Cost optimization of offshore wind farm combination with reversible solid oxide cell system producing hydrogen using the PyPSA power system modelling tool

Abstract

In the context of reaching the net zero carbon target, the UK has set an ambitious target of having a green hydrogen production capacity of 5 GW by 2030. As part of the EPSRC-funded project on high efficiency reversible solid oxide cells (rSOC) for the integration of offshore renewable energy (ORE) using hydrogen, eight scenarios where hydrogen is combined with offshore renewable energy were identified. A model using the PyPSA power system modelling tool combined with a sensitivity study, investigated optimized rSOC system capacities, hydrogen storage capacities, and subsea cable connection capacities under various combinations of infrastructure cost, rSOC system efficiencies, and electricity prices for one of the scenarios. Preliminary results for a 600 MW wind farm situated 60 km from shore combined with offshore hydrogen production illustrate the impact of electricity price on decision-making in energy dispatch and on optimization of infrastructure of an ORE-rSOC system. Results indicate that high electricity price fluctuations call for large amounts of hydrogen production and storage capacity. Further refinement of input data would make this approach a promising decision-making tool for the use in the design of an ORE-rSOC system.