Techno-economic assessment of green ammonia and hydrogen distribution from offshore wind farms to European ports

Green ammonia, a hydrogen derivative, is a promising energy carrier for storing and transporting renewable energy. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of green ammonia production from offshore wind farms (OWFs) and its transportation to major European ports via a dedicated pipeline network. Two distinct OWF subsystems are considered: (i) Site A, where ammonia is synthesized onshore using electricity transmitted from OWFs, and (ii) Site B, where offshore electrolysis generates hydrogen that is transported to Site A for ammonia synthesis. The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the OWF installations is estimated at $1.175 billion, while the operational expenditure (OPEX) over a 25-year period is $881.25 million. The economic feasibility of delivering green ammonia to Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Amsterdam, and Le Havre is assessed, with the total CAPEX for the ammonia pipeline infrastructure, including booster stations, estimated at $1.8 billion. The proposed pipeline network consists of various pipeline diameters, with total material costs estimated at $223.65 million. It is determined that retrofitting existing natural gas pipelines for ammonia and hydrogen transportation can reduce new pipeline construction costs by 20 %-60 %, depending on factors such as pipeline condition, material compatibility, terrain conditions, pipeline route and total distance, as well as booster station placement requirements. The results also show that the impact of initial investment costs can be mitigated by increasing pipeline capacity through booster stations. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the impact of key cost elements on CAPEX. Sensitivity analysis reveals that floating wind turbines and substructure costs constitute the largest share of total CAPEX, accounting for 22 % and 18 %, respectively.