Stubbings, Ryan (2024) Feasibility Analysis of Wave Energy Converters for the Production and Deep-Sea Storage of Hydrogen in Australia. [USQ Project]
Abstract
This dissertation explores the feasibility of integrating Wave Energy Converters (WECs) with hydrogen production and deep-sea hydrogen storage in Australia. Addressing the global transition towards renewable energy, the study focuses on utilising the kinetic energy from waves to produce green hydrogen via electrolysis, while storing it in deep-sea environments. The CorPack WEC, selected for its efficiency, consistently generated an energy output of 10-30 MW, allowing for a hydrogen production rate of up to 600 kg/h using a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser. The system design demonstrated that this integration can produce green hydrogen at commercial levels, offering a scalable and sustainable approach to renewable energy.
The economic analysis revealed that despite high initial capital expenditure (CE) for the WEC, electrolysis systems, and deep-sea storage infrastructure, the project's operational expenditure (OE) remained low. The estimated payback period was around 30 years, indicating financial sustainability, particularly with potential revenue streams from hydrogen sales and government incentives. Environmentally, the deployment and operation of the WEC and hydrogen production systems were shown to have minimal impact on marine ecosystems, especially when installation occurs outside sensitive breeding seasons. The use of the deep-sea storage vessel proved advantageous, taking advantage of natural high-pressure environments to reduce the need for energy-intensive compression.
The dissertation concludes that the integration of WECs with hydrogen production and deep-sea storage offers a technically, economically, and environmentally feasible solution for large-scale green hydrogen production. It aligns with Australia's goal to become a leader in green hydrogen production, supporting the global shift towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Sharifian-Barforoush, Ahmad |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Mar 2026 04:23 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Mar 2026 04:23 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Wave Energy Converters (WECs); hydrogen production; deep-sea hydrogen storage |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53166 |
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