Onshore Energy Research Articles

Hydrogen in the seaward advancement of industrial societies

Since the initial impetus of Derek Gregory's landmark analysis of the Hydrogen Economy in 1972, most concepts for producing hydrogen offshore have assumed that the entire product utilization will be onshore. Although delivery to shore is undoubtedly one option, there is another, which is use at sea at or near the site of hydrogen generation. While many of us strive toward the development of hydrogen as tomorrow's fuel, another evolutionary bud is sprouting: our industry is beginning to move seaward. At the same time most signs point to a realization that we are on the threshold of a new social order; a society that is growth-limited by finite energy resources and one that may have to modify its techno-demographic patterns. Existing onshore energy infrastructures must convert to hydrogen at considerable expense and the conversion must be incremental and non-disruptive—no mean challenge. Offshore urban/industrial complexes, on the other hand, could be based upon hydrogen from the beginning. They could thus serve as test and demonstration beds for the eventual adoption of hydrogen as the storable, transportable and ecologically sound fuel base of highly efficient urban/industrial complexes everywhere. This paper explores this option and offers glimpses of future possibilities.