Work

Offshore Platform Decarbonization Methodology Based on Renewable Energies and Offshore Green Hydrogen: A Techno-Economic Assessment of PLOCAN Case Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The decarbonization of offshore infrastructures is relevant to advancing global climate goals. This study presents a renewable-based energy system tailored for the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), designed to achieve full energy autonomy and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. A hybrid configuration integrating photovoltaic panels, vertical-axis wind turbines, lithium-ion batteries, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, and a PEM fuel cell was developed and evaluated through detailed resource assessment, system simulation, and techno-economic analysis under real offshore constraints. The results confirm that complete decarbonization is technically feasible, with a net present cost approximately 15% lower than the current diesel-based system and a total suppression of pollutant emissions. Although the transition entails a higher initial investment, the long-term economic and environmental gains are substantial. Offshore green hydrogen emerges as a key vector for achieving energy resilience and sustainability in isolated marine infrastructures, offering a replicable pathway towards fully decarbonized ocean platforms.

Source: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

DOI: 10.3390/jmse13061083

Authors: Alejandro Romero-Filgueira, Maria José Pérez-Molina, José Antonio Carta, Pedro Cabrera

Institutions: Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands

Language: English

Topic: Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems

Subfield: Energy Engineering and Power Technology

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137