- The UK government funded the project with £505,000 under the Hydrogen Storage and Distribution Supply Chain Collaborative R&D programme.
- The trial involves transporting 400 cubic meters of LOHC containing 20 tonnes of hydrogen over a 1.5 km pipeline.
- A scientific study on the costs and benefits of LOHC for hydrogen will be published in early 2025.
- The project aims to meet 30% of the UK's hydrogen demand by 2030, distributing 4.6 TWh annually.
Project Overview
Exolum has initiated a pioneering project to transport and store green hydrogen using liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) within existing oil infrastructure. This project is being conducted at Immingham, the UK's largest freight port, and represents the first commercial-scale demonstration of this technology.
Technology and Process
LOHCs are organic compounds capable of absorbing and releasing hydrogen through chemical reactions, providing a safe method for hydrogen storage and transport in liquid form. The trial will transport 400 cubic meters of LOHC containing 20 tonnes of hydrogen through a 1.5 km pipeline connecting Exolum’s facilities at Immingham East and West. Laboratory tests will ensure the quality of LOHC is maintained throughout the process.
Funding and Support
The UK government has supported this initiative with a £505,000 grant as part of the Hydrogen Storage and Distribution Supply Chain Collaborative R&D programme managed by Innovate UK. This funding underscores the strategic importance of the project in advancing the UK's hydrogen infrastructure.
Future Implications
A scientific study evaluating the costs and benefits of converting, transporting, storing, and releasing hydrogen as LOHC is scheduled for publication in early 2025. Exolum estimates that its UK facilities could distribute 4.6 TWh of hydrogen annually, meeting 30% of the UK government's projected hydrogen demand by 2030. This project aligns with the UK's Clean Power Mission 2030, aiming to replace underground storage with terminals at consumption points.
Additional Developments
In addition to this project, Exolum is involved in the Tees Valley Hydrogen Vehicle Ecosystem project, which includes a green hydrogen production plant and refueling station. The company is also active in Spain, focusing on renewable hydrogen storage and distribution technologies.
