The BOxHy Project: Tackling Anoxia in the Baltic Sea
The main objective of the project is to tackle the problem of “anoxia” (the complete lack of oxygen in the marine environment) in the Baltic Sea by injecting oxygen into the sea through the production of offshore hydrogen from water electrolysis, an adapted and existing technology. The project will evaluate suitable offshore locations for conducting a pilot study of the reoxygenation of marine ecosystems via the oxygen co-produced during this electrolysis of water. Commenced in October 2023, the BOxHy project, which is coordinated by Flexens, is expected to conclude in October 2024. The Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) Fund is funding the project.
The Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 14: Life Below Water – The BOxHy project aims to restore the oxygen conditions of the Baltic Sea deep water, which would have many positive effects on the Baltic Sea ecosystem.
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The project integrates green hydrogen production with Baltic Sea restoration, contributing to the expansion of the “super-green” hydrogen economy.
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The project actively engages with key stakeholders to navigate the technical, financial, political, regulatory, and social landscapes essential for its success.
Deep Oxygen Injection (DOI) – A Promising Solution for Combatting Anoxia
Deep oxygen injection, also known as DOI, is a method where pure oxygen gas is released deep under the water’s surface, below a region where strong changes in water density occur, using a system that spreads out the oxygen evenly with micro-bubbles. This type of system is already used in several freshwater lakes in the United States. The project will identify a suitable fjord-scale pilot site for DOI and begin its preparations, including stakeholder engagement and identifying potential funding sources.
The Potential Benefits of DOI in the Baltic Sea
- Expansion of cod reproduction and feeding habitat
- Lowered phosphorus concentrations and less intense bloom of toxic cyanobacteria
The Symbiotic Approach: Green Hydrogen Production and Baltic Sea Restoration
The estimated oxygen demand below the pycnocline in the Baltic Sea Proper and Gulf of Finland is 10,000 to ~15,000 tons per day. BOxHy proposes a symbiotic approach to Baltic Sea restoration by integrating it with the growing sector of green hydrogen production. The strategy involves utilizing the oxygen co-produced during water electrolysis to rejuvenate marine ecosystems. This “super-green” hydrogen production can be vital for financing Baltic Sea Oxygenation.
The Role of Flexens in the BOxHy Project
- Mapping existing and potential Power-to-X projects to find connections with anoxic regions
- Determining the electrolyzer capacity required to meet the oxygen demand in these regions
- Investigating the energy supply availability for potential large-scale electrolyzers from planned offshore wind farms
Research Expertise at the Core of the BOxHy Project
The project is executed by a team of experts that bring their diverse range of knowledge to the table. French energy company, Lhyfe, has already piloted the world’s first offshore green hydrogen production facility via the Sealhyfe project of Le Croisic, France. As part of the BOxHy project, Lhyfe will investigate the integration of DOI technology with the offshore hydrogen production platform, and the replicability of the platform in the Baltic Sea environment.
The Importance of Collaboration and Awareness
The project aims to not only explore the expansion of the ‘super-green’ hydrogen economy but also to ignite vital discussions on this topic. The project actively engages with key stakeholders to navigate the technical, financial, political, regulatory, and social landscapes essential for the success of this innovative initiative. Informational events will be organized, and a project report will be created and published.
Unlocking New Horizons in Green Hydrogen Innovation
With extensive marine monitoring and research, DEEP at Stockholm University has followed the development of the Baltic Sea since the 1970s. In the BOxHy project, DEEP will evaluate the suitability of different coastal bays for testing oxygenation on a pilot scale and assess the impact of potential oxygen inputs on a larger Baltic Sea scale.
The Role of the Science and Technology Advisory Committee (STACO)
The project is supported by the Science and Technology Advisory Committee (STACO), a panel of 9 experts in oxygenation from around the world. The STACO aims to bridge the knowledge gap between the scientific and engineering world concerning oxygenation and widen the horizon of possibilities for both.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 14: Life Below Water
- Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
- Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
- Target 14.7: By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism.
The article discusses the problem of anoxia in the Baltic Sea and proposes injecting oxygen into the sea to reoxygenate marine ecosystems. This aligns with SDG 14, which aims to protect and restore the health of oceans and marine ecosystems.
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
The article mentions the production of green hydrogen through water electrolysis as a means to finance Baltic Sea oxygenation. This relates to SDG 7, which promotes the use of clean and renewable energy sources.
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, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. | Anoxia reduction through oxygen injection in the Baltic Sea. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans. | Oxygenation of marine ecosystems in the Baltic Sea. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.7: By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. | Potential economic benefits from improved oxygen conditions in the Baltic Sea. |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Utilization of green hydrogen production through water electrolysis. |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. | Promotion of energy efficiency in the production of green hydrogen. |
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Fuente: renewableenergymagazine.com
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