Renewable Hydrogen Production Research Articles

Porous TiN-based ceramic electrode with N-modified Co-based Nanorods/TiN heterointerfaces for efficient overall water splitting

The development of high-performance electrocatalytic electrodes for overall water splitting is a crucial issue to realize renewable hydrogen production. This paper presents the in situ growth of N-modified Co-based nanorods on porous TiN ceramic membranes using the hydrothermal method and thermal NH3 treatment, resulting in a novel self-supported electrocatalytic electrode with abundant heterointerfaces, denoted as NCTN-x-y (x: nitridation temperature; y: nitridation time). In the alkaline medium (1 M KOH), the NCTN-350-2 electrode displays the best hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity (ƞ10 = 66 mV), and the NCTN-250-3 electrode manifests the best oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance (ƞ10 = 270 mV). Accordingly, these two electrodes comprise an electrolyzer, which features a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a low cell voltage of 1.63 V. The good electrocatalytic performance can be attributed to the abundant heterointerfaces formed between the porous TiN ceramic membrane and the N-modified Co-based nanorods, in conjunction with the hierarchical pore structure of the TiN ceramic membrane. Theoretical calculations identify that the construction of heterointerfaces modulates the electronic structure of active sites, thereby promoting the dissociation of H2O, optimizing the H* adsorption energy (ΔGH*), and accelerating the reaction kinetics, which ultimately improve the electrocatalytic activity of electrode.

Investigating BiMeVOx compounds as potential photoelectrochemical and electrochemical materials for renewable hydrogen production

In this study, BiMeVOx compounds (where Me: Co, Mo, Ce, Zr) were synthesized and characterized as potential photoelectrochemical materials for solar water splitting, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The analysis confirmed the successful formation of phase BiMeVOx compounds with the desired crystal structure. Among the tested materials, BiCoVOx(800) showed the highest photocurrent density (674 μA cm−2) and HER/OER activity (Tafel slope: HER = 100 mV dec−1 and OER = 75 mV dec−1), followed by BiMoVOx(800), BiCeVOx(800), and BiZrVOx(800). The superior photoelectrochemical performance of BiCoVOx(800) can be attributed to its unique electronic structure and optimized band alignment, which promote efficient charge separation and facilitate the water splitting and hydrogen evolution processes. The findings of this study highlight the promising potential of the synthesized BiMeVOx materials, particularly BiCoVOx, as efficient photoelectrochemical catalysts for water splitting. These results contribute to the advancement of renewable energy technologies and provide valuable insights for the design and development of novel photoactive materials.

Techno-economic assessment of renewable hydrogen production for mobility: A case study

Renewable hydrogen produced by water electrolysis from intermittent energy sources (i.e. sun and wind) is considered one of the most promising energy carriers for the decarbonisation of the so-called “hard-to-abate” sectors, especially heavy-duty transport and industry. To this reason, several new projects are currently under development and public fundings are widely available to boost the renewable hydrogen market. In this fast-changing scenario, this paper presents the techno-economic analysis of an integrated system where renewable power generation, electrolytic hydrogen production and final hydrogen use are closely integrated within a specific site, allowing higher efficiency as well as a containment of hydrogen production and handling cost. The analysis here presented considers a specific case study that includes a 12.5 MWP photovoltaic plant, a 5 MW electrolyser capable to produce nearly 300 t/yr. of renewable hydrogen, and a compression and storage system, all located in Sardinia (Italy). Differently from previous studies, this work faces the analysis from two opposite perspectives: on the one hand, it allows the assessment of the levelized cost of hydrogen during the whole project’s life, making the results comparable to those from other similar analyses; on the other hand, it presents the calculation of project’s profitability in terms of net present value, internal rate of return and payback time from the perspective of a potential investor. The analysis shows that a whole investment of about 20.3 M€ is required, which allows to achieve a levelised cost of hydrogen of 4.09 €/kg, which can decrease to 2.97 €/kg considering the revenues from selling oxygen and the overproduction of electricity. The potential use of renewable hydrogen in urban public transport (by means of fuel cell electric vehicles) has been considered as well, in comparison with conventional diesel buses. Despite the lower cost for fuel (0.41 €/km for hydrogen buses vs. 0.72 €/km for diesel buses) and maintenance and repair (0.20 €/km vs. 0.27 €/km), as well as the lower CO2 emission (some 76 t/yr. saved per bus), the very high investment cost for hydrogen-fuelled buses (up to 720,000 €) makes hydrogen still not competitive with diesel for urban transport, being hydrogen buses characterised by a whole specific transport cost of 1.45 €/km, to be compared with 1.04 €/km for diesel buses.

