Carrying hydrogen differs from producing it aboard ship. Electrical power can split water to generate hydrogen, allowing a vessel to replenish fuel-cell stores when sufficient generation capacity is available. Distributed fuel cells could then support propulsion or hotel loads away from one central machinery space. The same hydrogen might fuel compatible small boats or aircraft, turning the ship into a producer as well as a consumer of energy. That capability would not eliminate efficiency and storage problems, but it could reduce dependence on carrying separate fuels for every subordinate craft. The operational attraction lies in logistics flexibility rather than any claim that hydrogen generation is free.
Notable Point · 5:30:34-5:31:28
How shipboard hydrogen production could support a task group
A warship able to generate hydrogen from water could use it for distributed electrical power and supply compatible aircraft or boats, changing fuel logistics within the task group.