The TransHyDE Helgoland project explores and develops a model transport chain based on LOHC technology between the island of Heligoland and the Port of Hamburg. Heligoland serves as the exemplary hydrogen storage site (hydrogenation), while Hamburg is the proposed release site (dehydrogenation). The project also investigates the use of waste heat from the hydrogenation process for heating the island, addressing material and safety aspects, classification, and standardization. The goal is to create a blueprint for establishing LOHC-based hydrogen transport chains at comparable locations worldwide.
We will prove the efficiency and safety of LOHC technology under the challenging conditions of Heligoland, so we can apply it anywhere in the world. TransHyDE Helgoland is not just a pilot project – it’s a blueprint for the future of global hydrogen transport.
The TransHyDE Helgoland project is a pioneering initiative aimed at developing a sustainable and efficient hydrogen transport chain using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology. This project focuses on the transport of hydrogen between Helgoland, a German island, and the Port of Hamburg, utilizing benzyltoluene as the hydrogen carrier. The innovative approach of this project not only ensures safe and efficient hydrogen transport but also explores the potential for utilizing waste heat generated during the hydrogenation process.
The primary objective of the TransHyDE Helgoland project is to establish a model transport chain that can be replicated at other locations worldwide. The value chain starts with the hydrogen storage on Heligoland in a hydrogenation plant. The hydrogenated LOHC is then transported via tanker trucks to the Port of Hamburg, where the hydrogen is released (dehydrogenation) for further use.
The key innovation in the TransHyDE Helgoland project is the use of an LOHC to safely store hydrogen generated via wind energy on the coast of Heligoland. The LOHC technology addresses several challenges associated with hydrogen storage and transport under harsh climate conditions and in the vicinity of touristic or urban environments: the LOHC solution stands out to its high safety, efficiency, and scalability. Additionally, the project investigates the potential for utilizing excess heat generated during the hydrogenation process to provide heating for the island of Heligoland, thereby enhancing the overall sustainability of the project.
TransHyDE Helgoland also places a strong emphasis on material and safety aspects of hydrogen transport. Researchers from the “Fraunhofer-Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung IFAM” are examining the properties of benzyltoluene and other materials used in the transport chain to ensure they meet the highest safety standards. This includes studying chemical stability, reactivity, and other factors influencing the LOHC handling. Furthermore, the project addresses classification and standardization issues to facilitate the widespread adoption of LOHC-based hydrogen transport systems.
The TransHyDE Helgoland project represents a significant step forward in the development of sustainable hydrogen transport solutions. By creating a blueprint for LOHC-based hydrogen transport chains, the project aims to pave the way for similar initiatives at other locations worldwide. The successful implementation of this project will demonstrate the viability of LOHC technology for safe, efficient, and scalable hydrogen transport, contributing to the global transition to a hydrogen-based energy economy.
The TransHyDE 2.0 initiative brings together industry leaders and researchers to address technological challenges and accelerate innovation in the hydrogen sector. The initiative focuses on the development of a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure, including transport and storage solutions, to support Germany’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has commissioned three hydrogen lighthouse projects to implement the National Hydrogen Strategy, one of which is the TransHyDE lighthouse project. Together, they form the BMBF’s largest funding initiative on energy system transformation. They provide a decisive impetus for Germany’s entry into the hydrogen economy.
NextGenerationEU aims to significantly boost the European economy and deliver tangible results for Europeans through a wide range of impactful projects. As the EU’s biggest ever economic stimulus package, it aims to help pave the way for a new and sustainable growth model based on a clean, innovative and inclusive economy, as well as digital and technological sovereignty.
Fraunhofer IFAM – Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Materials Research is laying the foundations for the future LOHC transport infrastructure. Twelve different research topics are being developed, including the identification of materials that are particularly suitable for LOHC storage, an innovative tank concept specifically for LOHC and tank condition monitoring.
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is a leading European port and transport logistics group. Its main business is container handling at seaports and transport between ports and inland regions in Germany and Europe. HHLA also operates an intermodal network via its Metrans subsidiary, linking major ports with inland terminals across Central and Eastern Europe to improve freight efficiency and sustainability.
Tewis Projektmanagement GmbH is responsible for project management. It coordinates the individual processes and ensures a continuous exchange between all project partners. The targeted flow of information ensures an efficient research process. The company is also responsible for funding management, public relations and interface communication between the joint projects.
Versorgungsbetriebe Helgoland GmbH acts as the interface between the hydrogenation plant and the utilization of process heat. They are currently examining how this heat can be efficiently fed into the local supply network. Furthermore, the feasibility of constructing the hydrogenation plant on the utility company’s premises or integrating it into existing infrastructure is being explored as a potential model.
Hafenprojektgesellschaft Helgoland mbH is responsible for developing solutions and investigating the feasibility of LOHC transhipment in the ports of Helgoland. This in turn forms an interface with sea logistics. The company is also focused on optimizing port operations to support sustainable hydrogen transport and strengthen regional energy networks.
Gascade Gastransport GmbH is advising the project team on pipeline solutions, as the offshore electrolysis plant in this research scenario is to be connected to the hydrogenation plant via a pipeline. cruh21 GmbH is responsible for cross-group knowledge management and supports interface communication between the group projects.
Whitepaper
Safe and efficient hydrogen transport over long distances with LOHC (DE)
Web
Further information on the TransHyDE Helgoland and associated projects
Paper
Large-Scale H2 Storage and Transport with Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier Technology
