“Bahia H2 Offshore” NH3 marine fuel generation by floating renewable energy

Project leader

The consortium is coordinated by Sea of Innovation Cantabria Cluster-SICC with the participation of IHCantabria, Ariema Energía y Medioambiente, I-Deals (Everis Group), Centro Nacional del Hidrógeno CNH2, Universidad de Cantabria, Autoridad Portuaria de Santander (APS) and Clúster Marítimo de Cantabria (Marca). Supercluster Atlantic Wind (SAW), Cluster FAEN-Ainer de Asturias and Asime de Galicia are also participating. It also has the support of Repsol Technology.

Description of the project

International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations and decarbonisation targets require shipping to adopt low-emission fuels.

The ‘Bahía H2 Offshore’ project aims to develop a pioneering and innovative system for the generation, under marine conditions, of fuels in the form of hydrogen and green ammonia using floating renewable energy (offshore wind and/or solar photovoltaic) for maritime transport.

It is an innovative approach that harnesses wind energy to produce clean fuel, thereby reducing emissions. The project has an execution period of 36 months and will develop its first phase for 7.7 million in the Port of Santander.

The fuel conversion process involves capturing energy from renewable sources through specialised marine structures and technology, which is then used to generate fuel.

‘Bahía H2 Offshore’ will focus on the design, construction, installation and monitoring of a scale floating platform that will use alkaline electrolysis technologies to produce NH3 (ammonia) marine fuel through the Haber-Bosch process. In addition, the installation of floating solar panels will be studied to supply clean energy to the platform and the fuel generated will be used on ships and port equipment. The main distinguishing feature of this project is the use of fuels that do not contain carbon molecules, such as ammonia.

The project consists of three phases. The first will be carried out in the Port of Santander where the hydrogen generation prototype and simulation of the ammonia (NH3) plant will be developed. In the second phase, the prototype will be integrated with an operational offshore wind turbine. In the third, integration with an operational wind farm is foreseen.

Although the technological solutions will initially be tested in a port area, their final application is expected to be in offshore marine conditions.

Objectives of the project

The main objective of the project is to develop a technological solution to move towards more sustainable marine fuel production, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels in maritime transport.

In addition, it also seeks to generate business opportunities in the maritime transport sector and promote the adoption of green fuels in the shipping industry.

Project information links 1. Web Bahia H2 Offshore 2. News on the website of the Spanish Hydrogen Association 3. News in Europapress 4. News on the website of the Institute of Environmental Hydraulics of the University of Cantabria