Wedoany.com Report-Mar 19, UK-based hydrogen technology company Latent Drive has been awarded £630,000 by Innovate UK to advance its groundbreaking HydroPort project. This initiative focuses on producing green hydrogen directly from seawater using proprietary technology, SeaStack. Scheduled for trials along the Dorset coast, the project aims to fuel a harbour patrol vessel with clean energy and serves as a bold step towards decarbonizing maritime operations.
With the global market for green hydrogen projected to reach $642 billion by 2030, HydroPort demonstrates both innovation and ambition, tackling significant barriers in offshore hydrogen production.
SeaStack Technology: Transforming Offshore Hydrogen Production
At the heart of the HydroPort project lies Latent Drive’s SeaStack technology, a direct seawater-to-hydrogen electrolyser stack. Unlike traditional systems that rely on freshwater and costly desalination processes, SeaStack operates directly with seawater, eliminating complex water purification steps.
Its two-stage water-splitting process ensures efficient hydrogen production while protecting vital components from the harsh conditions of seawater. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with offshore energy sources such as wind farms, enabling energy capture even during periods of fluctuation. This modular, compact, and robust design positions SeaStack as an adaptable solution for challenging offshore installations, including wind turbines, re-purposed oil platforms, and coastal harbor settings.
SeaStack’s efficiency and affordability stand out. Capable of optimizing energy use without extensive infrastructure, the system achieves hydrogen production costs below the critical $2 per kilogram mark, a breakthrough for economic green hydrogen adoption.
HydroPort Project Goals and Trials
The HydroPort project, starting in April 2025, is designed to showcase the technical and commercial viability of SeaStack. A critical aspect of this trial involves collaboration with partners such as Logan Energy, SALINE Business Services, and the University of Exeter’s Centre for Future Clean Mobility. These entities bring expertise in renewable integration, maritime engineering, and hydrogen application forward, setting a strong foundation for the project’s success.
The trials will take place at Portland Port along the Dorset coast, where SeaStack technology will fuel a harbor patrol vessel. The goal is not just operational validation of the technology but also an assessment of its market potential for port decarbonization. By demonstrating how excess renewable energy can be converted into valuable hydrogen and stored efficiently, Latent Drive aims to facilitate the transition of coastal industries to greener operations.
Green Hydrogen’s Role in Tackling Global Challenges
Projects like HydroPort arrive at a critical juncture in the energy landscape. Offshore wind farms, while pivotal to renewable energy generation, face mounting challenges in scaling efficiently. Subsea cables for energy transmission are costly, infrastructure approvals are lengthy, and wind energy intermittency leads to wasted potential during periods of low demand.
SeaStack offers a sustainable alternative, converting unused wind energy into storable hydrogen. This hydrogen can be piped ashore at a fraction of the cost of electrical transmission, addressing infrastructure bottlenecks and boosting project timelines.
Additionally, given that over 35% of planned hydrogen production capacity is expected in water-stressed regions, seawater-based technologies like SeaStack alleviate the burden on freshwater resources. The system positions the UK as a leader in green hydrogen production, furthering offshore energy goals and bolstering international collaborations like the UK-Germany Hydrogen Partnership aimed at hydrogen export feasibility.
Addressing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
While HydroPort charts an exciting course for green energy, the path isn’t without obstacles. Developing and scaling standalone offshore hydrogen systems demands robust engineering to withstand maritime conditions. The economic viability of the technology in diverse geographies will also require meticulous cost analysis and strategic partnerships with energy providers and policymakers.
However, the opportunities are immense. Latent Drive’s emphasis on efficiency and scalability aligns with broader industry goals of achieving significant cost reductions. By showcasing near-zero emissions and resilience to water availability constraints, HydroPort could serve as a blueprint for future projects worldwide. Additionally, it could stimulate policy focus on integrated energy solutions, such as hybrid grids combining hydrogen and electricity transmission.
A Leap Toward a Greener Maritime Future
Latent Drive’s £630k Innovate UK grant underscores the urgency and innovation needed to tackle climate challenges. By creating a sustainable model for direct seawater-to-hydrogen production, the HydroPort project not only advances renewable energy but also presents scalable solutions for industries grappling with decarbonization.
SeaStack’s potential to redefine offshore energy economics, coupled with the real-world applicability demonstrated in Dorset, positions this initiative as a pivotal moment for green hydrogen. While challenges remain, the lessons learned from HydroPort could ripple across the maritime and energy sectors, signifying a significant leap toward a cleaner, greener future for all.
