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Hydrogen Powers the Future of Sustainable Energy with ELIRE Group’s Integrated Floating Power Hub

The maritime industry, a key player in global trade, is facing mounting pressure to reduce its carbon emissions and transition to sustainable energy sources. 

Hydrogen is emerging as a critical solution to meet these challenges, particularly in heavy industry and transport.


ELIRE Group’s Integrated Floating Power Hub (IFPH) is designed to be at the heart of this transformation, offering a modular, renewable energy-powered solution that can power vessels and port operations, all while reducing reliance on traditional shore-based infrastructure. 


This innovative approach is already gaining traction, and the integration of hydrogen into the Power Hub is a significant leap forward in maritime decarbonisation efforts.






Rajeev Verma, Group CTO
Rajeev Verma, Group CTO

Rajeev Verma Group CTO at ELIRE Group, believes hydrogen is integral to this shift: "Hydrogen is seen as a critical player in the energy transition, particularly in heavy industry and transport,” he explains. “Technological advancements are reducing the cost of producing hydrogen, which will allow for large-scale production."










As demand for hydrogen continues to rise, Rajeev notes that both public and private investments in this area are surging, with new joint ventures and alliances springing up globally. “There is a rise in public and private investments, with numerous partnerships aiming to unlock hydrogen’s full potential,” he adds.

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The Role of Hydrogen in Decarbonisation


Hydrogen, with its ability to store and release energy cleanly, is pivotal in the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles and the safe storage and transfer of hydrogen remain.



Nathaniel Frithiof, VP Business Development - Nordics
Nathaniel Frithiof, VP Business Development - Nordics

Nathaniel Frithiof, Business Development at ELIRE Group, emphasizes the unique advantages of ELIRE’s floating power hub infrastructure. “International standards for hydrogen bunkering are still evolving,” Nathaniel says. “Our floating power hubs offer the flexibility to be safely distanced from onshore port activities, creating a safer environment for hydrogen storage and transfer while helping ports navigate evolving regulations.”






The IFPH platform is a modular, scalable floating micro-grid that integrates a variety of renewable energy sources;  hydrogen, as well as solar power, and biofuel-powered microturbines.  This setup not only provides reliable, zero-emission power to ships but also reduces the need for costly onshore infrastructure.


Derek McGlashan, VP of Sustainability at ELIRE Group, points out that the integration of hydrogen is particularly important for port decarbonisation: “The adoption of shore power is limited by infrastructure capacity constraints. Our Power Hub solutions can significantly bolster power supplies and help ports overcome this challenge.”


A Game Changer for Sustainable Energy Solutions in Maritime


Unlike onshore power solutions, which are limited by space and high upfront costs, these floating hubs offer a cost-effective, flexible, and scalable alternative that can be deployed in urban ports and even remote locations.


“The River Thames, for instance, is set to become a major hub for the hydrogen economy,” Rajeev notes, highlighting the strategic advantages of this location. 


The Thames, with its proximity to London and major transport routes, offers significant logistical benefits for hydrogen distribution. Additionally, existing port infrastructure can be easily adapted to integrate the Power Hub, reducing the need for new investments.


ELIRE’s Power Hub is the first of its kind, capable of delivering up to 5 megawatts of renewable energy, with the potential to power not only docked vessels but also surrounding port operations. By leveraging hydrogen alongside battery storage systems (BESS), the Power Hub offers a resilient, off-grid energy solution that meets the maritime sector's growing energy demands.


“We’re working to transform the way energy is supplied to ports and vessels,” says Derek. “The ability to integrate renewable energy with hydrogen storage provides a future-proof solution that aligns with the UK’s Maritime 2050 strategy for zero-emission shipping.”





Tackling Emissions Head On


The maritime sector accounts for approximately 2-3% of global CO2 emissions, a figure that is under increasing scrutiny as international efforts to combat climate change ramp up. The adoption of renewable energy solutions like the IFPH is essential to reducing emissions, not just for the maritime industry, but for the ports and communities they serve.


ELIRE’s Power Hub is designed to reduce port-based emissions by up to 80% over the long term, with an initial target of eliminating 500,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the next decade. “By providing an alternative to fossil fuel-dependent shore power, our hubs will significantly contribute to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector,” says Luke Jenkinson, Founder and CEO of ELIRE Group.


Modular Design for a Scalable Future


The IFPH’s modular design ensures that it can be tailored to meet the unique needs of different maritime regions, from bustling urban ports to remote locations. Its integration of various renewable energy sources—including hydrogen, solar power, and battery storageensures that it can deliver reliable, zero-emission power regardless of location.



“We see the potential for our Power Hub to become a global standard for maritime sustainability,” says Rajeev Verma. “Its adaptability means it can be deployed in ports worldwide, helping to meet energy demands and reduce emissions on a global scale.”


A Vision for the Future


ELIRE’s Integrated Floating Power Hub represents a groundbreaking shift in the way ports and vessels access energy. As the maritime industry works to meet ambitious decarbonisation goals, hydrogen-powered floating hubs like the IFPH will play a pivotal role in reducing emissions, enhancing energy resilience, and helping the industry transition to a zero-emission future.


With the first deployment scheduled for autumn 2025 in Greenwich, UK, the Power Hub will be a major step forward in creating a cleaner, more sustainable maritime sector

“The future of energy in the maritime sector is floating, renewable, and hydrogen-powered,” concludes Luke Jenkinson “With ELIRE’s Integrated Floating Power Hub, we’re making that future a reality.”



ELIRE Infra - smart floating solutions accelerating the shift to net zero.
ELIRE Infra - smart floating solutions accelerating the shift to net zero.



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