Decarbonisation Technology August 2025 Issue

Figure 3 InterContinental Energy’s current portfolio of projects are sited at coastal desert locations with flat expanses of land and strong solar radiation

The system follows a uniform architecture, with each Node supporting approximately 1 GW of electrolysis capacity, powered by 2-2.5 GW of renewable energy. These repeatable modules can be developed in phases, allowing developers to align deployment with demand growth, financing stages, and infrastructure readiness. Lessons from delivering early Nodes can be applied directly to subsequent phases, reducing project risk and enabling faster delivery of each subsequent phase. Standardisation across Nodes supports economies of scale. By using common components such as electrolysers and compressors, equipment procurement and manufacturing can be streamlined; this approach reduces costs and accelerates project timelines. Analysis indicates that the P2(H₂)Node system can reduce capital expenditure by 10-20% compared to traditional models. Moreover, by co-locating hydrogen production with energy generation and using hydrogen pipelines for energy distribution, there is no need to invest in both significant electrical transmission and hydrogen transport infrastructure. The typical layout of a P2(H₂)Node is illustrated in Figure 2 . Modularity is retained throughout the system, with electrolysis being split across nominally eight electrolysis halls, each of approximately 125-150 MW total capacity for a total installed capacity of ~1.1 GW of electrolysis at each Node. At present, the system is being

designed to be commissioned and operated in independent quadrants, to create separate parallel electrical and process systems. Within each electrolysis hall, there will be scope for electrolyser turn-down and isolation of each electrolyser unit (nominally 5-10 MW capacity) to ensure peak system efficiency and minimise impact on membrane degradation associated with load cycling. The operation of multiple parallel units under a stack management system, and its response to the variable wind and solar inputs, is a key focus of ongoing digital twin development. Analysis identifies that careful site selection and balancing of wind and solar inputs can create an average electrolyser utilisation in excess of 70%. A principal feature of the system is its use of line packing for hydrogen storage. Instead of relying on dedicated tanks or underground caverns, hydrogen is compressed and stored directly within the export pipeline network. This approach reduces capital cost, simplifies infrastructure, and enables the consistent delivery of hydrogen to industrial users, as the stored hydrogen smooths out fluctuations in renewable power generation by acting as a buffer between supply and demand. InterContinental Energy has been closely following recent advances in spooled composite pipe technology, as these will offer significant advantages in installation and operation compared with conventional steel segmented pipe.