Green hydrogen as a source of renewable energy: a step towards sustainability, an overview

AbstractHydrogen has emerged as a promising energy source for a cleaner and more sustainable future due to its clean-burning nature, versatility, and high energy content. Moreover, hydrogen is an energy carrier with the potential to replace fossil fuels as the primary source of energy in various industries. In this review article, we explore the potential of hydrogen as a part of the global energy mix and the current state of its development. The majority of hydrogen production currently occurs through steam methane reforming, which produces significant greenhouse gas emissions and limits the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Significant investment and advancements in renewable hydrogen production through electrolysis are necessary to overcome this limitation. There is also a growing demand for hydrogen infrastructure, including hydrogen refueling stations and storage and transportation systems, which are crucial for the growth and success of the hydrogen industry. The future of hydrogen as a part of the global energy mix will depend on continued investment and commitment to develop and commercialize this promising energy source. Our review also explores the relationship between eco-industrial parks and hydrogen production, including the benefits and challenges of hydrogen production in EIPs and the various technologies being developed to facilitate this process.

Renewable hydrogen production through electrolysis: An analysis of the cost gap for its economic competitiveness in Italy

With global policies targeting greenhouse gas emission reduction, renewable hydrogen produced by water electrolysis powered with renewable electricity appears a promising alternative to fossil fuels. However, still high capital costs, reliance on intermittent renewable electricity sources, and high electricity cost hinder the economic viability of electrolyzers. This work develops a comprehensive analysis for assessing the need of an incentive to make renewable hydrogen economically viable, identifying different archetypes of electrolysis plant representative of a wide range of applications. A techno-economic optimization model is set up that minimize the average hydrogen production cost and compute the cost gap that makes hydrogen economically competitive with the fossil alternative, defining the optimal size and operation of the plant components while satisfying the hydrogen demand. The model is applied to the Italian case study. Sensitivity analyses investigate the impact of economy of scales, renewable electricity availability and introduction of the emission trading system. Cost gaps ranging between 8.1 €/kg and 29.9 €/kg highlights the need of an incentive to allow the deployment of this technology, thus meeting the hydrogen penetration targets.

Techno-economic optimisation of steel supply chains in the clean energy transition: a case study of post-war Ukraine

The steel industry’s clean energy transition can enable new market creation and economic growth stimulation. Yet, the most efficient and feasible pathway to decouple the sector from fossil fuels remains unclear, particularly within developing nations and unstable socio-political contexts. Here, a blueprint for reconfiguring plant locations and reallocating resources is developed through a Ukrainian case study under two scenarios which capture potential post-war conditions. Framed by regrowth of Ukraine’s export-oriented steel industry and prospective European Union accession, green iron and steel trade strategies are devised. A steel supply chain optimisation model underpins the techno-economic, spatially granular analysis of energy and material flows, which utilises the inputs from a separate cost-minimised renewable energy, green hydrogen, and green ammonia production model. Results show that optimal supply chain configurations rely on mixed emissions-free energy profiles, the emergence of new steelmaking sites nearby high-quality renewables, regional alliances for green iron and steel market creation, and multi-billion-dollar investments. Mature nuclear and hydro power critically reduce costs in the near-term, whilst the rapid expansion of solar and wind energy infrastructure underpins production system scale-up. To simultaneously rebuild the 22 Mtpa Ukrainian steel industry and transition to near-zero emissions by 2050, infrastructure investments surmount to $62 billion, given full liberation of Ukrainian territory. Near-term investments are necessary to ease the pace of change, and although mobilising capital of this magnitude will be challenging, convincing carbon prices favour decarbonisation efforts.

Hydrogen production by water electrolysis driven by a photovoltaic source: A review.

