Hydrogen
Hydrogen and its derivatives, including ammonia, are widely considered a cornerstone of our global energy transition, climate change actions, and sustainable energy security. With more than 70 countries currently committed to reaching net zero, renewable energy development is rapidly increasing and becoming more widespread.
To reach our 2050 climate goals, critical work is required in securing the supply and resilience of these increasing renewable energy systems, including new routes to markets, alternative fuel production, increasing shares of renewable electricity, mitigating the risk of curtailment, and opening access to countries with as yet limited green energy resources.
Delivering net zero also requires decarbonisation at the scale of the full value chain of an energy project, including production, support infrastructure and energy transportation.
Green Hydrogen – a highly versatile, clean and safe energy carrier, produces zero emissions at the point of consumption. For this reason, hydrogen can benefit various sectors including renewables, maritime, oil & gas, and other industries boasting four key opportunities:
- As energy storage or as an energy carrier, green hydrogen (produced from renewable energy sources via electrolysis or other methods) can improve potentially electricity grid stability and broaden access to net-zero energy resources
- Alternative fuels can power ships and heavy-duty vehicles helping the decarbonization of the maritime industry, mobile/transportation sectors, and other industries.
- Higher capacity of hydrogen and ammonia transport/export could be allowed by ships and/or pipelines
- Carbon capture, utilization, and large-scale storage of CO2, hydrogen and ammonia
Many countries are rapidly recognising the potential hydrogen can offer. The EU issued its hydrogen strategy in 2021, calling for 6 GW of capacity by 2024 and 40 GW by 2030. But, as with all new technologies, the development and integration of hydrogen are not without their challenges.
Opportunities with Green Hydrogen
100% sustainable: does not emit pollutants at combustion or production
Storable: easy to store, enabling more widespread and versatile consumption, and variable transmission as per supply and demand
Versatile: can be transformed into electricity or synthetic gas and used for commercial, industrial or mobility purposes
Challenges with Green Hydrogen
High cost: generated from the electrolysis of renewable energy sources, means its cost-competitiveness is dependent as well on the cost-competitiveness of the energy resource
High energy consumption: hydrogen production in general and green hydrogen, in particular, requires more energy than other fuels
Safety: volatile and flammable. Therefore, extensive safety measures need to be taken throughout the life-cycle of a project
Our services in hydrogen
OWC offers specialised technical services in consulting and engineering to cover the full life-cycle of a hydrogen project, with experience across hydrogen production, storage and transportation projects.
Market Studies
Research and Development
Technical Due Diligence
Owner’s Engineering
Engineering
Technical Studies
The value we bring
Multidisciplinary expertise covering renewable energy, electrical engineering, vessel design & naval architecture, subsea engineering, civil engineering and more
Turnkey solutions and service offering support from initial planning to development, through to installation
Market knowledge and technical know-how to drive cost efficiencies throughout your project
HSEQ and loss prevention expertise for early risk mitigation
Our hydrogen project experience
+40
hydrogen projects
OWC’s project track record across hydrogen production, transportation and storage.
Roadmap, strategy, policy and business plan
- Marine Hydrogen Energy consultant for the Asian Development Bank
- OPHARM – Offshore Hydrogen Analysis and Roadmap
- Floating wind and green hydrogen – Franco-Scottish wind-hydrogen collaboration
- Offshore wind and hydrogen production development roadmap
Hydrogen production & integration with renewable plants
- Green hydrogen production barge concept design
- NEOM Green Hydrogen Project – Saudi Arabia
- Feasibility study of hydrogen production – battery – fuel cell and renewable energy
- Coupling renewable power plants – electrolysers – markets
Hydrogen & Ammonia applications, storage and transportation
- Application of hydrogen, ammonia and methanol to decarbonise Indonesia’s transport sector
- Concept and detailed design of Europe’s first hydrogen fuel-cell emissions-free seagoing ferry – HYSEAS III
Hydrogen infrastructure and safety
- Fuel cell manufacturer representative
- Assessment of electrolysers & power system services
- Repurposing of existing natural gas networks to carry a 10% blend of hydrogen
Questions? Get in touch
Related News & Media
Windaba Bright Spark Award Winner: Ightishaan Groenewald Celebrates Excellence
OWC delivers technical due diligence work for Kansai’s floating wind investments
OWC launches Spanish office
Meet the Team: Pedro Pereira, Snr. Offshore and Hydrogen Engineer | OWC Brazil
Riccardo Felici Heads up OWC Asia-Pacific
