PV capacity factor for the analyzed ports in the Mediterranean
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A group of researchers from the University of Naples Federico II in Italy has found that the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) for the fuel produced in Mediterranean ports can range from €5.7-8.6 ($6.5-10.1)/kg in fully renewable configurations to €2.5-13/kg in hybrid systems, depending on electricity prices and grid emission intensities. “Solar energy emerges as the most consistent resource, with capacity factors ranging from approximately 18% to 24%, while wind energy can outperform solar energy in specific locations and reach values close to 30%,” the researchers said. The research is structured in three phases, starting with the collection and processing of geographical, infrastructural and meteorological data for ports worldwide. Ports are characterized using GIS data, including location, logistics, economic relevance and availability of renewable resources, such as solar, wind and wave energy. Weather datasets such as ERA5 and CMEMS are used to generate location-specific sustainable energy profiles. In the second phase, energy production from photovoltaic systems, wind turbines and wave energy converters is modeled based on local conditions. The electricity generated powers electrolysers for hydrogen production, supported by battery storage systems to absorb fluctuations. Two operational strategies are considered: fully renewable hydrogen production and grid-supported fixed-load electrolysis. The third phase evaluates techno-economic and environmental performance using indicators such as levelized costs and emissions of hydrogen. The results show that renewable energy performance varies significantly between Mediterranean ports, with solar power being consistently reliable, while wind and wave are more location dependent. Capacity factors show that solar energy is more than 15% everywhere, while wind energy and especially wave power can be very low, limiting its feasibility. Solar energy is the most consistently viable source in Mediterranean ports, with capacity factors ranging from 18.1% to 24.4%,” the scientists said. “Wind energy can outperform solar energy in specific locations, but is highly dependent on location.” Their findings are available in the study “The role of Mediterranean ports in the energy transition: assessing hydrogen production potential”, published in Energy conversion and management.
Jaze New Energy has started construction of a 300,000-ton green hydrogen-to-aviation fuel project in Jidong County, Jixi City, Heilongjiang Province. The Chinese company is investing a total of CNY 3.557 billion ($521.4 million) and reported sales of CNY 2.499 billion in 2025. The factory will combine straw and corn cobs with wind energy.
ITM power has entered into a strategic partnership with Rheinmetall to support the German company’s Giga PtX project, which aims to establish a European network of decentralized synthetic fuel plants for NATO’s armed forces. The project includes several hundred facilities across Europe, each with up to 50 MW of electrolysis capacity, producing approximately 5,000 to 7,000 tonnes of e-fuel annually. The collaboration will initially focus on Great Britain.
Ceres has launched its solid oxide stacking platform that operates at 450–630 C, claiming approximately 30% higher efficiency than conventional low-temperature electrolysis. The company says systems can be installed within months, reducing delays associated with network upgrades. The platform supports high-voltage DC architectures up to 800 V and enables fast load response within a compact footprint.
Sunfire has introduced a new 50 MW outdoor alkaline electrolysis system, 30 bar(g) under pressure. The design centralizes key components, integrates air cooling and increases prefabrication, simplifying installation and commissioning and reducing overall installation costs.
The Hamburg Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture Authority (BUKEA) has given permission MB energy a permit for the construction and operation of a new ammonia import terminal at the Blumensand tank terminal in the Port of Hamburg. Subject to a final investment decision, the facility is expected to become the first large-scale ammonia import center in Germany, with a planned throughput of 600,000 tonnes per year.
The European Commission has published second list of projects of common interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs), which include 235 cross-border energy infrastructure projects. The list includes 100 hydrogen and electrolyser projects, three smart gas network projects and 17 CO₂ network initiatives aimed at supporting decarbonization and reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports.
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