Feasibility of co-located hydrogen production with offshore wind farms from supply chain perspective
About the research project
Clean hydrogen has been recognised as a key enabler of the global energy transition to meet the goal of decarbonisation. It can be used as an alternative fuel of transport, help to decarbonise building heat and power and be a clean feedstock for industry. Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis powered by renewable energy such as offshore wind. Globally, there are significant offshore wind projects planned or under development to meet the 2050 net zero target.
Meanwhile, many countries have proposed hydrogen projects. Among them, some could utilise their existing offshore wind to produce green hydrogen, while others such as Australia is starting to develop offshore wind to support green hydrogen production to meet demand, in addition to decarbonising the nation. Integration of offshore wind and hydrogen production can be taken place onshore, while there is a potential to be offshore through co-location, i.e., offshore wind farms become a future hydrogen production hub.
There are benefits of offshore hydrogen production such accelerating the deployment of offshore wind, maximising amount of wind power converted to hydrogen through reducing transmission losses. However, the co-located offshore wind energy with hydrogen production is complex involving consideration of technical, economic, environment, and logistical factors. Although the concept is proved as a technology innovation, it will be a complex hydrogen supply chain of challenges, depending on hydrogen users. This research project aims to investigate whether producing hydrogen offshore with wind farms is viable from a supply chain perspective.
Primary supervisor
Meet Associate Professor Peggy Chen
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance stipend co-funded with Blue Economy CRC of $38,500 per annum for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to Key Dates.
Selection criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Proficient understanding of supply chain management principles and approaches
- Engineering knowledge in hydrogen and offshore wind
- Evidence of high-level written and communication skills expected for PhD study
- Good analytical skills, modelling
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship.
- Contact Associate Professor Peggy Chen to discuss your suitability and the project’s requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 December 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the ‘How to apply‘ section of the UTAS Research Degrees website.
Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
