Offshore Energy Hubs in the Decarbonisation of the Norwegian Continental Shelf

Abstract

This paper studies the investment planning of a decarbonised Norwegian continental shelf energy system considering the connection and interfaces with the European energy system. A multi-horizon stochastic mixed-integer linear programming model is developed for such a problem. We consider short-term uncertainties, including wind and solar capacity factors, energy load, platform production profiles, and hydro power production limits. Hydrogen based energy hubs are considered both onshore and offshore for potential renewable power generation, distribution and storage. Future hydrogen market or demand is not included in the model. The results of multi-period planning towards 2050 show that: (a) offshore energy hubs are essentially wind power generation, conversion and distribution hubs, (b) a combination of offshore wind and power from shore may be a cost-efficient pathway for cutting emissions from the Norwegian continental shelf, (c) a total of 1.6 GW offshore wind may be needed to achieve a near zero emission Norwegian continental shelf energy system, 80% of which may be added in the first investment period and (d) offshore grid design is important for decarbonisation by distributing wind power efficiently; all five offshore platform clusters are connected to at least three other clusters by 2040, and they are fully connected by 2050.