Synergising Floating Wind and Hydrogen Production and Storage: Insights From the HyFloat Concept

Abstract Scotland is advancing its hydrogen economy, aiming for 5 GW of installed hydrogen production capacity by 2030, leveraging its abundant offshore wind energy resources. A key solution is the HyFloat concept by 12toZero, which integrates green hydrogen production and short-term storage into the floating substructure of an offshore wind turbine. This innovative design utilizes the large buoyancy volumes of cell spar-type platforms to store compressed hydrogen, alongside hydrogen production facilities, providing a scalable and robust solution for offshore applications. This study evaluates the technical feasibility of deploying the HyFloat system in Scottish waters, analysing its design, hydrostatics, and hydrodynamic performance. The configuration includes the hull, cargo tanks, hydrogen facilities, turbine components, and mooring systems. Performance was assessed under representative sea states and wind loading conditions, covering operation and extreme scenarios. Numerical simulations and experimental model tests at the Kelvin Hydrodynamics Laboratory (1:75 scale) have been conducted. The results indicate good motion behaviour and stability for typical operation and 50-year extreme conditions. HyFloat demonstrates the technical feasibility of integrating floating wind turbines with hydrogen production and storage, representing a significant advancement in the transition to green energy.