Towards a comprehensive understanding and assessment of Offshore Energy Hubs with a hydrogen focus: An evolutionary perspective

Abstract

Climate change has necessitated the reduction of CO2 emissions, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors. Offshore Energy Hubs (OEHs), powered by renewable sources, have been proposed as a potential solution for renewable build-out and cross-sectoral integration. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review examining the technical concept and assessment mechanisms of OEHs from multiple perspectives, including chronological, design, and assessment principles. The review reveals a shift in the technical concept and evaluation assessments, evolving from cost-driven to economically driven, with a trend towards harmonized assessments that incorporate both economic and societal values, such as environmental impact. The importance of societal assessments is emphasized, addressing a research gap, where further investigation is needed for a successful implementation of future large-scale OEH projects. The paper highlights the need to develop comprehensive and inclusive evaluation frameworks to ensure the sustainable implementation of OEHs for the ongoing energy transition.