The integration of water electrolyzers and photovoltaic (PV) solar technology is a potential development in renewable energy systems, offering new avenues for sustainable energy generation and storage. This coupling consists of using PV-generated electricity to power water electrolysis, breaking down water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. While oxygen is a useful byproduct, the created hydrogen is used as a clean, storable energy carrier or feedstock for numerous businesses. It is possible to operate the device with or without battery storage. When solar energy is combined with batteries, excess solar energy may be stored for later use, maximizing energy efficiency and guaranteeing a steady supply of electricity even in the absence of direct sunlight. On the other hand, battery-free systems depend on the electrolyzer’s continuous power generation to convert solar energy into hydrogen during the day. In addition to allowing for the production of renewable hydrogen,this hybrid PV-solar and water electrolyzer setup contributes to grid stability by offering demand-side flexibility. Moreover, the modularity of these systems enables scalability to meet diverse energy requirements, spanning from residential to industrial applications, thereby fostering a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape. This review delves into various topologies for PV-driven electrolysis and conducts a thorough exploration of the dynamics of low-temperature water electrolyzers. Specifically, it examines their integration with three primary technologies: Proton Exchange Membrane, Alkaline, and Anion Exchange Membrane, shedding light on their implications for the broader integration landscape. Through detailed analysis and insights, this study enriches the understanding of the potential and challenges inherent in the convergence of PV solar, water electrolysis, and renewable energy systems.

Design, global energy integration, and sustainability analyses of a process coupling renewable energy water electrolysis for hydrogen production with ammonia synthesis

The conventional ammonia synthesis process typically depends on fossil energy and faces challenges such as low utilization of elements and high CO2 emissions, leading to unsatisfactory economic performance. In order to achieve green synthesis and sustainable development of ammonia, this study constructed a process for renewable energy water electrolysis hydrogen production coupled with ammonia synthesis. The process includes: PEM electrolysis water hydrogen production coupling synthesis ammonia (PEM-GHtA) and SOEC electrolysis water hydrogen production coupling synthesis ammonia (SOEC-GHtA). Compared to traditional ammonia synthesis, the new process eliminates the use of carbon conversion for hydrogen production. Instead, it utilizes green electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, leading to enhanced energy efficiency and decreased carbon emissions. By employing modeling, simulation, global energy integration, and conducting technical and economic analysis of the new process, this study elucidates the technical advantages and economic competitiveness of the new process over the traditional ammonia synthesis process. According to the analysis results, the utilization rates of hydrogen element in the PEM-GHtA and SOEC-GHtA processes are 92.64% and 92.59%, and the utilization rate of nitrogen element is 90.56% and 90.50%, respectively, much higher than the traditional ammonia synthesis process. In addition, the SOEC-GHtA demonstrated improved energy efficiency, achieving a range of 72.19–75.08%. The CO2 emissions of the two green ammonia synthesis processes are 0.17–0.81 t CO2/t NH3, much lower than the 1.6–3.6 t CO2/t NH3 of the traditional ammonia synthesis process. Based on the current market price, the production cost of green ammonia is relatively high, which has no economic advantage over the traditional ammonia synthesis process. Considering the future implementation of carbon taxes and the decreasing prices of renewable energy electricity to 0.014 $/kWh, the production costs of PEM-GHtA and SOEC-GHtA will be reduced to 359.7 $/t NH3 and 343.5 $/t NH3 respectively. In comparison to the traditional process (403.1–514.7 $/t NH3), the new process offers substantial economic benefits and shows promising prospects for further development.

Comprehensive review on single-atom catalysts in electrochemical hydrogen-evolution reaction: computational modelling and experimental investigation

ABSTRACT The growing demand for renewable energy sources has driven research efforts towards highly efficient electrochemical processes, especially the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) which is an essential component in renewable hydrogen production. Single Atom Catalysts (SACs) have been recognised as promising catalysts for exceptional HER activities owing to their unique electronic and geometrical features. This comprehensive review highlights the effective correlation between computational modelling and experimental research in fabricating new SACs and better understanding their catalytic mechanisms in the HER. Furthermore, the review briefly describes the choice of metals and tailoring the electronic structure, as well as exploring the influence of the reaction parameters on the catalytic activity of SACs for HER. Concluding remarks alongside future perspectives on the improvement of SACs for HER are emphasised. It is hoped that this review will pave the way for rational design of highly effective, low-cost and stable SACs for sustainable hydrogen production.

Research on Capacity Optimization Configuration of Renewable Energy Off Grid Hydrogen Production System Considering Collaborative Electrolysis

This study proposes a multitype electrolytic collaborative hydrogen production model for optimizing the capacity configuration of renewable energy off grid hydrogen production systems. The electrolytic hydrogen production process utilizes the synergistic electrolysis of an alkaline electrolyzer (AEL) and proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEMEL), fully leveraging the advantages of the low cost of the AEL and strong regulation characteristics of the PEMEL. For the convenience of the optimization solution, the article constructs a mixed linear optimization model that considers the constraints during system operation, with the objective function of minimizing total costs while meeting industrial production requirements. Gurobi is used for the optimal solution to obtain the optimal configuration of a renewable energy off grid hydrogen production system. By comparing and analyzing the optimal configuration under conventional load and high-load conditions, it is concluded that collaborative electrolysis has advantages in improving resource consumption and reducing hydrogen production costs. This is of great significance for optimizing the capacity configuration of off grid hydrogen production systems and improving the overall economic benefits of the system.

