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Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII): Wind Turbine – Electrolyser Literature Review

Published 20 February 2025

The transition to renewable energy sources is essential for addressing global climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Offshore wind power stands out due to its high energy yield and minimal land use, but its intermittent nature poses integration challenges.

Directly integrating electrolyser technologies with offshore wind turbines to produce green hydrogen offers a promising solution. Electrolysis, powered by renewable sources like wind, produces green hydrogen, a clean fuel that can decarbonize sectors such as transportation, industry, and energy storage.

Integrating electrolysers with wind turbines allows for the storage of excess wind energy as hydrogen, enhancing system efficiency and reliability. However, this integration faces technical challenges due to the variable nature of wind power. A literature review identified that electrolysers, designed for steady-state operation, degrade faster under variable power conditions, leading to reduced efficiency and lifespan. Understanding these degradation mechanisms is crucial for developing robust systems.

Further research reviewed failure modes and degradation mechanisms of different electrolyser technologies, highlighting their susceptibility to variable power inputs. A model was also developed to analyse wind power data, providing insights into operational challenges and mitigation strategies. While hydrogen production from wind power is gaining industry interest, there is no consensus on its exact role, with various approaches being explored. High-level performance models are needed to test system configurations and assess economic viability, integrating degradation mechanics to capture long-term performance accurately.

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Michael Smailes

Dr Michael Smailes

Head of Energy Integration

michael.smailes@ore.catapult.org.uk