Technical trajectories and cost effectiveness of offshore wind driven green hydrogen production

Hydrogen production from offshore wind power is a key pathway for deep decarbonization, converting abundant wind energy into green hydrogen to support energy system transformation. This report systematically analyzes its technical pathways, resource potential, spatial distribution, and economic and environmental benefits, reviews the applicability of mainstream water electrolysis technologies, including alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), and solid oxide electrolysis (SOEC) in marine environments. The study also compares three system configurations, i.e., offshore centralized, offshore distributed, and onshore centralized hydrogen production. Spatial analysis reveals significant regional agglomeration, with Zhejiang and Guangdong exhibiting the highest marine resource potential, while Liaoning and Hebei around the Bohai Sea showing strategic advantages due to their proximity to load centers and established infrastructure. Economically, strategic policy interventions could reduce electrolyzer costs by 40% in the near term and up to 80% over the longer term, according to IRENA. The IEA projects that the levelized cost of hydrogen from offshore wind could fall to approximately $1.5/kg by 2030 in favorable regions, achieving cost-competitiveness with blue hydrogen. Environmentally, the life-cycle carbon footprint of offshore wind-based hydrogen is only 0.4–0.8 kg CO2 eq/kg H2, significantly lower than the 9.3–11.9 kg CO2 eq/kg H2 of grey hydrogen. By prioritizing resource-rich coastal provinces with strong industrial bases, this approach offers a near-zero emission solution, providing a critical technical pathway toward achieving dual carbon goals.