University researchers in four continents have proven that fuel can be generated from seawater through a process called electrolysis. This emerging innovation is a revolutionising game-changing clean energy source. It enables scalable, efficient hydrogen production using abundant seawater and renewable power.

Benefiting the most will be coastal and island regions such as the Caribbean, Canary Islands, Indonesia, Philippines, and Polynesia. Hydrogen fuel is a viable solution for decarbonising long-distance transport in the shipping and aviation sectors.

Hydrogen generation from Caribbean seawater is economically beneficial and sound, especially with regional co-operation and long-term planning. This approach could position the Caribbean as a model for island-based hydrogen innovation and result in global leadership. It will pay off if approached strategically. It reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and diversifies the economy through new sectors like clean tech, green shipping, and hydrogen exports.

Hydrogen fuel is incredibly versatile and highly adaptable. It can be applied across sectors to help decarbonise energy systems. Automobiles, buses, and trucks that are powered by hydrogen fuel cells and produce only water vapour as emissions. Coastal hydrogen hubs have the potential to provide clean fuel for maritime and aviation industries. Hydrogen is gaining recognition as a sustainable marine fuel option for cargo ships and ferries. It is being evaluated as an energy source for aircraft, particularly suited for short-haul and inter-island travel.

Hydrogen enables storing surplus solar or other energy by saving it in fuel cells and releasing it when needed. These fuel cells can provide reliable backup for hospitals, data centres, and telecoms towers. Small hydrogen generators can be used in remote coastal communities to provide clean fuel and water where infrastructure is limited. It can power small-scale operations sustainably, like eco-resorts and nature lodges as it aligns with eco-tourism and carbon-neutral branding.

A small generator is ideal for off-grid residences, emergency shelters, and remote emergency power for remote and disaster crisis zones or during hurricanes. In that regard, since the fuel cells are portable, they can be useful for NGOs, coast guards, and mobile clinics.

You’ll be surprised. A large hydrogen fuel plant isn’t required for hydrogen generation. The smallest known hydrogen-from-seawater generator to date is a 10×10 cm (4”x4”) solar-powered prototype developed by a Cornell University-led team. It produces hydrogen directly from seawater and even generates potable water as a byproduct. The output is about 200 millilitres of hydrogen per hour. Which is 0.2 litre/0.8 US cup/6.7 US ounce hour. Not much but what can be expected from the smallest available device? Take it over 24 hours and you’ll have 4.8 litre/1.3 US gallons. This prototype demonstrates that hydrogen production can be miniaturised for decentralised applications. Larger commercial developed devices will bring a larger output.

That is an opportunity for investors. Remember the proverb that the early bird gets the worm. Hydrogen-from-seawater research is accelerating globally, with promising breakthroughs. There is a definite need. Lab-scale prototypes exist. Partnerships with universities and startups may accelerate commercialisation. Cornell University’s solar-powered 10×10 cm device could be ideal for small-scale commercial development and for education. No commercial or off-the-shelf hydrogen-from-seawater generators are on the market yet. Most systems are in pilot or pre-commercial phases, with scalability and cost still being optimised. Pilot deployments in coastal and island regions like the Caribbean could validate real-world use.

Call it: ‘Hydrogen horizons: Empowering island innovation with seawater-to-fuel grids’, a concept to pitch the deployment of small-scale hydrogen-from-seawater generators in the Caribbean. The project will showcase the region’s leadership in sustainable technology and empower the next generation of clean energy stewards.

Leverage the Caribbean’s strategic location in global shipping lanes. Invest in infrastructure upgrades of ports to act as hydrogen hubs for production, storage, and export.

According to a 2025 Caribbean Maritime University study, titled ‘Hydrogen hub potential in the Caribbean: Towards a sustainable future’, integrating hydrogen hubs with port infrastructure can boost gross domestic product (GDP) by promoting renewable energy, reducing fuel imports, and supporting new green industries. The study explored how hydrogen hubs, especially those integrated with port infrastructure, could contribute significantly to the gross national income of Caribbean nations by diversifying energy sources, reducing fuel imports, and creating new green industries.

The Caribbean has not yet pursued hydrogen fuel generation from seawater due to still emerging technology, limited local research and development capabilities, low awareness among policy- and decision-makers, and insufficient funds for clean tech pilots. Governments tend to wait for scalable, proven solutions before investing, while budgets focus on immediate needs like disaster recovery and tourism revival. The absence of a unified regional strategy and shared infrastructure further slows progress. Islands operating independently may be missing an opportunity to unlock the Caribbean’s clean energy future.

It could be a matter of investing now and owning it as a lucrative business develops or buy the product later from other sources and pay the price for it. Don’t ask two years from now: Why weren’t we informed earlier about this opportunity? The answer then might be, “One did lead the horse to water, but one couldn’t make him drink.”

Bud Slabbaert

Commander Bud Slabbaert is chairman/coordinator of CARIBAVIA. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or cdrbud@gmail.com.