China has taken a significant leap in renewable energy technology by unveiling the world’s first megawatt-level seawater electrolyzer for hydrogen production. Developed by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), this groundbreaking device marks a major milestone in offshore energy development.
The seawater electrolyzer recently completed a successful test run, earning praise as a “key breakthrough” by the Science and Technology Daily, a prominent domestic newspaper. According to CNOOC engineer Li Zhichuan, the device’s core components are compact enough to fit within five standard shipping containers, making it efficient to deploy at sea. “It can produce 200 normal cubic meters of hydrogen per hour with a purity of 99.999 percent,” Li said.
What sets this technology apart is its ability to utilize surplus electricity generated by offshore wind and solar farms. By harnessing the abundant resource of seawater, the electrolyzer offers a sustainable alternative to traditional freshwater electrolysis. “Seawater is abundant,” Li explained, highlighting one of the major advantages of this innovation.
One of the challenges in using seawater for electrolysis is its complex composition, which can damage equipment. However, Li’s team developed an innovative solution that allows raw seawater to be fed directly into the electrolyzer without prior purification. This advancement enables stable and cost-effective operation, overcoming a significant hurdle in the field.
A CNOOC manager expressed optimism about the future applications of this technology, stating that it has the potential to establish a new model for green hydrogen-based energy consumption at sea. This development not only signifies progress in renewable energy but also opens up new possibilities for sustainable practices in maritime industries.
Reference(s):
China debuts world's 1st megawatt seawater electrolyzer for hydrogen
cgtn.com
