HYDROSTORE
Offshore Floating Platforms for Green Hydrogen Production and Large-Scale Storage
Welcome to HYDROSTORE, a groundbreaking initiative funded by the IDAE's 2nd Call of Incentive Program 4: challenges in basic-fundamental research, innovative pilots, and training in key enabling technologies.
Our project brings together a consortium of leading Spanish companies to revolutionize the renewable energy sector.
HYDROSTORE aims to develop floating offshore platforms capable of generating and storing green hydrogen in situ, contributing to a more sustainable, efficient, and secure energy future.
Our Vision
HYDROSTORE aims to harness the full potential of offshore wind energy by developing an integrated floating platform, the TRIWIND-HEX. This platform will not only generate green hydrogen but also store it on-site, offering a unique and cost-effective solution for energy distribution. By 2040, we envision HYDROSTORE playing a pivotal role in establishing Spain as a global leader in green hydrogen production and distribution.
About the Project
The Need for HYDROSTORE
Europe and Spain are at a critical juncture in the 21st century, facing an urgent need for sustainable energy solutions. The transition to a cleaner, more efficient energy system is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and ensure energy security. Green hydrogen, produced from renewable sources like wind or solar power through water electrolysis, is a key component in this transition.
Offshore wind energy, particularly floating platforms, offers tremendous potential due to the high availability of strong, consistent winds far from the coast. However, the high cost of transmitting electricity over long distances presents a significant challenge.
HYDROSTORE addresses this by enabling the production and storage of green hydrogen directly on offshore platforms, eliminating the need for costly transmission infrastructure.
HYDROSTORE:
Innovative Green Hydrogen Technology
The HYDROSTORE project introduces an integrated solution for green hydrogen production and storage, utilizing a floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) platform called TRIWIND-HEX. This unique hexagonal concrete structure supports large turbines (15-22 MW) and houses all necessary equipment for hydrogen generation, including large-scale storage within its interior cells.
HYDROSTORE is set to revolutionize green hydrogen production, offering a cost-effective, scalable, and future-proof solution that supports the global shift towards sustainable energy.
Key Benefits:
- Integrated Production and Storage: HYDROSTORE uniquely combines hydrogen generation and storage on the same platform, eliminating the need for costly cables or pipelines.
- Cost Efficiency: The platform's design reduces CAPEX by up to 50% and OPEX by up to 40% compared to traditional steel-based floating technologies.
- Rapid Deployment: Constructed quickly using advanced techniques, the platform can be operational in just 1-2 weeks, accelerating the transition to clean energy.
- Future-Ready: HYDROSTORE also positions itself as a potential "floating gas station" for hydrogen-powered ships, paving the way for a sustainable maritime future.
Approach
HYDROSTORE Goals
The HYDROSTORE project is currently in its early development stage, specifically at TRL2, where the technological concept is formulated. While the TRIWIND-HEX platform itself is at TRL4, with design and computational studies completed for 15-22 MW turbines, its application for integrated hydrogen production and storage remains a conceptual stage.
The primary goal of this project is to advance the technology to TRL4, completing the basic research phase to validate the concept in a laboratory environment. The focus will be on adapting the platform for large-scale hydrogen storage within its internal cells, ensuring safety and maintaining the platform’s overall functionality.
Two parallel approaches will be explored:
- Option 1: Direct storage within the concrete cells at low pressure (<20-30 bars), involving research into new materials to make the concrete cavities hydrogen-impermeable.
- Option 2: Storage in high-pressure metal tanks (<200 bars) placed within the watertight internal cavities of the platform.
These approaches will be studied and compared for technical feasibility, cost, and carbon footprint to determine the most viable solution.
Option 1
Option 2
Planning
Strategic Roadmap for HYDROSTORE Project
Our strategic roadmap for the HYDROSTORE project involves thorough planning, efficient execution, and continuous evaluation to achieve our goals effectively and sustainably.
WP1&2
Project Management &
Dissemination
In these two work packages we will coordinate the project execution and the dissemination, communication and exploitation activities.
WP3
R&D in new materials
Research and development of new materials for the safe storage of hydrogen in platform cells.
WP4
R&D in hydrogen storage tanks
Research and development of metallic tanks and flow controllers, suitable for large-scale hydrogen storage and distribution in marine conditions
WP5
Floating wind platform design
Design and optimization of the floating platform for hydrogen storage.
WP6
Studies for safe transport of hydrogen
Studies and design of tools for the transfer of hydrogen from the platform to gas carriers.
WP7
Analysis of project results
Comparison of different hydrogen storage methods on the platform
The Consortium
A multidisciplinary Consortium
Meet the project partners making a difference in the green hydrogen industry.
Berenguer Ingenieros: A coastal and port engineering consultancy, providing innovative structural solutions for marine environments.
Beridi Maritime: Specializing in floating wind turbine technology, Beridi is at the forefront of offshore wind energy innovation.
CTC (Centro Tecnológico de Componentes): A leading R&D center focused on advancing industrial and energy technologies, including materials science and robotics.
IDESA TRC: Experts in the design and manufacture of equipment for the petrochemical and renewable energy sectors, with a strong focus on R&D.
