H2OK, the Future of Liquid Hydrogen

H2OK, a liquid hydrogen production project, would include the construction of an initial 290MW electrolysis facility. The project would produce up to 90 tons per day of liquid hydrogen.

An ambitious project

H2OK will have the potential to expand to 550MW and 180 tons per day of liquid hydrogen. With this project, Woodside confirms its first hydrogen project in the world. The alkaline electrolysis equipment would support Phase 1 of the project, designed to produce 60 tons per day of liquid hydrogen.

The preliminary engineering design of the liquid hydrogen production facility is expected to be completed this year. In addition, Woodside expects to make a final investment decision in 2023. The realization requires the obtaining of all the necessary authorizations and the finalization of the appropriate commercial agreements.

The proposed project site is located in Ardmore, an area well suited for hydrogen production, according to the company. The group also relies on the availability of water and renewable energy. Håkon Volldal, CEO of Nel, announces:

“The electrolyzer stacks will be manufactured at Nel’s Herøya plant, the only fully automated electrolyzer facility in the world. When completed, the electrolyser plant will have a nominal capacity of approximately 64,000 kg per day of hydrogen.”

Decarbonizing the transportation sector

Woodside intends to make H2OK a net-zero project. The electricity will come from Oklahoma’s existing grid, much of which is wind-generated. The remaining emissions will be reduced by renewable energy certificates.

Shaun Gregory, Woodside’s executive vice president of new energy, says:

“The signing of the alkali cell contract is a step toward realizing Woodside’s ambition to build a new energy company in the United States. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the drive to accelerate the energy transition in the United States is underway, and Woodside intends to be a part of it. H2OK is strategically located near national highways and the supply chain infrastructure of major transportation companies. This allows H2OK to provide our customers with the reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy they are looking for.”

Hydrogen, consumed as fuel, does not emit carbon dioxide. Thus, it appears as an element of the transition to a lower carbon future.

The hydrogen from the H2OK project will power commercial and heavy-duty transportation vehicles powered by fuel cells. As such, the facility is located in a strategic transportation and supply chain corridor. In addition, the project will also be used for heavy equipment and warehouse forklifts.