OGTC, in partnership with Scottish Government, Global Energy Group, Pale Blue Dot (on behalf of the Acorn Project), Port of Cromarty Firth, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and Shetland Island Council, have today announced details of a collaborative study to examine the potential of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) for the transportation of hydrogen.

The initial phase of the study will be conducted by Environmental Resources Management (ERM). The project will investigate how liquid organic hydrogen carriers can be used as a mass transportation solution from sources of hydrogen around the UK and Europe. Focused on safe marine transportation and storage of hydrogen, ERM will evaluate the techno-economical, safety and environmental benefits of LOHC for marine transportation.

The project will also examine the suitability of existing conventional oil and gas assets and ports. Importantly, the project will gather evidence to assess the technical and economic feasibility of repurposing existing marine assets for LOHC transportation as well as loading and offloading safety requirements. Environmental assessments comparing various mass transportation solutions will determine further phases of the study, which could potentially lead to trials within four years.

The project aligns with the recent Scottish Government Hydrogen Policy announcement to work with research partners to explore the safe and cost-effective options for the marine transport of hydrogen between Scotland and the UK and European ports