Hybrid Storage Solutions for Offshore Wind Farms: A study considering the WindFloat Atlantic

Francisco Heitor Peixoto Pereira

Key information

Authors:

Francisco Heitor Peixoto Pereira (Francisco Peixoto Pereira)

Supervisors:

Ricardo Balbino Santos Pereira (Ricardo Balbino Santos Pereira); Paulo Jorge Dias Chainho

Published in

December 10, 2025

Abstract

The integration of large scale renewable energy into electric grids is essential for achieving global decarbonization targets. However, the intermittency of wind resources poses significant operational and economic challenges. This thesis investigates the techno-economic feasibility of incorporating energy storage technologies, namely green hydrogen and lithium-ion batteries, into offshore wind farms, using the WindFloat Atlantic project in Portugal as a case study. A dynamic, rule-based dispatch model was developed to optimize the allocation of wind energy among grid injection, battery storage, and hydrogen production, based on real hourly data of electricity prices and wind generation. The model evaluates economic indicators such as Net Present Value (NPV), complemented by sensitivity analysis on hydrogen selling prices, system sizing, and market conditions. Results reveal that while hydrogen systems are currently constrained by high capital costs, they become viable for selling prices above 6.5 e/kg, particularly when coupled with high-capacity storage tanks. In contrast, battery systems provide rapid short-term flexibility but remain economically limited by capital expenditure. The hybrid configuration (HybESS) demonstrates improved energy utilization and reduced curtailment, combining the short-term efficiency of batteries with the long-term storage capability of hydrogen. These findings contribute to understanding how hybrid storage can enhance the reliability and profitability of offshore wind integration in future renewable-based energy systems.