Optimization of a Fully Renewable Hybrid Energy System with Green Hydrogen Production and Utilization

Abstract

As the share of renewable energy generation continues to grow, addressing intermittency and developing adaptable storage solutions is required for decarbonizing the power sector. This work explores hydrogen’s potential as an energy vector in functioning as long-duration energy storage (LDES), increasing reliability, while enabling green hydrogen cost reductions that can support decarbonization across multiple sectors. A combined green hydrogen hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) and production plant is investigated to meet the annual energy demand of 58.8 GWh for a rural off-grid community by developing a techno-economic optimization model for system component sizing. The results demonstrate the system’s ability to fully meet the energy demand and deliver continuous clean power while simultaneously producing a 58% surplus hydrogen for additional use. The operation of the system was significantly enhanced by combining batteries with hydrogen storage, lowering the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) to 377 GBP/MWh, with an ability to accommodate seasonal energy shift and a capability of supplying more than 50 hours of energy storage.