BEHYOND project developing new offshore wind-to-hydrogen system

EDP and TechnipFMC, together with research partners, have launched a joint project to develop a conceptual engineering and economic feasibility study for a new offshore system for green hydrogen production from offshore wind power.

The goal of the project – called BEHYOND and supported by the Blue Growth Programme of the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism (EEA Grants) – is to create a concept that can be standardised and implemented worldwide, allowing for large-scale hydrogen production.

Along with EDP and TechnipFMC, the BEHYOND consortium includes the CEiiA research center – Center for Engineering and Development, WavEC Offshore Renewables, and the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN). EDP, through the participation of EDP NEW and EDP Inovação, is the project coordinator.

Within the consortium, EDP is responsible for the implementation of several phases, namely the strategic evaluation of the offshore wind-to-hydrogen market, the definition of viable business cases, and the technology roadmap to reach commercial maturity.

“The BEHYOND project will allow EDP to acquire the required know-how to enter new markets with clear synergies with our core activities. Green hydrogen produced from renewables is likely to become a key lever in the world’s decarbonization effort while mitigating the variability of offshore renewables and enhancing energy system’s flexibility”, said Ana Paula Marques, executive board member of EDP.

Jonathan Landes, President – Subsea at TechnipFMC, said that TechnipFMC could bring valuable contribution to the study based on its experience in the subsea industry and knowledge gathered throughout its own green hydrogen project, Deep Purple™, which utilises offshore wind to produce hydrogen for offshore assets.

“The BEHYOND study also fits with our longer-term ESG goals. The involvement of a company with EDP’s strong market position demonstrates the increased focus and interest in the evolution of offshore hydrogen technology, as well as its potential to help meet the world’s long-term energy needs”, Jonathan Landes said.

According to the project partners, the BEHYOND consortium will strengthen cooperation between Portugal and Norway and increase Portugal’s competitiveness in the growth of the “blue economy.”