Harnessing Offshore Wind for Green Hydrogen: Strategies to Meet U.S. Demand
Key Ideas
  • A new study from Cornell suggests using offshore wind energy to meet 75% of future U.S. hydrogen demand, emphasizing the shift to green hydrogen production.
  • Scaling up offshore wind capacity to 0.96 terawatts would be necessary, with the East Coast being a promising region for green hydrogen production.
  • Transporting compressed gaseous hydrogen via pipelines is economically and environmentally advantageous over shipping liquefied hydrogen, despite challenges.
  • The study's optimal pathways estimate offshore green hydrogen production costs between $2.50 and $7.00 per kilogram, qualifying for production tax credits and emphasizing the need for supportive policies.
A new study from Cornell University outlines strategies for the U.S. to meet up to 75% of its future hydrogen demand by harnessing offshore wind energy, essential for green hydrogen production. The study emphasizes the need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources for hydrogen production to be considered environmentally friendly. To achieve this, it would require a substantial increase in offshore wind capacity, particularly focusing on the East Coast due to high wind speeds and regional demand. The study examines economic and environmental impacts, suggesting that transporting compressed gaseous hydrogen via pipelines is more favorable than liquefied hydrogen shipping. Despite the cost and energy challenges of liquefying hydrogen, both delivery methods are considered, with the study proposing the concept of 'offshore hydrogen hubs' to optimize infrastructure and cut costs by up to 30% through shared facilities. Optimal pathways estimated by the study project offshore green hydrogen production costs between $2.50 and $7.00 per kilogram, meeting the low emissions benchmark and qualifying for production tax credits. The study also highlights the importance of supportive policies, such as carbon pricing mechanisms, to further enhance the competitiveness of green hydrogen. Practical challenges like the Jones Act are discussed, emphasizing the need for flexible policies to facilitate the growth of the offshore green hydrogen industry.
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