SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 18, 2024 – Exolum, a leading Spanish energy infrastructure company, is breaking new ground in the UK with a pioneering project to test the storage and transport of green hydrogen at a commercial scale. The project, based at the Port of Immingham, utilizes existing natural gas infrastructure to demonstrate the viability of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) for safe and efficient hydrogen handling.
LOHC: A Game-Changer for Hydrogen Logistics
LOHC technology offers a promising solution to the challenges of storing and transporting hydrogen, which is typically gaseous at room temperature and requires specialized infrastructure. LOHC involves binding hydrogen to a carrier liquid, allowing it to be stored and transported in liquid form using conventional infrastructure.
Exolum's pilot project involves transporting 20 tonnes of hydrogen bound in 400 meters of LOHC through a 1.5 km pipeline. This demonstration aims to showcase the potential of LOHC to overcome existing hurdles in the hydrogen supply chain and accelerate the adoption of this clean energy carrier.
Government and Industry Support
The project has received significant support, including £505,000 in funding from the UK government. Exolum's part-owner, CVC, along with stakeholders such as Macquarie, OMERS, and Credit Agricole, have also provided backing for this innovative initiative.
Exolum's Vision for the Energy Transition
Felix Gomez, Technology and Innovation Lead at Exolum, highlighted the strategic importance of the project:
"The pilot would 'highlight the potential of using existing energy infrastructure for new energy carriers.'"
He further emphasized Exolum's commitment to playing a key role in the energy transition:
"Exolum has one of the most efficient and modern logistics systems in the world, so its possibilities of use in the new energy transition scenario are highly realistic and have the potential to be game-changing."
Project Timeline and Objectives
Exolum aims to complete the pilot project by the end of 2024. The key objectives include:
- Demonstrating the feasibility of using LOHC for safe and efficient hydrogen storage and transport.
- Evaluating the compatibility of LOHC with existing natural gas infrastructure.
- Gathering valuable data to optimize LOHC technology and its integration into the energy system.
- Contributing to the development of a robust hydrogen economy in the UK and beyond.
Exolum's Commitment to Innovation
Exolum is a global leader in the development and operation of energy infrastructure, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. The company's expertise in managing complex logistics networks positions it to play a crucial role in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.