Potential of Wind-Hydrogen (Power-to-X) Energy Systems in Latvia

Abstract Growing concerns about greenhouse gas emissions have made the development and use of carbon-neutral technologies a pressing issue in the European Union, particularly for replacing fossil energy sources. Among these, green hydrogen emerges as a promising alternative for replacing fossil fuels. Integrating wind-hydrogen systems addresses a key challenge in the wind energy industry inconsistency – by aligning supply with demand. This problem is quite significant, because it was stated that most of wind energy is produced during low demand hours creating excess energy, consequently it is sold during low energy price hours. By this, wind energy production becomes less profitable than it could be, so energy storage and Power2X technologies and its research becomes more relevant. However, the economic viability and climate impacts of Power2X system integration remain significant concerns. Latvia, where the share of wind energy is rapidly increasing, faces rising questions about renewable energy storage possibilities and their rationality. This study evaluates the potential of wind-hydrogen Power2X systems in Latvia by analysing three methods for converting wind energy into hydrogen for storage and subsequent use, using Python mathematical modelling in system dynamics analysis of wind energy generation and hydrogen production technologies. Finally, the study calculates and compares the profitability and climate impact of the proposed Power2X systems against conventional energy sales during production hours. Results indicated proton exchange membrane green hydrogen production technology as most feasible from economic and climate impact perspective with least levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) value at 2.66 EUR/kg H2 and biggest revenue difference from 1st scenario value at 7 707 829.94 EUR/year.