Techno-Economic Assessment of Hydrogen-Based Power-to-Power Systems: Operational Strategies and Feasibility Within Energy Communities

In the context of the evolving energy landscape, the need to harness renewable energy sources (RESs) has become increasingly imperative. Within this framework, hydrogen emerges as a promising energy storage vector, offering a viable solution to the flexibility challenges caused by the inherent variability of RESs. This work investigates the feasibility of integrating a hydrogen-based energy storage system within an energy community in Barcelona, using surplus electricity from photovoltaic (PV) panels. A power-to-power configuration is modelled through a comprehensive methodology that determines optimal component sizing, based on high-resolution real-world data. This analysis explores how different operational strategies influence the system’s cost-effectiveness. The methodology is thus intended to assist in the early-stage decision-making process, offering a flexible approach that can be adapted to various market conditions and operational scenarios. The results show that, under the current conditions, the combination of PV generation, energy storage, and low-cost grid electricity purchases yield the most favourable outcomes. However, in a long-term perspective, considering projected cost reductions for hydrogen technologies, strategies including energy sales back to the grid become more profitable. This case study offers a practical example of balancing engineering and economic considerations, providing replicable insights for designing hydrogen storage systems in similar energy communities.