Methodology for a comparative assessment of energy transfer solutions
The development of offshore wind farms in the Mediterranean Sea is paramount in the European energy industry to guarantee more sustainable and secure energy production. SPOWIND aims to support stakeholders, active in the field of marine energy, in the decision-making of suitable maritime locations, offshore wind technologies and energy transfer solutions.
This methodology presents a techno-economic comparison of 5 offshore wind energy transfer scenarios, including offshore and onshore hydrogen, ammonia production, hybrid solutions combining grid export and power-to-hydrogen conversion. It models wind power generation, electrolyzer and ammonia synthesis, and evaluates transportation via pipelines and shipping to identify cost-effective solutions based on distance, scale, and site conditions. Results show no single optimal pathway; onshore electrolysis suits near-shore sites, offshore hydrogen or ammonia favors remote locations, and hybrid setups enhance economic resilience.
Project
SPOWIND 
Mission
Innovative Sustainable Economy
Production year
2025
Type of result
Methodology
Target audience
Business Support Organisation, Enterprise, except SME, Higher education and research organisation, Local public authority, National public authority, Regional public authority, Sectoral agency, SME
Covered areas
Coastal area, Marine area
Keywords
Blue economy, Climate change adaptation, Climate change and biodiversity, Renewable energy, Sustainable management of natural resources
Partners
Polytechnic University of Turin (POLITO), Energy Institute Hrvoje Pou017ear (EIHP),Sapienza University of Rome (SAP), Centre for New Energy Technologies (EDP NEW), Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS)
Issues addressed
The methodology addresses the challenge of identifying cost-effective, site-specific energy-transfer solutions for offshore wind farms. It evaluates multiple pathways, including onshore and offshore hydrogen production, ammonia export, and hybrid systems , accounting for distance to shore, project scale, and market conditions and provides a methodology to guide developers and policymakers in selecting the optimal strategy for each location, balancing economic efficiency, flexibility, and resilience.
Added value of the result
It advances the state of the art by providing a unified techno-economic framework that compares five offshore wind energy transfer scenarios, including hybrid solutions. It integrates detailed modeling of Hu2082 and NHu2083 production, transport, and costs, enabling site-specific recommendations based on distance, scale, and market conditions. Unlike previous studies, it quantifies trade-offs across multiple pathways and highlights the economic and operational benefits of hybrid configurations, supporting flexible, resilient, and optimized offshore wind planning.
Transferability potential
The findings can be transferred to any offshore wind project worldwide, providing a site-specific framework for selecting optimal energy transfer pathways. Implementation requires accurate wind resource data, techno-economic inputs for production, transport options, and local infrastructure constraints. Adapting the model to regional conditions enables developers and policymakers to plan grid, hydrogen, and hybrid solutions, supporting resilient and cost-effective offshore wind deployment while guiding investment in pipelines, ports, and hybrid nodes.
Contribution to SDGs
SDG 13 - Climate action, SDG 7 - Affordable and clean energy, SDG 9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Contribution to the Strategies and EU Policies
A new approach for a sustainable blue economy in the EU, EU Industrial Strategy, Marine Strategy Framework Directive
