Harnessing direct seawater electrolysis for a sustainable offshore Hydrogen future: A critical review and perspective

Abstract

The global drive for green hydrogen is pushing the boundaries of electrolyzer technology, aiming to operate efficiently in dynamic environments using impure water sources. Offshore hydrogen production presents a compelling opportunity by leveraging vast marine resources and reducing land conflicts. This paper explores the potential of offshore hydrogen production coupled with offshore renewable energy resources (wind and wave energy) utilizing direct seawater electrolysis (DSWE), highlighting their ability to reduce infrastructure complexity, lower energy consumption, and adapt to space constraints inherent to offshore environments. Current offshore projects, such as offshore wind and wave power generation, underscore the increasing relevance of offshore hydrogen production. Projects like Sealhyfe (France) and PosHYdon (Netherlands) are pioneering the integration of offshore wind with offshore green hydrogen production, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale offshore operations. Despite existing challenges, such as unavailability of infrastructure for hydrogen transport to onshore consumer, electrolyzer compatibility with direct seawater and need for robust desalination techniques. Advancements in hybrid electrolyzer designs and novel electrocatalyst resistant to corrosion, can pave the way for efficient and cost-effective offshore hydrogen production. This paper discusses the state-of-the-art developments in DSWE technology and the strategic role it can play in sustainable offshore hydrogen generation, emphasizing the need for continued research and collaboration to overcome technical hurdles and accelerate commercialization.