Analytical model for a techno-economic assessment of green hydrogen production in photovoltaic power station case study Salalah city-Oman

Abstract

Hydrogen energy will play a credible role to reduce gas emissions in the transportation sector, the storage of energy, and other industrial applications. Moreover, the hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources allows to minimize greenhouse gas and increase the net profit of energy projects. This paper discusses the feasibility of the conversion of solar energy into hydrogen in a Photovoltaic Hydrogen Station (PVHS) in the south of Oman. Then, the sizing of different equipment and hydrogen production estimation in a 5 MWp PVHS is presented. The analysis of the investment cost (IC), the Net Profit (NP), and the Levelized Hydrogen Energy Cost (LHEC) are discussed to investigate the benefit of the project. The energy generated from the PV system and the produced hydrogen is calculated through an analytical model. The PVHS consists of 5 MWp PV panels connected to electrolyzers through maximum power point-controlled converters. The electrolyzers convert the electrical energy and the water into hydrogen. The hydrogen compressed and stored in special tanks can be used later in many industrial applications. The system produces about 90 910 kg of hydrogen per year with an IC of 5 301 760 €. The calculated LHEC is equal to 6.2 €/kg at an interest rate of 2%. The analysis has shown promising green hydrogen production projects in Oman. • The production of hydrogen using photovoltaic energy in Oman is analysed. • PV system consists of a promising process for green hydrogen production in Oman. • A 5 MWp photovoltaic power station produces around 90 910 kg of hydrogen per year. • The Levelized hydrogen cost produced in 5MWp PV station is 6.2 €/kg. • The breakeven point of the 5 MWp PV hydrogen station is 8 years for a hydrogen selling price of 10 € per kg.