Industry’s hydrogen experiment steps up a gear

Major offshore wind developer Ørsted is leading a group of Danish businesses from the demand and supply side to develop a hydrogen production facility, while WindEurope launches an initiative to back the role of the technology in decarbonising Europe.

The promise of renewables-produced-hydrogen as a clean storable energy resource has long been discussed among the industry and academics.

Several pilot projects are in the pipeline, but the feasibility of large-scale production and the commerciality of the technology has yet to be proven.

That’s not deterring the renewables industry from pursuing ever-larger projects. Ørsted has invested heavily in making hydrogen a legitimate source of energy.

Its latest attempt sees it join forces with Copenhagen Airports, AP Møller-Mærsk, transport firm DSV Panalpina, shipping firm DFDS and airline SAS to develop an industrial-scale hydrogen facility to produce “e-fuels” for road, maritime and air transport near Copenhagen.