First pilot project connects large wind turbine directly to hydrogen electrolysers

A European hydrogen test project has successfully linked a wind turbine with two electrolysers, which could make it possible to generate off-grid green hydrogen at sea and drive down production costs, according to Germany's education and research ministry. It is the first time two electrolysers have been linked directly to a turbine in megawatt scale, said "H2 Mare" project partners Germany's Fraunhofer Institute IWES and Siemens Gamesa.

Directly connecting a wind turbine and electrolyser to produce hydrogen is highly complex, according to the researchers. The fluctuating nature of wind power as a basis for creating hydrogen and treating the water used for electrolysis were major development challenges. Now, the plant, which was built on land in Denmark, will test how the system works. The hope is to replicate this system offshore in the future.

The idea behind the H2Mare project is to harness ideal conditions at sea for generating wind power and directly produce green hydrogen. Offshore turbines are generally much larger than onshore ones, while winds are stronger and more consistent, so more electricity can be produced. The turbine does not require a costly, complex grid connection and the electricity it produces directly creates hydrogen with water using electrolysis.

These factors should help bring down the cost of green hydrogen, which is seen as a key fuel for decarbonising industry, and will also relieve pressure on the local grid, according to the statement. The hydrogen can then also be used to produce products like methanol or ammonia.

Environmental think tank, Wuppertal Institute, warned on Wednesday that Germany should strengthen its own green hydrogen production capacity instead of over relying on imports.