Z-scheme ZnCdS/NiCo-LDH photocatalyst followed dual-channel charge transfer via Au-intercalation for renewable hydrogen production

Exploration of effective and renewable photocatalysts is essential for solar to hydrogen conversion technologies. However, the application of some photocatalysts with great potential, such as ZnCdS, are seriously limited by the sluggish charge transfer/separation and unavoidable light corrosion. In this work, Au/ZnCdS/NiCo-LDH ternary heterojunction was constructed by introducing Au nanoparticle mediator in core-shell ZnCdS/NiCo-LDH, which exhibits an enhanced H2 production rate of 4.89 mmol g−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation and unexpected recyclability with 6.2 % rate reduction after 15 consecutive cycles. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the dual pathways (Z-scheme and localized surface plasmon resonance) enabled in Au/ZnCdS/NiCo-LDH, which improves the separation of photo-generated carriers, accelerates the electron transport, and provides active sites for photocatalytic oxidation. This work provides a promising technology to jointly improve photocatalytic activity and stability by modulating the interfacial carrier dynamics of photocatalysts.

Research on optimization layout of hydrogen refueling facility network based on renewable energy hydrogen production mode

Within the transportation sector, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles represent the most efficient method of harnessing hydrogen energy. The establishment of a hydrogen refueling facility network that encompasses the entire cycle of hydrogen energy production, transportation, and application contributes to the effective promotion of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. However, existing research predominantly focuses on hydrogen production and the conversion of refueling stations, neglecting the economic and stability considerations of the full-cycle use of hydrogen energy. This study proposes a hydrogen refueling facility network planning model that utilizes hydrogen energy throughout its full cycle. Firstly, a hydrogen demand estimation model based on the application scenarios of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles which clarifies the hydrogen requirements in each scenario is proposed. Regional hydrogen energy needs and the costs of building hydrogen refueling stations are then considered, using a set cover model to optimize the overall layout of existing and new refueling stations. Finally, taking into account the supply costs of renewable energy hydrogen production points and regional supply stability, a hydrogen refueling facility network planning model is constructed. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is selected as a case study, establishing a large-scale hydrogen supply network based on renewable energy hydrogen production, transportation, and usage.

Operational strategies and integrated design for producing green hydrogen from wind electricity

Realizing the potential of renewable hydrogen production requires flexible operation of electrolysis systems to integrate with intermittent power sources. This work develops an optimization model to assess flexible operational strategies for alkaline and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers powered by wind energy. The model quantitatively analyses trade-offs between electrolyser shutdown strategies, overloading capacities, and battery integration to identify optimal regimes balancing efficiency, flexibility, and economics. The results reveal a mixed-integer linear programming approach can optimize system configurations and control strategies to minimize the levelized cost of hydrogen production. Optimal near-minimum load operation is achieved by independently optimizing the load of each electrolyser block, while avoiding shutdowns above a critical load level. Strategic electrolyser overloading can provide economic benefits by reducing installed capital costs, if technical feasibility and accelerated degradation are addressed. Battery energy storage integration significantly improves economics by enhancing asset utilization, provided excess renewable energy is available. The model provides novel insights on integrating alkaline and PEM electrolysis with intermittent wind power to advance renewable hydrogen production. Quantifying trade-offs between operational flexibility and economics will help guide flexible design and control strategies for cost-optimal renewable electrolysis systems.

