Empowering nations: Hydrogen solutions for eliminating energy dependence, emissions, and promoting sustainable income generation

• Novel model integrates RE generation with hydrogen production. • Utilizing hydrogen across various economic sectors. • Significant reductions in LCOH and LCOA projected by 2050. • Enhanced energy independence and improved energy security using hydrogen. • Positive financial metrics demonstrating the economic viability of hydrogen. The integration of green hydrogen into national energy systems represents a transformative approach to achieving energy independence, reducing emissions, and fostering sustainable economic growth. This study addresses the critical issue of reliance on other countries to fulfill energy needs and the environmental impacts of fossil fuels. By presenting a novel model that integrates renewable energy (RE) generation with hydrogen production, storage, utilization, and gas recovery, the research offers a comprehensive solution, using Jordan as a case study, to leverage existing RE resources to produce hydrogen. This hydrogen will then be utilized across various sectors, including electricity generation, transportation, industry, and the production of ammonia, oxygen, and rare gases. Key findings demonstrate significant financial and strategic benefits of the proposed methodology. By 2050, the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) is projected to drop from $6.6/kg in 2030 to $1/kg, while the Levelized Cost of Ammonia (LCOA) decreases from $593/ton to $418/ton. Revenue streams grow substantially across all co-products, including oxygen, argon, rare gases, and ammonia, demonstrating the economic potential of integrated hydrogen systems. Hydrogen exports also expand significantly, supporting energy independence, emission reductions, and broader economic growth. Key recommendations include investing strategically in RE and hydrogen infrastructure, fostering international collaboration, implementing supportive policies, and advancing research and development to drive innovation and cost reductions. This integrated approach addresses current energy challenges and positions nations as leaders in the global clean energy transition. The study introduces a novel system dynamics methodology that integrates existing RE infrastructure with decentralized hydrogen production, co-product recovery, and grid stabilization via fuel cells. By modeling sectoral utilization and diversified revenue streams, it provides a comprehensive and policy-relevant framework.