Abstract :
[en] Meeting global climate targets requires large-scale deployment of low-carbon energy carriers. Yet, renewable energy is often geographically mismatched with demand centers. Remote Renewable Energy Hubs (RREHs) have emerged as a promising solution: these are energy hubs located in areas with abundant renewable resources, designed to produce and export low-carbon energy carriers to distant load centers. This thesis contributes to the design, techno-economic and financial understanding of RREHs through three research questions, each addressed in a dedicated part of the manuscript.
Part I defines the concept of RREHs and formalizes a taxonomy to characterize them. This taxonomy enables systematic comparisons between hub configurations and supports the identification of new hub architectures.
Part II explores novel RREH designs. First, two chapters focus on CO2 valorization strategies, demonstrating how carbon loops involving Post-Combustion Carbon Capture (PCCC) or Direct Air Capture (DAC) affect system cost and design. Second, a comparative study assesses the techno-economic performance of four hydrogen-derived energy carriers (CH4, NH3, H2, CH3OH) synthesized in the Algerian Sahara and exported to Belgium. Third, a new RREH concept, based on floating offshore wind and battery transportation, is introduced for high-seas deployment, providing an alternative design.
Part III addresses the financial dimension of RREHs. It quantifies how the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC), which varies across countries, influences hub competitiveness. This part reveals a trade-off between technical potential and financial risk, calling for innovative financing mechanisms and strategic policy support.
