Offshore hydrogen production from offshore wind energy is gaining global attention as an appealing solution for scaling up green hydrogen production. The technoeconomic feasibility of integrating offshore wind into hydrogen production has been explored in various regions, but no comprehensive study exists concerning Saudi Arabia’s offshore wind potential. This work aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of producing hydrogen onshore versus offshore from wind power in the Red Sea. Via the use of a deterministic cost model, this study evaluates the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) for both configurations. The results show that offshore wind farm costs and floating foundations are the major drivers of capital expenditure (CAPEX). While onshore electrolysis remains slightly less expensive than offshore electrolysis, both configurations require substantial cost reductions to compete with alternative onshore renewable energy sources.
Fellow- Utilities & Renewables
Ahmed is a fellow in the Utilities and Renewables program at KAPSARC. He is an electrical engineer and holds an…
Ahmed is a fellow in the Utilities and Renewables program at KAPSARC. He is an electrical engineer and holds an M.Sc. degree in renewable energy systems from Loughborough University. Prior to joining KAPSARC he worked as an R&D engineer at the Saudi Electricity Company for over five years, heading the company’s research on renewables and energy storage, and working on a wide range of projects including solar power, EV charging, sorption cooling, and energy storage solutions. Ahmed’s current research focuses on power system modeling to help shape the future of the energy mix and the technologies that can contribute to achieving Saudi Arabia’s green targets.
Expertise
- Renewable Energy
- Power System Modeling
- Energy Storage and Emerging Technologies
Publications See all Ahmed Al-Balawi’s publications
The Economics of Offshore Wind-Based Hydrogen Production in Saudi Arabia
Offshore hydrogen production from offshore wind energy is gaining global attention as an appealing solution…
18th December 2024Electric Vehicle Battery Chemistry Evolutions: Critical Mineral Implications
Offshore hydrogen production from offshore wind energy is gaining global attention as an appealing solution…
18th December 2024