Introduction
French hydrogen producer Lhyfe, in collaboration with Flexens and Stockholm University’s Department of Ecology, Environment, and Plant Sciences (DEEP), has launched the Baltic Sea Oxygenation and the Super-Green Hydrogen Economy project, also known as BOxHy. This project aims to address the issue of anoxia, the complete lack of oxygen in the marine environment, in the Baltic Sea. By injecting oxygen into the sea through offshore hydrogen production via water electrolysis, BOxHy aims to contribute to ocean reoxygenation.
Objective
The objective of the BOxHy project is to evaluate suitable offshore locations for a pilot study on the reoxygenation of marine ecosystems using oxygen co-produced during water electrolysis. The project, coordinated by Flexens, began in October 2023 and is expected to conclude in October 2024. It is funded by the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) Fund.
Methods
The BOxHy project will employ deep oxygen injection (DOI) as a method to release pure oxygen gas deep below the water’s surface. This will be done below the pycnocline, a region where strong changes in water density occur. The oxygen will be spread evenly with micro-bubbles to ensure effective distribution. The project will identify a suitable fjord-scale pilot site for DOI and initiate preparations, including stakeholder engagement and identifying potential funding sources.
Key Steps:
- Evaluate suitable offshore locations for pilot study
- Prepare pilot site for oxygen injection
- Engage stakeholders and identify funding sources
Role of Flexens
Flexens, with its island roots and passion for the Baltic Sea, is managing and coordinating the BOxHy project. The company’s responsibilities include mapping existing and potential Power-to-X projects to find connections with anoxic regions, determining the required electrolyser capacity to meet oxygen demand, and investigating the energy supply availability from planned offshore wind farms. Flexens will actively engage with key stakeholders to navigate the technical, financial, political, regulatory, and social landscapes necessary for the success of the project. They will also organize informational events and oversee the creation and publication of a project report.
Role of Lhyfe
Lhyfe, as part of the BOxHy project, will investigate the integration of DOI technology with the offshore hydrogen production platform. The company will also assess the replicability of the platform in the Baltic Sea environment. Lhyfe has already piloted the world’s first offshore green hydrogen production facility through the Sealhyfe project in Le Croisic, France.
Conclusion
The BOxHy project represents a significant step towards ocean reoxygenation in the Baltic Sea. By injecting oxygen into the marine environment through offshore hydrogen production, this project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14: Life Below Water. The project aims to not only expand the “super-green” hydrogen economy but also ignite vital discussions on this topic. Through collaboration and stakeholder engagement, BOxHy seeks to overcome technical, financial, political, regulatory, and social challenges to ensure the success of this innovative initiative.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – This goal focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The article discusses the problem of anoxia in the Baltic Sea and proposes a solution to inject oxygen into the sea to address this issue.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – This goal aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The article mentions the production of offshore hydrogen through water electrolysis as a means to inject oxygen into the sea.
2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content
- Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution – The article discusses the injection of oxygen into the Baltic Sea to address anoxia, which is caused by nutrient pollution.
- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix – The article mentions the production of offshore hydrogen from water electrolysis, which is a renewable energy source.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article
- Indicator for Target 14.1: Proportion of coastal and marine areas that are protected – The article mentions the need to inject oxygen into the Baltic Sea to address anoxia, which is a form of marine pollution caused by nutrient pollution.
- Indicator for Target 7.2: Share of renewable energy in the total final energy consumption – The article discusses the production of offshore hydrogen from water electrolysis, which is a renewable energy source.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution | Proportion of coastal and marine areas that are protected |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Share of renewable energy in the total final energy consumption |
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Fuente: offshore-energy.biz
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