Performance Analysis of Waste Biomass Gasification and Renewable Hydrogen Production by Neural Network Algorithm

Abstract This study assesses renewable hydrogen production via gasification of residual biomass, using artificial neural networks (ANNs) for predictive modeling. The process uses residues from sugarcane and orange harvests, sewage sludge, corn byproducts, coffee remnants, eucalyptus remains, and urban waste. Simulation data from aspen plus® software predict hydrogen conversion from each biomass type, with a three-layer feedforward neural network algorithm used for model construction. The model showed high accuracy, with R2 values exceeding 0.9941 and 0.9931 in training and testing datasets, respectively. Performance metrics revealed a maximum higher heating value (HHV) of 18.1 MJ/kg for sewage sludge, the highest cold gas efficiency for urban and orange waste (82.2% and 80.6%), and the highest carbon conversion efficiency for sugarcane bagasse and orange residue (92.8% and 91.2%). Corn waste and sewage sludge yielded the highest hydrogen mole fractions (0.55 and 0.52). The system can reach relative exergy efficiencies from 24.4% for sugarcane straw residues to 42.6% for sugarcane bagasse. Rational exergy efficiencies reached from 23.7% (coffee waste) to 39.0% (sugarcane bagasse). This research highlights the potential of ANNs in forecasting hydrogen conversion and assessing the performance of gasification-based renewable hydrogen procedures using biomass wastes.

Unraveling Electron Dynamics in p-type Indium Phosphide (100): A Time-Resolved Two-Photon Photoemission Study.

Renewable ("green") hydrogen production through direct photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a potential key contributor to the sustainable energy mix of the future. We investigate the potential of indium phosphide (InP) as a reference material among III-V semiconductors for PEC and photovoltaic (PV) applications. The p(2 × 2)/c(4 × 2)-reconstructed phosphorus-terminated p-doped InP(100) (P-rich p-InP) surface is the focus of our investigation. We employ time-resolved two-photon photoemission (tr-2PPE) spectroscopy to study electronic states near the band gap with an emphasis on normally unoccupied conduction band states that are inaccessible through conventional single-photon emission methods. The study shows the complexity of the p-InP electronic band structure and reveals the presence of at least nine distinct states between the valence band edge and vacuum energy, including a valence band state, a surface defect state pinning the Fermi level, six unoccupied surface resonances within the conduction band, as well as a cluster of states about 1.6 eV above the CBM, identified as a bulk-to-surface transition. Furthermore, we determined the decay constants of five of the conduction band states, enabling us to track electron relaxation through the bulk and surface conduction bands. This comprehensive understanding of the electron dynamics in p-InP(100) lays the foundation for further exploration and surface engineering to enhance the properties and applications of p-InP-based III-V-compounds for, e.g., efficient and cost-effective PEC hydrogen production and highly efficient PV cells.

A critical review of challenges and opportunities for the design and operation of offshore structures supporting renewable hydrogen production, storage, and transport

Abstract. The climate emergency has prompted rapid and intensive research into sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy alternatives. Offshore wind has developed and exceeded all expectations over the last 2 decades and is now a central pillar of the UK and other international strategies to decarbonise energy systems. As the dependence on variable renewable energy resources increases, so does the importance of the necessity to develop energy storage and nonelectric energy vectors to ensure a resilient whole-energy system, also enabling difficult-to-decarbonise applications, e.g. heavy industry, heat, and certain areas of transport. Offshore wind and marine renewables have enormous potential that can never be completely utilised by the electricity system, and so green hydrogen has become a topic of increasing interest. Although numerous offshore and marine technologies are possible, the most appropriate combinations of power generation, materials and supporting structures, electrolysers, and support infrastructure and equipment depend on a wide range of factors, including the potential to maximise the use of local resources. This paper presents a critical review of contemporary offshore engineering tools and methodologies developed over many years for upstream oil and gas (O&G), maritime, and more recently offshore wind and renewable energy applications and examines how these along with recent developments in modelling and digitalisation might provide a platform to optimise green hydrogen offshore infrastructure. The key drivers and characteristics of future offshore green hydrogen systems are considered, and a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat) analysis is provided to aid the discussion of the challenges and opportunities for the offshore green hydrogen production sector.

Self‐Supported Fe‐Based Nanostructured Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting and Selective Oxidation Reactions: Past, Present, and Future

