Germany is investing heavily in renewables not only to reach its climate protection goals but to become more energy-independent. Green hydrogen (H2) is a main plank of that strategy. The offshore wind project H2Mare is one of three hydrogen initiatives to be awarded EUR 740 million from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Over the next four years, the team from Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon will investigate H2 production on offshore sites, with associated storage options/secondary products.

Hydrogen is a flexible energy carrier, from which additional products can be derived, including ammonia, methanol and synthetic fuels for use in industry and mobility. Termed Power-to-X (PtX) products, they store the surplus energy generated. Offshore wind plants are well-suited to H2 production by electrolysis because of their size, wind consistency and the fact there are fewer planning conflicts compared to onshore. By adding PtX into the mix, the expense of connecting to the electricity grid is also removed.

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon has engaged four departments in R&D for the platform. The Institute of Membrane Research will investigate different methods for using salt water in hydrogen electrolysis. The Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry will analyse and reduce the risk of emissions (organic pollutants/heavy metals) from the platform. The Institute of Coastal Systems will monitor weather and environmental conditions. Finally, the Institute of Coastal Systems - Analysis and Modelling, and the Climate Service Center will look at the potential impact the production systems at sea will have on the local population, fisheries, nature and tourism.

H2Mare is divided into two project areas: PtX-Wind focuses on development and testing of an open-ocean platform for hydrogen and PtX product generation, while TransferWind is dedicated to implementation of the fully-fledged technologies and knowledge-sharing with industry.