Innovate UK granted GBP 430,332 (US$ 565,000) in funding to design and integrate hydrogen diesel dual fuel injection system onboard a commercial ferry.
The hydrogen that is going to be used in the project will be produced by EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre) in Orkney, from clean renewable energy sources which are available on the islands and is due to power a ferry operating between Kirkwall and Shapinsay Island.
Image: Port of Kirkwall (Orkney Island, Scotland)
The 12-month Hydrogen Diesel Injection in Marine Environment (HyDIME) project is led by Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd. The project is due to be executed by a consortium consisting of EMEC, Lloyds Register, Orkney Islands Council and High Speed Sustainable Manufacturing Institute (HSSMI). The project will apply with globally unique technology in hydrogen dual fuel, Ultra Low Emission Mileage Company.
Hydrogen is becoming increasingly popular as a fuel as an alternative to fossil fuels. Hydrogen injection technology is already being demonstrated in automotive industry.
Orkney has the infrastructure to produce green hydrogen. On Eday Island, there is often surplus of renewable electricity. It, instead of being wasted, is fed into electrolyser sited at the tidal test facility of EMEC. The electrolyser splits water into oxygen and hydrogen, and the hydrogen can be then stored and transported.