Offshore wind energy presents a compelling opportunity for green hydrogen production in Turkey, as highlighted by the research findings in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.
With 50 MW electrolyzers as the fulcrum of analysis, the techno-economic study scrutinizes production costs in four regions: Ayvacık, Bozcaada, Edremit, and Bandırma. This analytical perspective reveals nuanced regional disparities in the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH), grounded in concrete metrics.
The stark economic dichotomy across these locales is underscored by Ayvacık emerging as the most cost-effective at $4.33 per kilogram of hydrogen, contrasting sharply with Bandırma’s peak cost of $5.85 per kilogram. A critical examination reveals that the capacity factor—not just the wind potential but the technical capacity to harness it—plays a dominant role in establishing cost efficiency. CAPEX, substantially influenced by infrastructure and technological deployments, further delineates the cost spectrum across chosen sites.
A particularly salient insight arises from the analysis of government incentives, like local content support, which effectively trims Ayvacık’s LCOH to $4.13 per kilogram. Such incentives amplify the broader strategy for Turkey, nudging the balance toward economically viable hydrogen production—a pivotal maneuver for a nation seeking to bridge renewable energy landscapes with hydrogen economy ambitions.
Importantly, the study challenges the conventional notion that technological superiority singularly dictates financial feasibility. Instead, it posits that intertwined decisions around site selection and energy policy are equally determinative. By expanding the framework to consider these factors, the authors present a case for the strategic layering of policy on technology to catalyze the hydrogen economy.
While Ayvacık’s figures illustrate offshore wind’s potent potential in fostering economically feasible hydrogen, they also anchor the broader discussion around infrastructural enhancements and policy formulation. As Turkey positions itself in the green hydrogen marketplace, this study provides a crucial touchstone for stakeholders aiming to navigate the industry’s emerging dynamics with a blend of financial pragmatism and technological foresight.
