OptiH2float, a software platform that supports comprehensive floating wind farm (FWF) design for green hydrogen (H2) production on a bulk scale

This project brings together BPP-Cables and Logan Energy, experts in offshore cabling and H2 production respectively, to produce OptiH2float. OptiH2float is an end-to-end floating wind farm (FWF) design and H2 production optimisation tool. By inputting data concerning weather conditions, shore distance, FWF size, and more, OptiH2float will provide users with quantified energy generation, impacts, costs, and returns, as well as optimisation suggestions for FWF layout, design, and the H2 production process.

Economic, social, and political factors are all driving a growing opportunity for green hydrogen (H2). Technological improvements are reducing the cost of H2 for energy production and transport, making it increasingly attractive (40% cheaper by 2030 \[IRENA, 2020\]). The public in the UK and abroad are demanding policy changes in the face of climate change, and in response 33 countries (including the UK) have declared a climate emergency \[CEDAMIA, 2021\]. The UK Government's ambitious target is to cut 78% of carbon emissions by 2035 \[BBC, 2021\].

H2 production integrated into floating wind farms (FWF) can meet this opportunity. However, as a new technology there is much industry uncertainty about the feasibility of this approach. A FWF is a significant investment of time and money, and FWF developers want to see expected profitable returns.