The Dolphyn Hydrogen project, after six years of development, has embarked on trials in a floating marine environment at Pembroke Port, South Wales.
These trials represent a significant milestone in the UK’s journey toward producing low-carbon hydrogen at scale, combining electrolysis, desalination, and hydrogen production on a floating wind platform.
The Dolphyn Hydrogen process stands out for its integration of three key technologies: electrolysis, desalination, and hydrogen production, all on a floating wind platform. This approach allows hydrogen to be transported to shore via pipeline, where it can be used for various applications including power generation, transport, industrial purposes, and heating. Unlike traditional renewable energy projects, this method does not require an electrical connection, thereby avoiding grid constraints and ensuring that energy from other renewable sources remains available.
The UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has been instrumental in supporting the Dolphyn Hydrogen project through the Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 Competition, part of the £1.0Bn (US$1.3Bn) Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. With over £8M in funding awarded to date, the project has also received backing from the devolved governments in Wales and Scotland. This multi-level support underscores the strategic importance of developing low-carbon hydrogen technologies to enhance energy security and support the energy transition.
Steve Matthews, Chief Executive of Dolphyn Hydrogen, emphasized the significance of these trials, noting that low-carbon hydrogen is crucial for the energy transition, energy security, and the creation of skilled jobs in the green economy. ERM Group Chief Executive Tom Reichert highlighted the long-term vision of producing affordable low-carbon hydrogen from floating wind at a scale that accelerates the transition to a net-zero economy.
While the Dolphyn Hydrogen project is a pioneering initiative, it is essential to compare it with other global efforts in hydrogen production. Countries like Japan and Germany are also investing heavily in hydrogen technologies, but their approaches often focus on onshore production and require extensive infrastructure for transportation and storage. The offshore model adopted by Dolphyn Hydrogen offers a unique advantage by mitigating the need for large-scale onshore infrastructure and reducing potential environmental impacts.
