HydroWing, Tocardo converting tides into hydrogen

HydroWing, in partnership with Tocardo, has rolled out a new concept that creates green hydrogen from the sea.

Tidal Hydrogen production, Storage and Offtake (THyPSO) is a floating platform, housing one – six conventional bi-directional tidal turbines that convert tidal flows into electrical energy, directing it through an integrated hydrogen production unit to convert the surrounding seawater into hydrogen.

The THyPSO project will also demonstrate streamlined implementation of tidal energy projects with a view to upscaling and rolling out larger projects in line with growing demand for green sourced hydrogen.

THyPSO has capacity to hold up to two weeks worth of hydrogen production in pressurised storage tanks.

Offtake occurs autonomously by remote communications and discharge occurs within a single slack tide.

Specifically, it’s a procedure using an offtake vessel moored down-stream of the device, connected via a pressurised delivery hose.

THyPSO combines the advantages of tidal and hydrogen technologies.

As a result, it should overcome technical and financial barriers faced by each technology alone.

Namely, its grid autonomy eliminates subsea infrastructure and creates savings on OPEX and CAPEX, as well as installation and decommission.

Also, by producing hydrogen instead of electricity, the offtake and distribution adapts to suit weather windows and market demands.

Consenting, installation, as well as decommissioning are other areas where substantial time and costs can be saved, HydroWing explains.

Richard Parkinson, managing director, HydroWing Limited, stated:

“This project has shifted our focus to a broader and exciting market where we can make use of our tides to provide a more versatile energy mix into the local communities and beyond.“

Andries van Unen, CEO, Tocardo B.V. said:

“This project provides a new perspective and a versatile use for tidal turbines.

“The project is well suited to the range of Tocardo turbines allowing us to effectively scale up as demand for green hydrogen increases into the future.”