Solar Energy Potential of Offshore Floating Photovoltaic Systems in the Black Sea and Its Application to Green Hydrogen Production

In the context of the energy transition and the need to reduce carbon emissions, offshore renewable energy production from floating solar panels represents an innovative solution with the potential to support sustainable hydrogen production. This study analyzes the potential of the solar resource for floating photovoltaic applications located on the water surface in the Black Sea. Six locations located at different distances from the shore are investigated, selected to evaluate how offshore positioning influences electricity production. The analysis is based on the simulation of a monofacial photovoltaic panel, using solar irradiation data and climatic conditions specific to each location, adapted to the marine environment. The estimated annual energy production is compared between the analyzed locations in order to highlight the differences determined by the distance from the coast and the variations in meteorological conditions. The results obtained are used to assess whether the analyzed locations are suitable for the implementation of floating photovoltaic systems offshore. The possibility of using the energy produced to power an electrolysis process in order to obtain green hydrogen is also analyzed. This study provides a preliminary assessment of the feasibility of these applications in the Black Sea area and can constitute a starting point for further technical and economic analyses.