The production of hydrogen from from offshore wind turbines is developing thanks to two energy giants Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa. 120 million in a project to integrate an electrolyser into an offshore turbine.
In addition, this investment will allow Germany to support its European leadership in the production of of green hydrogen.
Hydrogen production directly from the renewable energy source
120 million euros to integrate an electrolyser into a wind turbine
Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa are planning to develop hydrogen production using offshore wind turbines, thanks to an investment of 120 million euros over five years. Two thirds will be dedicated to the integration of an electrolyser into a 14 MW turbine. Siemens Gamesa will supply the wind turbine and Siemens Energy the water electrolyser.
Read on energynews.com: Electrolysis technology: Air Liquide and Siemens join forces
Reduce losses and production costs of wind energy
The technology works in such a way that the electricity produced by the offshore wind turbine is brought by cable to a water electrolyser. The latter will in fact produce green hydrogen since it is produced by the electrolysis of water using renewable energy.
This project will make the electrical energy supplied by wind power profitable by providing a solution to the problems of energy storage.
In addition, this project supports German advances in the production of green hydrogen, notably through its more global project H2Mare.
Germany leads European hydrogen projects
Developing the German H2Mare project
Germany aspires to become the world’s leading supplier of green hydrogen, but also to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Recently, the government has invested in various projects including H2Mare. This one aims at integrating hydrogen in offshore wind farms. 30 manufacturers are participating, including Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa.
The government also supports other programs. In particular, H2Giga for the development of electrolyzers and TransHyde for the development of hydrogen transport.
Read on energynews.com: Hydrogen storage: the new HyPSTER project
9 billion euros in the development of German hydrogen
Germany unveiled its national hydrogen strategy in June 2020. In addition to these projects already underway, the country aims to inject no less than 9 billion euros into the development of hydrogen. It aims to produce 5 GW of renewable energy by 2030 and 10 GW by 2040.
A promising energy carrier for the transition
This system of integrating an electrolyser in a turbine is a real progress towards the reduction of greenhouse gases. Currently, hydrogen production is still too dependent on hydrocarbons.
This activity generates no less than 830 million tons of CO2 per year, and only 1 to 2% of the hydrogen produced in the world is currently from renewable or low-carbon energy.
In short, the production of green hydrogen is a real solution to fight against climate change. It is also a strong vector of energy transition, as well as a new ambition for Germany. The country thus expects to occupy a leading position in the world in the development of this new energy carrier.
