Benefits of an integrated power and hydrogen offshore grid in a net‐zero North Sea energy system

• We develop a methodology to combine geographic information systems and energy system models via data clustering. This novel is applied the north sea region. The offshore grid eases integration of up 338 GW wind. A power-based reduces costs by 8.7 bn € (4.1%). power-and-hydrogen 14.9 (7%). North Sea Offshore Grid concept has been envisioned as promising alternative to: 1) ease wind onshore systems, 2) increase cross-border capacity between region countries at low cost. In this paper we explore techno-economic benefits using two case studies: grid, where only investments in power assets are allowed (i.e. wind, HVDC/HVAC interconnectors); hydrogen also permitted electrolysers, new pipelines retrofitted natural gas pipelines). present methodology, which extensive spatial analysed define meaningful regions These incorporated I ntegrated E nergy S ystem nalysis for N orth ea (IESA-NS) model. optimization model, scenarios run without any specific technology ban under open optimization. scenario results show that deployment an provides relevant cost savings, ranging from 1% 4.1% relative decrease (2.3 €) power-based, 2.8% 7% (6 based. most extreme permits integrate 283 HVDC connected 196 meshed interconnectors. Even conservative integrates 59 92 When allowed, electrolysis considerable, 61 96 GW, with factors around 30%.