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A geospatial economic analysis of hydrogen production from offshore wind using electrolysers
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Date
2024
Authors
Vu Dinh, Quang
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
The transition to renewable energy has driven growing interest in green hydrogen as an energy carrier. Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced without generating carbon emissions. Typically, it’s produced from renewable energy sources. Combined with the advantages of offshore wind, green hydrogen production from offshore wind energy has emerged as a potential versatile zero-carbon energy vector. Exploiting offshore wind energy to produce hydrogen not only opens up a new direction in the use of renewable energy but also positively contributes to global sustainable development goals.
A comprehensive literature review highlights advancements in green hydrogen production, geospatial methods for renewable energy, and the optimisation of hydrogen systems. This thesis focuses on researching the potential of the technical and economic aspects of hydrogen production from offshore wind energy. Two concepts for combining electrolysers with offshore wind farms to produce hydrogen are considered. In the first concept, the centralised electrolyser is located offshore, while the second considers an onshore centralised electrolyser. The first aim is to develop a model to calculate the cost of hydrogen production from offshore wind farms. Then, the cost model is used to construct a LCOH map and applied to Irish waters. The area off the west coast has more robust wind resources than the east coast. However, the east coast has shallower water depths and seaports that are more convenient. Nearshore areas suitable for cheaper foundations can produce hydrogen at a lower cost in the two hydrogen production concepts considered. The second aim is to minimise hydrogen production costs by optimising installed electrolyser capacity. In a 600 MW offshore wind farm case study, the optimal offshore electrolyser capacity is about 83% of the wind farm capacity. In the onshore electrolyser concept, the optimal ratio is about 79%. This research also conducts sensitivity analyses to examine the influence of technical parameters on the optimal electrolyser capacity, providing valuable insights into system design and operational efficiency. Beyond hydrogen production aspects, a general assessment to identify potential export markets for hydrogen from Ireland was also investigated. Countries with high hydrogen demand and close to Ireland, such as the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, could be potential export markets in the future. Hydrogen trade among markets will require a suitable hydrogen transport method. Hydrogen can be transported directly or in other forms. The offshore transportation of hydrogen in the form of ammonia was investigated. From the results, suitable transportation methods can be selected based on transportation distance and electrolyser capacity.
The goal of this thesis is to provide a comprehensive and in-depth view of the process and potential of hydrogen production from offshore wind energy, thereby contributing to general knowledge and supporting planners, policymakers, scientists, and engineers in promoting the application and development of green hydrogen production from offshore wind energy. The results and recommendations will be the basis for new steps in the journey towards a sustainable energy future. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that the projections of hydrogen demand and levelised cost presented in this thesis are dependent on input data and assumptions which will need to be continually updated as the technology and markets develop.
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Controlled Access
Keywords
Offshore wind , Hydrogen , Electrolyser
Citation
Vu Dinh, Q. 2024. A geospatial economic analysis of hydrogen production from offshore wind using electrolysers. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.