The LH2CRAFT project, supported by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and funded by the European Union, aims to revolutionize liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage for commercial vessels and emerging applications.
This initiative seeks to enhance safety, modularity, scalability, and environmental sustainability in hydrogen storage. With a consortium of 14 members from nine countries, the project is spearheaded by Hydrus Engineering S.A. and Technische Universität Dresden.
The LH2CRAFT project is focused on developing a membrane-type containment system capable of storing LH2 at extremely low temperatures of -253 °C. The system aims to accommodate up to 200,000 m³ of hydrogen. Additionally, a 10-tonne (180 m³) prototype will be created to validate the design. ABS’s role involves reviewing the containment, handling, and distribution systems as part of the approval process.
The project’s goal of designing a large-scale LH2 containment system is ambitious. Current industry standards for hydrogen storage involve complex engineering to maintain extremely low temperatures and manage hydrogen’s volatility. The development of a modular and scalable system, as envisioned by LH2CRAFT, could set new benchmarks for the industry. However, achieving these goals requires overcoming significant technical and engineering challenges, such as ensuring material durability at low temperatures and preventing hydrogen leakage.
Safety is a paramount concern in hydrogen storage and transportation. The LH2CRAFT project must navigate rigorous safety protocols and regulatory frameworks. The consortium’s approach to developing a membrane-type system is innovative, yet it must meet stringent safety standards to gain approval. ABS’s involvement in the review process is critical, providing an extra layer of scrutiny to ensure compliance with global safety regulations.
While the LH2CRAFT project promises substantial opportunities, including technical innovation, job creation, and market expansion, its economic viability remains uncertain. The high costs associated with developing and deploying large-scale LH2 storage solutions could pose a significant barrier. The project’s success will depend on balancing these costs against the potential benefits of establishing a robust hydrogen value chain.
Compared to other hydrogen storage initiatives, the LH2CRAFT project stands out due to its ambitious scale and international collaboration. For instance, similar projects in Japan and the United States focus on smaller-scale storage solutions and face similar technical and economic challenges. By aiming for a 200,000 m³ storage capacity, LH2CRAFT sets a high bar, but it must also contend with the complexities that come with scaling up such technologies.
