Hydrogen and syngas-production by Solid Oxide Electrolysis in off-shore PtX-applications

Abstract

Off-shore power generation is one of the keys to the decarbonization of industry. However, in sites where it is economically and technically not feasible to realize a direct connection to the electricity grid on-shore, there is a potential to directly produce PtX-products such as hydrogen, ammonia but also carbon containing derivatives off-shore. Within the German funded flagship project, H2Mare, these options are analysed in detail. While water is obtained from seawater; CO2 from direct air capture, from seawater, or delivered by ship. One of the options is to convert these reactants in an SOEC to syngas, or just water to hydrogen, for further usage in downstream processes or direct shipping. This contribution focuses on the direct coupling of SOEC with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. For that, the results of a conceptual and thermodynamic based study will be presented showing the potential of co-electrolysis in comparison with other electrolyser technologies using energy methods. This includes steam-electrolysis coupled with reverse water gas shift reactors using SOEC or AEL for syngas production. Different process integration concepts are presented and compared. Finally, the status of the engineering for an off-shore demonstration in 2025 will be depicted in which a pressurized SOEC will be coupled with a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on a floating platform in the North Sea. For that, DLR is currently building up the transportable container e-XPlore for the experimental evaluation of steam and co-electrolysis in the demonstration for experimental validation.