Offshore electricity and green hydrogen production in European Seas: A technoeconomic assessment

This thesis examines the potential for offshore wind development in the Mediterranean Sea, highlighting its strategic importance for Europe’s decarbonization. While the North Sea has become a benchmark for large-scale offshore wind due to favorable seabed conditions, strong wind resources, and supportive infrastructure, the Mediterranean Sea remains largely underdeveloped despite its proximity to energy-intensive industries and major demand centers. The study identifies key technical and economic barriers in the Mediterranean, including deep waters that require floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs), moderate wind speeds, and congested electrical grids. To address these challenges, it evaluates three strategies: the use of low-specific-power floating turbines to enhance energy capture at lower wind speeds; the integration of energy storage systems and hydrogen production to reduce curtailment losses; and a hydrogen-driven configuration in which offshore wind farms produce green hydrogen as their primary output for hard-to-abate sectors such as steel and cement. By combining advanced simulation and optimization tools with detailed modeling of batteries and electrolyzers, the thesis develops a comprehensive techno-economic framework tailored to Mediterranean conditions. The results demonstrate both the opportunities and constraints of offshore wind in the region, outlining pathways to unlock its potential and contribute to Europe’s energy transition.