn hydrogen production process
The “Dolphyn Hydrogen” project stands out for its integrated approach, using a floating wind platform to produce hydrogen directly at sea. The seawater is first desalinated before undergoing an electrolysis process which separates the hydrogen from oxygen. This hydrogen is then transported to land via a pipeline for a variety of uses, including power generation, transportation, industry and heating.
Dolphyn Hydrogen process steps :
- Seawater desalination : Removal of salt and impurities to obtain soft water.
- Electrolysis : Separation of hydrogen and oxygen from fresh water.
- Hydrogen transport : Transport of hydrogen to land by pipeline.
Benefits of the project
This project has several ecological and economic advantages:
- Renewable energy : Using wind energy to power the process, thereby reducing carbon emissions.
- Offshore production : Minimizing the impact on land and terrestrial ecosystems.
- Energy security : Reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing local hydrogen production.
Support and funding
The “Dolphyn Hydrogen” project has benefited from significant support from the UK government, notably through the Department for Energy Security and Zero Carbon. A grant of more than £8 million has been awarded through the Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply Competition 2, aiming to accelerate innovation towards a net zero economy.
Low-carbon hydrogen has a key role to play in the energy transition, improving our energy security and creating skilled jobs in the green economy. These hydrogen trials at Dolphyn mark an important milestone on our journey towards deploying affordable, low-carbon hydrogen at scale, which will help deliver a more sustainable future for all.
Steve Matthews, CEO of Dolphyn Hydrogen
Funding and support :
- British Government : Grant of over £8 million.
- Governments of Wales and Scotland : Regional support for project development.
Perspectives and implications
The results of the initial trials will be crucial to inform the future design of the large-scale Dolphyn units, planned for deployment at multiple sites in the coming years. These units could play a key role in the UK’s energy transition, providing a clean and sustainable source of hydrogen.
Six years ago, ERM had the vision to produce large-scale, affordable, low-carbon hydrogen from floating wind turbines to accelerate the transition to a net zero economy. We are delighted to see this vision come to fruition with the UK’s first offshore hydrogen production trials. We look forward to building on this momentum and helping to deliver a low-carbon future.
Tom Reichert, ERM Group CEO
Future implications :
- Project expansion : Large-scale deployment at new sites.
- Energy transition : Significant contribution to the UK’s net zero target.
- Job creation : Generation of jobs in the green economy and renewable energy sector.
The ‘Dolphyn Hydrogen’ project marks a significant milestone in offshore hydrogen production, combining sustainability with technological innovation. By harnessing wind energy and integrating desalination and electrolysis processes, this pioneering project could transform the way hydrogen is produced and used, offering a promising solution for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
For more information: www.dolphynhydrogen.com