Lhyfe, Flexens and Stockholm University collaborate on new project

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 the 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.

Injecting pure oxygen below the pycnocline could, in conjunction with external nutrient input limitation, eliminate anoxia in the Baltic Sea. In the BSAP-funded study published in October 2022, Vahanen and Jacobs investigated the concept. To continue the work, the BOxHy project will initiate the pilot site preparation for testing oxygen injection in the Baltic Sea.

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 US. The project will identify a suitable fjord-scale pilot site for DOI and begin its preparations, including stakeholder engagement and identifying potential funding sources.

"Restoring the oxygen conditions of the Baltic Sea deep water by long-term oxygen additions would have many positive effects on the Baltic Sea ecosystem," said Jakob Walve, marine ecologist at DEEP, Stockholm University. “The habitat for cod reproduction and feeding would greatly expand. We can also expect lowered phosphorus concentrations as more will be bound in sediments, and thus result in less intense bloom of nitrogen-fixing, toxic cyanobacteria."

The estimated oxygen demand below the pycnocline in the Baltic Sea Proper and Gulf of Finland is 10 000 to ~15 000 tpd. BOxHy proposes a symbiotic approach to Baltic Sea restoration by integrating it with the growing sector of green hydrogen production. The strategy involves utilising the oxygen co-produced during the water electrolysis — a process of producing hydrogen — to rejuvenate marine ecosystems. This 'super-green' hydrogen production can be vital for financing Baltic Sea Oxygenation.

“Given Flexens’ island roots and passion for the Baltic Sea, we are particularly thrilled to be managing and coordinating this project. Our role includes mapping existing and potential power-to-X projects to find connections with anoxic regions and determining the electrolyser capacity required to meet the oxygen demand in these regions. We are also responsible for investigating the energy supply availability for potential large-scale electrolysers from planned offshore wind farms (e.g., in the Åland Islands)," said Project Manager, Szilvia Haide, from Flexens.

Matthieu Guesné, Founder and CEO of Lhyfe: "Reoxygenation is at the heart of the Lhyfe project. Back in 2017, we imagined a way of massively decarbonising transport and industry by producing and supplying renewable hydrogen and, at the same time, contributing to the reoxygenation of the oceans as part of our offshore projects. We are very proud to be taking this next step with Flexens and DEEP, Stockholm University. Through this type of initiative, as well as reducing our carbon footprint, we can imagine providing a service to the environment and having a positive impact on the natural ecosystem."

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/20122023/lhyfe-flexens-and-stockholm-university-to-collaborate/