China's First Semi-Submersible Offshore Wind-to-Hydrogen Platform Launched
Chinese company CIMC Raffles launched the semi-submersible platform Shenhai Hydrogen Energy No. 1, which integrates offshore wind energy with hydrogen production, at a ceremony held in Jiangmen, Guangdong province, on October 13. Prepared for use in the South China Sea, the platform aims to advance renewable energy production offshore to a new level.
Will Produce Hydrogen from Wind Energy
Developed by CIMC Raffles, the Shenhai Hydrogen Energy No. 1 is described by the company as the world's first project to combine offshore wind energy and hydrogen production on a single semi-submersible platform. The system aims to utilize offshore energy resources more efficiently by using renewable electricity generated at sea for hydrogen production.
The installation and commissioning of the platform's onshore process systems have been completed. Work is ongoing on system operation and operational preparations before it is sent to the South China Sea.
One of the facility's core components is the proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer system, which separates water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. Thanks to the PEM electrolyzers on the platform, approximately 1,000 cubic meters of hydrogen per hour can be produced under standard conditions.
The platform also features three separate hydrogen storage systems that enable hydrogen storage in marine conditions and evaluation of the system in different operational scenarios. Additionally, the system offers two different operating modes for power supply: grid-connected and off-grid.
Designed to Withstand Harsh Marine Conditions
The platform was developed to operate specifically in shallow waters and challenging marine conditions. A key part of the design is a multi-point mooring system, designed to withstand marine conditions expected once every 50 years, with connections that can be detached when necessary. This system aims to safely position the platform at sea and allow it to be disconnected from its mooring points when required.
The co-operation of energy generation and hydrogen systems in a marine environment presents greater challenges in terms of movement, weather conditions, and maintenance compared to onshore facilities. The platform's power supply, motion suppression, and mooring systems were designed to adapt to these conditions.
Another important feature is the remote monitoring system, which allows the platform to be operated without continuous personnel presence. Based on a smart operation and maintenance approach, the system aims to reduce the need for human intervention offshore.
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