Green FPSO

The EU strives towards net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2050, with a new target set as part of the European Green Deal of at least 55% reduction of GHG emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. To reach such ambitious goals and decarbonize energy-intensive sectors (e.g. oil and gas, chemical, cement, steel), a full transition to 'green' (carbon-neutral) molecules such as hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol is required.

Novel technical solutions are urgently needed to secure a cost-efficient production of green molecules (H2, NH3, and MeOH) at large scale and on short term. Remote offshore production of renewables has been recognized as crucial, thanks to the large availability of space. Existing offshore technologies can help to have such large-scale deployment of green fuels. However, the huge potential of remote offshore is still untapped, and further R&D is needed to initiate this.

The GreenFPSO project aims to reinvent the concept of offshore production and transport of next-generation fuels (H2, NH3, and MeOH). A 'GreenFPSO' is a large floater that produces renewable synthetic fuels at a large scale from renewable power that is harvested at sea. These fuels can be transported to end users and will be used directly to power zero-emission transport, industry, heating and chemical processes. The project combines the existing concept of Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) from oil and gas that is well known and newly developing technologies (such as large-scale marinized electrolysis and floating wind turbines) into an innovative integrated energy production system. The state of the art allows fast development and can contribute to a feasible acceleration of the energy transition.

The consortium consists of a multi-disciplinary group of leading offshore energy companies, energy conversion system developers and research institutes. An advisory board with end users from heavy industry, shipping and aviation is linked to keep focus on market uptake.