Technical and economic feasibility assessment for hybrid energy system electricity and hydrogen generation: A case study

Hydrogen is emerging as a promising alternative to fossil fuels in the transportation sector.This study evaluated the feasibility of establishing hydrogen refueling stations in five cities in Oman, Duqm, Haima, Sur, Al Buraymi, and Salalah, using Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables (HOMER) software. Three hybrid energy systems, photovoltaic-wind turbine-battery, photovoltaic-battery, and wind turbine-battery were analyzed for each city. Results indicated that Duqm offers the lowest net present cost (NPC), levelized cost of energy, and levelized cost of hydrogen, making it the most cost-effective location. Additionally, Sensitivity analysis showed that as the life of electrolyzer increases during operation, the initial capital expenditure is distributed over a longer operational period, leading to a reduction in the NPC. More so, renewable energy systems produced no emissions which supports Oman’s mission target. This comprehensive analysis confirms the feasibility of establishing a hydrogen refueling station in Duqm, Oman, and highlights advanced optimization techniques’ superior capability in designing cost-effective, sustainable energy systems.