ABS, the Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), Linde Korea, and Linde PLC have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to produce a feasibility study for a near-shore floating platform of green hydrogen production and liquefaction.
Green hydrogen production is gaining momentum as a clean energy alternative, with the Korean government supporting its commercial-scale production to increase energy self-sufficiency. The feasibility study will determine the viability of developing a green hydrogen production and liquification facility at a near-shore floating platform utilizing offshore wind power.
The study is the latest in ABS’ pioneering work to support green hydrogen production, which includes an approval in principle for HD Hyundai Group’s offshore green hydrogen production platform. ABS’ Vice President of Global Sustainability, Panos Koutsourakis, said, “Green hydrogen is a critical component in any net-zero scenario. ABS is leading the maritime industry in decarbonization and sustainability solutions, contributing our technical knowledge to develop comprehensive studies such as this one. We are proud to work with key partners to design a roadmap for the clean energy transition.”
The MOU involves industry leaders working together to commercialize proposed technology through industry-university cooperation. It aims to create important value technically and economically while contributing to the carbon-neutral era, such as the development of green hydrogen production platforms.
Sungjoon Kim, HD Hyundai Group Chief Technology Officer, said, “HD Hyundai Group is pleased to contribute to the development of the green hydrogen production platform through this MOU, utilizing our many years of experience with offshore platform technologies and liquefied gas carriers. HD Hyundai Group will play a key role in contributing to the carbon-neutral era such as the development of green hydrogen production platforms.”
Baek-Suk Sung, CEO of Linde Korea, added, “The commercialization of floating platforms for clean hydrogen production will increase Korea’s energy independence and contribute to the clean energy transition.”
The feasibility study is included in a report from the Jeolla Province, which is expected to determine the viability of the green hydrogen production and liquification facility. Jihyun Hwang, Managing Director of Fraunhofer Innovation Platform (FIP) – Hydrogen Energy at KENTECH, said, “Through this joint research and development with Linde, HD KSOE, and ABS, we will do our best so that the ‘near-shore floating green hydrogen and liquefaction platform’ technology can be applied to the Shinan green hydrogen energy island project in Jeollanam-do.”
Green hydrogen production does not require fossil fuels but uses power from renewable energy sources such as offshore wind turbines to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen. This technology has the potential to decrease dependence on fossil fuels, promote energy independence, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are still challenges surrounding the scalability and cost-effectiveness of green hydrogen production, and its commercial viability is still being evaluated.
Overall, the MOU among ABS, KENTECH, HD KSOE, Linde Korea, and Linde PLC marks a significant step towards exploring the potential of green hydrogen production and liquification through the development of a near-shore floating platform. This study is part of a broader effort to achieve global decarbonization and create a cleaner, more sustainable future.
