Enhancing renewable hosting capacity in smart grids: A robust optimization framework integrating hydrogen systems and demand response

• Our approach increases HC by 14.2% and 9.57%, respectively, while simultaneously reducing annual operating costs by 58% and 11.86% compared to conventional methods. • On the 69‑bus network, the robust model achieves a 12.4% higher HC and a 23.7% lower cost. • On the 118‑bus network, it yields a 9.6% HC gain and an 11.9% cost saving. • In the larger 118‑bus case, delivering 41.75 MW HC at an annual cost of $2.72 M, with curtailed energy below 70 kWh. In modern energy systems, integrating renewable energy sources (RES) into smart grids presents significant challenges due to the variability of RES generation and the risk of energy curtailment. This study proposes a robust optimization framework that integrates hydrogen storage systems (HS) and demand response (DR) to enhance renewable hosting capacity (HC) while minimizing operational costs. The proposed methodology employs a min–max–min robust optimization approach, solved using a Column-and-Constraint Generation (CCG) algorithm, to systematically address uncertainties in renewable generation. Simulation results on the IEEE 69-bus and 118-bus networks demonstrate that the proposed approach increases hosting capacity by up to 14.2% and 9.57%, respectively, compared to conventional methods. Additionally, annual operational costs are reduced by 58% in the 69-bus system and 11.86% in the 118-bus system, highlighting the economic benefits of integrating HS and DR. Sensitivity analysis further reveals that hydrogen storage plays a critical role in maintaining grid flexibility, with a 20% increase in storage capacity improving hosting capacity by 8.5% and reducing costs by 5.4%. Demand response strategies contribute significantly to cost reductions, lowering operational expenditures by up to 8.1% while optimizing energy utilization. The findings indicate that a well-coordinated integration of hydrogen storage, renewable generation, and demand response strategies enhances grid stability, reduces curtailment, and improves economic efficiency. This research provides actionable insights for grid planners and policymakers seeking to maximize renewable energy integration while ensuring cost-effective and resilient smart grid operations.