 Artist impression of bottom-founded offshore hydrogen production


Is a Green FPSO the answer for future low carbon feedstock and fuel?


Jaap de Wilde j.dewilde@marin.nl


The moonshot idea of a Green FPSO may be closer to reality than we think. Although extremely ambitious indeed, it seems unlikely that there will be a technical showstopper. Ingenuity could make this work. The main question is, can it be done in an economic way and this is exactly what MARIN will try to answer within the Green FPSO project initiative.


Hydrogen is seen as an enabler for far offshore green energy production. The simple molecule has enormous potential – it is versatile, storable and easy to transport. Green hydrogen can be made through electrolysis with renewables, turning water into a clean energy carrier. This is a great idea for a sustainable future and to achieve climate neutrality. The world is facing an enormous challenge to meet the Paris Agreement. Europe alone has plans for 350 GW of wind energy by 2050, bringing a lot of pressure on the scarce land space in this crowded part of the world. Therefore, maybe the answer comes from the open sea with its abundant space and superior wind conditions?


MARIN takes the idea very seriously. The first projects for bottom-founded offshore


22 report


hydrogen production are ongoing. The next step, in deeper water, may not be too farfetched as well. The artist’s impression below shows what it could potentially look like.


A centralised barge-type floater acts as the heart of the production facility, providing deck space for the electrolyser and auxiliary equipment. The green hydrogen molecules are stored in the cargo bays of the floater and later shipped to shore, while the electric energy comes from a large floating wind farm. To ensure the steady and reliable output of electricity, it seems logical to combine the wind farm with other sources of clean offshore electricity, such as floating solar or wave energy conversion.


Evolving technology and an increase of the size and scale of developments, will also bring down the costs. The residing question is whether the green molecules can be brought to the EU market for prices under 5 euro/kg.


The Green FPSO proposal has been submitted for the EU Horizon Europe Work Programme as a breakthrough and game- changing renewable energy technology to facilitate a faster transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy by 2050. If granted, a consortium of 17 partners is ready to provide expert knowledge and scientific proof of the feasibility of far offshore green energy production. The project aims to establish a long-term, dependable European innovation base.


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