The Sealhyfe project, equipped with a 1MW electrolyser from Plug, aimed to demonstrate offshore hydrogen production from renewable sources. The electrolyser, deployed on the WAVEGEM platform at SEM-REV sea trials site, was powered by the Floatgen floating wind turbine from BW Ideol at the same location.Measurement and data collection instruments on Sealhyfe ensured precise control of production parameters from September 2022 to November 2023, both at the quayside and at sea.
Lhyfe repeatedly tested the system's versatility and responsiveness for electricity grid services in various configurations, confirming its ability to manage wind power variability in offshore conditions. The electrolysis system operated at maximum capacity, achieving performance comparable to onshore installations.
During the trial, Lhyfe's production system equipment endured extreme conditions, with post-land analysis confirming all equipment's return unharmed with intact production capacity.
On-board and remotely-controlled instruments were used to optimize Lhyfe's production units throughout the experiment, including safety systems, electrical architecture, automation, and fluid management.
The quayside testing phase de-risked the project, identifying and mitigating offshore-specific impacts. The site was then operated remotely from Lhyfe's control centre, validating software and algorithms for green hydrogen production.
Lhyfe collaborated with French authorities to define operating rules for green hydrogen production in urban, industrial, port, and open sea environments.
Results from the experiment are integrated into the HOPE project, the second stage in Lhyfe's offshore ambitions, receiving a €20 million grant from the European Commission and an additional €13 million grant from the Belgian government. The 10MW project, starting in 2026, will produce up to 4 tonnes of green hydrogen daily at sea for export and delivery to customers.
(image courtesy Lhyfe)
