ODE strengthens its hydrogen capability

Offshore Design Engineering Ltd (ODE) is expanding its hydrogen expertise after being selected to offer topside FEED support for the commercial demonstration phase of the ERM Dolphyn (Deepwater Offshore Local HYdrogeN) project.

The ERM Dolphyn project aims to manufacture green hydrogen at scale by the use of moored floating substructures; each moored structure comprises an offshore wind turbine and localized hydrogen production facilities, creating hydrogen from saltwater using offshore wind as its energy source. At the moment of application, ERM Dolphyn-produced hydrogen is carbon-free.

As part of the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 Competition, the project has just obtained extra financing for its demonstration phase from the Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) of the United Kingdom government. ODE is responsible for FEED engineering for the topside equipment, export pipeline, and facility design during this phase of development.

The FEED support provided by ODE and its consortium members, namely Tractabel and Vestas, will allow for the building and operation of a 10MW ERM Dolphyn demonstration unit in UK waters by the summer of 2025.

Frank Drennan, Head of Oil, Gas and Energy Transition for ODE, commented, “Producing clean, low-cost hydrogen at scale is widely recognised as a key enabler for the energy transition. With the potential to supply carbon-free energy to heat over 1.5 million homes, the ERM Dolphyn project will play a fundamental role in laying the path towards these goals. ODE is delighted to have the opportunity to work on this innovative project and to support development of the next generation of energy solutions.”

David Caine, Partner at ERM said, “This support from the UK Government provides a welcome boost to the ERM Dolphyn project, as the hydrogen economy enters an exciting new phase of development. We are looking forward to working with ODE to deliver low carbon hydrogen as part of the energy transition that will help the UK to achieve its net zero goals.”