LEADING: A company with extensive experience in mechanical and mechatronic solutions, offering advanced manufacturing and engineering services.
Astander: A shipyard with a strong reputation for high-quality ship repair and transformation, committed to innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.
Berthing Maritime Consulting: A maritime engineering consultancy specializing in ship maneuvering, mooring, and maritime traffic management.
Sustainability
HYDROSTORE aligns with several key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By generating and storing green hydrogen, HYDROSTORE contributes to making clean energy accessible and affordable.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The project drives innovation in offshore platform technology, enhancing sustainable industrial infrastructure.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – HYDROSTORE’s impact on energy sustainability supports the development of resilient and sustainable coastal communities.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – By producing carbon-free green hydrogen, HYDROSTORE actively supports global efforts to combat climate change.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaboration among diverse partners is at the heart of HYDROSTORE, reflecting the importance of alliances in achieving sustainable development.
Project News & Updates
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Technical progress in the HYDROSTORE platform design by Berenguer & Beridi (Month 18)
During the first 18 months of the HYDROSTORE project, partners Berenguer Ingeniería and Beridi have carried out advanced studies confirming the technical feasibility of the floating platform for offshore green hydrogen production and storage.
Hydrodynamic analyses demonstrate a stable and robust behaviour, with motions and accelerations remaining within regulatory limits even under severe marine conditions. In parallel, structural studies validate two hydrogen storage alternatives: direct storage in concrete cells and storage in metallic tanks, both compliant with offshore safety, durability and operability requirements.
These results consolidate HYDROSTORE as a safe, scalable and regulation-compliant solution for integrating large-scale offshore wind turbines with green hydrogen systems.
👉 Access the full summary of Berenguer & Beridi's results (Spanish)
CTC progress in HYDROSTORE: barrier materials and hydrogen transfer (Month 18)
During the first months of the HYDROSTORE project, CTC has achieved significant progress in the development of barrier materials for the safe storage of hydrogen in concrete cells and in the design of tools for hydrogen transfer to gas carrier vessels.
The work includes the design of a multilayer hydrogen-impermeable system, with experimental results reaching the target permeability values defined in the project, as well as the development of an interactive tool based on meteorological and wave data to identify safe operational windows for offshore transfer operations.
These results reinforce the technical and operational feasibility of HYDROSTORE as an integrated solution for offshore green hydrogen production and storage.
IDESA progress in HYDROSTORE: metallic tanks for offshore hydrogen storage (Month 18)
Within the HYDROSTORE project, partner IDESA has developed an innovative design of lightweight metallic tanks for the safe storage of hydrogen in marine environments, directly contributing to the deployment of sustainable offshore energy infrastructures.
The work carried out covers the selection and validation of advanced metallic materials resistant to hydrogen embrittlement, as well as the conceptual design, structural analysis and detailed engineering of large-scale tanks adapted to floating platforms. The final design complies with European pressure equipment regulations and with standards applicable to demanding marine environments.
These advances reinforce the technical feasibility of large-scale offshore hydrogen storage solutions and their potential contribution to the decarbonisation of maritime transport and to the development of the hydrogen economy.
Progress of LEADING in HYDROSTORE: Offshore Hydrogen Control and Safe Transfer (Month 18)
During the first months of the HYDROSTORE project, the partner LEADING has carried out key work in regulatory analysis, the design of hydrogen control and measurement systems, and the definition of transfer operations from the offshore platform to transport vessels.
The progress includes the design of specific systems for handling gaseous and liquefied hydrogen, the selection of materials compatible with cryogenic conditions, and validation through structural and thermal simulations. These efforts decisively contribute to ensuring the safety and operability of the green hydrogen solutions proposed in HYDROSTORE.
ASTANDER Advances in Adapting Offshore Platforms for Green Hydrogen Supply
Within the HYDROSTORE project, ASTANDER has made key progress in adapting floating offshore platforms for the production, storage, and safe transfer of green hydrogen, with a focus on liquefied hydrogen (LH₂).
The work includes structural and operational evaluation of the TRIWIND-HEX platform, analysis of different hydrogen storage solutions, and a preliminary design of the platform-to-ship transfer system, covering liquefaction, cryogenic transfer, and dynamic positioning of gas carriers.
These efforts reinforce the technical, operational, and regulatory viability of HYDROSTORE as an innovative offshore green hydrogen solution.
Progress of BERTHING in HYDROSTORE: Marine Environment, Floating Wind Farm, and Hydrogen Logistics (Month 18)
In the HYDROSTORE project, partner BERTHING has carried out key studies on the characterization of the marine environment, the design of the floating wind farm, and the nautical operability of green hydrogen transport.
The work carried out in the Gulf of Maine confirms the suitability of the site, the feasibility of the design based on TRIWIND-HEX platforms, and the possibility of safely conducting hydrogen transfer and maritime transport operations, even under challenging environmental conditions.
Contact
Get in Touch
We welcome inquiries and collaboration opportunities. Contact us for more information about HYDROSTORE, partnership opportunities, or media requests.
