Techno-economic analysis of energy micro-grids with hydrogen storage and fuel cell in Moroccan farming systems

This study evaluates the techno economic performance of hybrid renewable microgrids integrating hydrogen storage and fuel cells in two Moroccan pilot farms: a grid-connected site (BLFARM) and an off-grid site (RIMSAR). Real meteorological and load data were analyzed in HOMER Pro to assess feasibility. In 2024, BLFARM achieved a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of €1.63/kWh and a Renewable Fraction (Ren Frac) of 83.9%, while RIMSAR reached €4.32/kWh with 100% renewable contribution. Hydrogen use remained limited due to low demand and high costs. Assuming 2050 hydrogen-technology reductions, LCOE decreased to €0.160/kWh (BLFARM) and €0.425/kWh (RIMSAR), while hydrogen components were still under-utilized. Aggregating demand from 5-80 farms reduced LCOE by over 50% from €0.093 to €0.045/kWh (BLFARM) and from €0.142 to €0.074/kWh (RIMSAR) while increasing electrolyzer and fuel-cell operation. Community-networked hydrogen microgrids thus enhance component utilization, energy resilience, and cost effectiveness in rural Moroccan agriculture. • Hybrid microgrids are analyzed for rural Moroccan farms. • Techno-economic feasibility assessment. • Renewable energy potential is assessed for each farm, then analyzed to optimize energy production and storage. • Hydrogen integration enhances energy resilience, strengthening energy independence for agricultural communities.