Wind Farm Capacity Assessment for Hydrogen Production: A Case Study in Finland

Renewable energy-based generations are steadily playing a pivotal role in the global energy supply, and power-togas (P2G) technologies are recognized as a viable option for storing the excess power generated by renewable energy sources. In this context, hydrogen is one of the several potential alternative fuels produced by P2G equipment, and its favorable environmental effects make it a suitable option. Motivated by the aforementioned facts, this paper assesses wind farm capacity in Finland as a key driver for hydrogen production. To this end, an interconnected power and hydrogen network considering various scenarios in 2030 and 2040 is designed and implemented in SAInt. Subsequently, factors such as electrolyzer efficiency and geographical data are incorporated into the model to shed light on the critical role of wind farm infrastructure in facilitating Finland's transition, considering hydrogen as an extension of energy systems. Detailed simulations and assessments indicate a significant need in developing wind farm infrastructures in Finland. As a result of this development, Finland will be positioned as a major player in the emerging hydrogen market across Europe. Moreover, it can be traced that improving electrolyzer efficiency would be an imperative action for manufacturers, given that this enhancement could significantly reduce the investment costs associated with wind turbines’ installation.