{"id":50621,"date":"2024-08-28T10:56:25","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T09:56:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=50621"},"modified":"2025-01-26T19:49:48","modified_gmt":"2025-01-26T19:49:48","slug":"lh2craft-safe-and-efficient-transportation-of-liquid-hydrogen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/lh2craft-safe-and-efficient-transportation-of-liquid-hydrogen\/50621\/","title":{"rendered":"LH2CRAFT EU-funded Project: Safe and efficient transportation of liquid hydrogen"},"content":{"rendered":"

An overview of the ongoing EU-funded Project \u2018LH2CRAFT\u2019<\/a>, dealing with the safe and efficient marine transportation of liquid hydrogen in large quantities.<\/h2>\n

Transport is a cornerstone of both the European Union\u2019s internal cohesion and its global trade, driving economic growth, employment, and social equality. Yet, as the world\u2019s reliance on transportation has deepened, the same has applied to its environmental impact.<\/p>\n

Global transport challenges and opportunities<\/h3>\n

The carbon footprint of transport activities has surged to concerning levels. According to the European Investment Bank\u2019s Transport Lending Policy 2022: \u201cThe negative climate, environmental, safety and congestion externalities of transport as well as its unequal availability to users have reached unacceptable levels.\u201d<\/p>\n

In response, the European Green Deal Strategy has set a bold target of a 90% reduction in transport emissions, compared to 1990 levels, by 2050, achieved through the adoption of more sustainable, affordable, accessible, healthier, and cleaner alternatives.<\/p>\n

Exacerbating this challenge is the global energy crisis that began long before Russia invaded Ukraine. The conflict has only intensified Europe\u2019s energy woes, with the continent facing the looming winter with dwindling energy reserves and little hope of replenishment. The pandemic temporarily masked these energy security issues, as reduced industrial activity led to lower energy demand. With economic recovery underway, the energy security is becoming increasingly apparent, creating what some describe as a perfect storm.<\/p>\n

However, amidst these challenges lies a significant opportunity. Decarbonisation policies are gaining traction, with both industry and governments recognising the potential for transformative change. Leading companies like Maersk have committed to carbon-neutral operations by 2050, while MSC and France\u2019s CMA CGM are investing heavily in carbon-neutral shipping technologies.<\/p>\n

At the heart of these efforts is liquid hydrogen (H2), a fuel with the highest energy per mass of any fuel. Yet, its low ambient temperature density poses a challenge. It requires advanced storage and transportation solutions to enable its use over long distances \u2013 as the liquid hydrogen must be transported from production sites to regions with high demand.<\/p>\n

In this context, the LH2CRAFT project is pioneering a new generation of sustainable, commercially attractive, and safe technologies for the long-term storage and long-distance transportation of liquid hydrogen (LH2) on ships. The project aims to develop innovative storage solutions that can operate at temperatures as low as 20 K (-253o<\/sup>C), with a 180m\u00b3 containment system serving as the project\u2019s demonstration model.<\/p>\n

By advancing these technologies, LH2CRAFT not only addresses societal energy needs but also strengthens the EU\u2019s leadership in global maritime innovation. The project is expected to significantly impact Europe\u2019s innovation-driven industry, creating highly skilled jobs, delivering efficient technological solutions, and setting international regulatory standards.<\/p>\n

LH2CRAFT project outline and objectives<\/h3>\n

LH2CRAFT is an ongoing Research & Innovation project, being mainly funded by the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking of the EU while also receiving grants from the UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) for the UK-based partners as well as contributions from the private sector. The project was the only proposal that was awarded by the EU within the Call for Proposals (HORIZON-JTI-CLEANH2-2022-02-06: \u2018Development of large scale LH2 containment for shipping.\u2019<\/p>\n

\"transportation<\/p>\n

The project is coordinated by the Greek-based company HYDRUS ENGINEERING SA<\/a>, a global engineering organisation offering comprehensive and integrated solutions across the maritime, energy and defence sectors.<\/p>\n

The main objectives of the project are summarised as follows:<\/p>\n