The CTC Technological Centre has developed a solution capable of improving the safety and durability of concrete infrastructure for the offshore storage of green hydrogen. The system designed by the Advanced Materials and Nanomaterials team reduces hydrogen permeability and increases resistance to the harsh conditions of the marine environment. It is a key step within the HYDROSTORE project, which proposes the creation of floating wind platforms capable of generating green hydrogen and providing high storage capacity.

After presenting the progress to consortium members during a follow-up meeting, the solution was presented again during the round table held as part of the technical event “Blue Core en Ruta” in the auditorium of the Bisalia Building at PCTCAN. These advances contribute to the development of technologies that will make it possible to store green hydrogen more efficiently, safely and durably. This is an essential requirement for deploying large-scale offshore energy systems and supporting the transition to a decarbonised economy.

The work carried out by CTC researchers pursued two specific functions. On the one hand, to minimise hydrogen permeability, the team combined a reinforced barrier layer with carbon fibre and metal oxides, together with an adsorbing layer based on carbon nanomaterials.

On the other hand, to improve the protection of concrete structures, the team developed specific protective coatings for marine environments. In this case, additives such as carbon-based materials, zinc phosphate and layered structures were incorporated to hinder the diffusion of chlorides and other corrosive agents through the cement matrix, thereby improving the durability of concrete in marine environments.

These formulations are designed to extend the service life of reinforced concrete structures exposed to continuous humidity, salinity and other degrading agents present in marine environments

As part of the technological validation process, multiple test specimens and experimental samples have been manufactured and prepared to assess both hydrogen permeability and the mechanical properties and durability of the developed systems. The most promising solutions have been selected for exposure under real environmental conditions, where their long-term performance will be evaluated. The results, expected in October, will help determine their suitability for future hydrogen storage infrastructure.

In addition to leading the development of new materials for the safe storage of hydrogen, CTC is making a significant contribution to the study and design of decision-support tools for planning hydrogen transfer operations from the platform to gas carriers. In this regard, the Industry and Energy team has presented its progress in the development of a predictive digital platform for the safe planning of operations between storage infrastructure and transport vessels.

This work combines real-time meteorological data analysis with operational criteria such as vessel characteristics and the layout of the wind farm. In this way, it becomes easier to determine optimal operating windows, improve the planning of these manoeuvres and contribute to the safety and future viability of renewable hydrogen production, storage and maritime transport systems.

Three Cantabrian partners in a transformative project

HYDROSTORE is based on the creation of floating wind platforms that generate green hydrogen with high storage capacity. It is a truly disruptive approach that combines offshore wind energy with the efficient production and distribution of green hydrogen.

Berenguer Ingeniería, together with Beridi Maritime, Idesa Trc Technology & Research Centre, Leading Metal Mechanic Solutions, Astander, Berthing Maritime Consulting and Cantabria’s only technological centre, make up the consortium for this initiative, which has EUR 2.17 million in funding linked to the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation of Renewable Energies, Renewable Hydrogen and Storage, known as PERTE ERHA.

The HYDROSTORE project offers an innovative solution to two of the main challenges currently posed by offshore green hydrogen production. Most ongoing projects do not allow the generation equipment to be installed on the platform itself and require adjacent support structures, where electricity must be transported to enable the process. In addition, no floating platform currently exists that enables large-scale storage of this energy source.

The combination of floating wind technology, in which Spain is an international pioneer, with green hydrogen generation offers an unprecedented opportunity both to overcome the challenge of long-distance electricity transmission and to turn the country into a global leader in green hydrogen generation and distribution. HYDROSTORE is due to conclude this month and, thanks to highly promising results, it is expected to make a meaningful contribution to making green hydrogen an accessible and affordable energy source in the medium term.