AbstractElectrochemical water splitting plays a vital role in facilitating the transition towards a sustainable energy future by enabling renewable hydrogen (H2) production, energy storage, and emission‐free transportation. Developing earth‐abundant electrocatalysts with outstanding overall water‐splitting performance, excellent catalytic activity, and robust long‐term stability is highly important in the practical application of water electrolysis. Self‐supported electrocatalysts have emerged as the most appealing candidate for practical H2 production due to their increased active site loading, rapid mass and charge transfer, and strong interaction with the underneath conducting support. Additionally, these electrocatalysts also provide enhanced reaction kinetics and stability. Here, a comprehensive review of recent progress in developing self‐supported Fe‐based electrocatalysts for water splitting and selective oxidation reactions is presented with examples of oxyhydroxides, layered double hydroxides, oxides, chalcogenides, phosphides, nitrides, and other Fe‐containing electrocatalysts. A comprehensive historical development in the synthesis of self‐supported Fe‐based electrocatalysts is provided, with an emphasis on the various deposition methods and the choice of self‐supported conducting substrates considering large‐scale commercial applications. An overview of mechanistic understanding and approaches for enhanced H2 production are also presented. Finally, the challenges and opportunities associated with developing Fe‐based electrocatalysts for practical applications in water splitting and alternative oxidation reactions are discussed.

Optimal design of a renewable hydrogen production system by coordinating multiple PV arrays and multiple electrolyzers

In the design of a renewable hydrogen production system (RHPS), it is of great significance to coordinate the power generation and electrolyzers for efficient and stable hydrogen production. To investigate the coordination and complementary characteristics of multiple PV arrays and multiple electrolyzers in the optimal design of RHPS, a coordinated design approach based on mathematical optimization for the optimal RHPS with multiple PV arrays and multiple electrolyzers was proposed, which features comprehensive considerations of different characteristics of power generation and economy of different types of PV arrays, and the dynamic operating characteristics and economy of various types and capacity of electrolyzers to adapt to fluctuating hydrogen demand. The optimal configuration of the RHPS with minimal total cost can be obtained by combining multiple PV arrays with multiple electrolyzers. Furthermore, the impacts of power generation on the economy of the system are systematically explored, and electrolyzer types are optimally deployed. The influence of different PV array types on the economics of the system is analyzed. An example of the RHPS was employed to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. Results show that for the RHPS, the selection of the type of electrolyzers is mainly affected by the characteristics of power generation. In the system with only PV arrays for power supply, the total cost of the system with proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMEL) is 11.2% lower than that of the system with alkaline electrolyzers (AEL). In the system with simple wind turbines for power generation, the total cost of the system with AEL is lower than that of the system with PEMEL. The selections of type and capacity of the electrolyzers in the system are affected by the minimal power limit of the AEL. The total cost of the system can be effectively reduced by coordinating the power generation and electrolyzers and combining AEL and PEMEL in the system. The selection of PV types is related to the unit cost and the seasonal changes in the capacity factor of different PV arrays, which is also influenced by the hydrogen demand and the curtailment rate. When the variations of power generation align with hydrogen demands, the total cost can be reduced by lowering seasonal energy storage capacity.

Assessing the biennial conference on science and technology (BICOST IX) 2023 technical output on renewable energy, energy storage, and green hydrogen in line with UN SDG commitments

Abstract The development, production and utilization of renewable energy, energy storage and green hydrogen and the associated technologies in Sri Lanka have great potential to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The island aims to achieve 70% electricity generation from renewable energy sources by 2030 (within the target of 40% utilization of renewable energy sources for the entire energy generation of the country by 2030). The power sector has to invest US$11 billion from 2023 to 2030 to contribute to reaching this target. This commentary aims to provide a critical perspective on the recommendations of the report from the National Science and Technology Commission’s 9th biennial conference in 2023 on science and technology, the sub-thematic technical report on clean energy, energy storage and green hydrogen in line with the SDGs in the Sri Lankan context. The technical report provides insightful recommendations for Sri Lanka’s energy sector under three main sections: renewable energy, energy storage and green hydrogen. Also, it explores the potential of various renewable energy sources, energy storage systems and green hydrogen as sustainable solutions to address the country’s energy challenges while emphasizing the spillover effects of them, which could contribute to the enterprise’s job creation and uplift the economy.

Techno-economic analysis of hydrogen production systems based on solar/wind hybrid renewable energy

With the popularity of renewable energy, more and more countries and regions are utilizing renewable energy to produce hydrogen. However, renewable energy hydrogen production systems are often large in capacity and equipment, and require rational design as well as performance analysis of the system to satisfy the technicalities while ensuring the economics. In this paper, 12 different renewable energy systems for hydrogen production, including 6 grid-connected systems and 6 off-grid systems, are designed considering solar and wind energy as the main renewable energy sources in a place in China. Subsequently, simulations were carried out using HOMER software to compare and analyze the economic and technical performance of different schemes of renewable energy hydrogen production systems, and the best grid-connected and off-grid renewable energy hydrogen production system schemes were selected based on the comparison results.