Techno-economic feasibility of green hydrogen production using hybrid solar-wind energy systems in Oman

The transition to renewable energy sources is critical for mitigating the environmental impacts of fossil fuels, and green hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution for sustainable energy storage and utilization. This study evaluates the feasibility of a hybrid renewable energy system for green hydrogen production in Oman, leveraging the region's abundant solar and wind resources. Using HOMER Pro software, an off-grid system integrating photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, battery storage, and fuel cells was simulated to assess technical and economic performance. The optimal system configuration included 84 kW of solar panels, three 3-kW wind turbines, a 16-kW fuel cell, and a 20-kW electrolyzer, achieving a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of 0.1449 USD/kWh and a Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) of 5.67 USD/kg. Solar energy contributed 77.8% of the total energy production, while wind energy and fuel cells accounted for 14.6% and 7.61%, respectively. The system produced 1,544 kg of hydrogen annually, with 364 kg available for storage or commercial use. The results demonstrate the system's ability to efficiently harness renewable resources, stabilize energy supply through battery storage, and produce green hydrogen at competitive costs. This study highlights the potential of hybrid renewable energy systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to lead the global transition to green hydrogen, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in sustainable energy development.