THESIS - Potential of hydrogen production with off-shore wind in Sweden and Finland

Background

The transition to renewable energy sources is crucial for achieving climate goals and reducing carbon emissions. Off-shore wind power is emerging as a significant player in the renewable energy sector due to its high capacity and reliability. Sweden aims to achieve fossil-free energy production by 2040, with a target of 120 TWh for offshore wind energy. Meanwhile, Finland is committed to attaining carbon neutrality by 2035 and is setting ambitious targets for off-shore wind power capacity. Hydrogen, a versatile and clean energy carrier produced through electrolysis, can address the intermittency of wind power and contribute to significant export possibilities for clean electricity derived products. Such approach also mitigates risks associated with wind investments.

Purpose

The primary aim of this thesis project is to understand different potential project development setups in off-shore wind coupled with hydrogen production through electrolysis. This involves assessing the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of integrating off-shore wind energy with hydrogen production in Sweden and Finland.

The first step is a detailed literature review to understand off-shore wind technology and project development in the Nordics. It will also cover hydrogen production in arctic conditions, looking at challenges and advancements. Additionally, infrastructure plans by transmission system operators (Svenska Kraftnät, Fingrid, Nordion Energi, and Gasgrid) will be reviewed.

Following the literature review, a detailed techno-economic analysis will be conducted to understand how off-shore wind and hydrogen production can be best integrated. This analysis will consider several critical factors including but not limited to:

• Seasonality of off-shore wind power and how the electrolyser capacity should be dimensioned;
• Potential of curtailed wind power;
• Location of the electrolyser (off-shore vs. on-shore);
• Infrastructure requirements (electricity transmission and hydrogen pipeline).

The thesis will provide valuable insights into the optimal integration of off-shore wind and hydrogen production in the Nordics. The findings will help in identifying best practices, potential challenges, and opportunities for further development in this field.

WE OFFER

At Fortum, a thesis project is an excellent opportunity to engage with students and for you to understand how our company works. We also offer the possibility to work on very topical area and in the “forefront” of energy transition. You'll have a qualified internal supervisor and develop a network within and beyond Fortum, including other thesis students. When relevant, you'll also collaborate with external experts.

Fortum offers a taxable one-time compensation for a well-executed and approved thesis.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

You are on the final stretch of a master's degree in a related field. You are likely analytical, self-driven, and goal-oriented as an individual. You thrive on challenges and are inspired by addressing and resolving new problems.

Together, we will outline the scope to fit the requirements of a master's level thesis (30 credits). The thesis will need to be written in English.

INTERESTED?

Submit your application through our recruitment page (https://www.fortum.se/om-oss/jobba-hos-oss/studenter/examensarbeten) with your CV and a cover letter (up to one A4 page). The cover letter should include a brief description of your motivation and interests.

If you are applying as a pair, each applicant must submit their own application and specify in the cover letter the person they wish to collaborate with.

Please label your application “Master thesis in offshore hydrogen production”. Apply no later than 2024-11-24. We review applications continuously, and the position may be filled prior to the deadline.