A new study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE confirms the efficiency of offshore hydrogen production compared to onshore production. In addition, the study underlines that connecting offshore hydrogen production to the grid brings considerable advantages: the flexible use of wind energy enables either conversion into green hydrogen or electricity transmission to the mainland via HVDC cables.
The Fraunhofer study therefore comes to similar positive conclusions as our commissioned short study, which examines combined connection concepts in the German EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). Flexible control between hydrogen production and direct electricity feed-in makes the energy system more efficient and flexible, which leads to positive system effects. Especially in times of low prices and an oversupply of renewable electricity, the surplus electricity can be used for hydrogen production, while direct feed-in into the grid is preferred when demand is higher.