Researchers have evaluated hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) for green hydrogen production in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, using a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) approach.
The study identifies a solar-wind-battery-grid configuration as the optimal solution, offering a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.0321/kWh and demonstrating resilience under varying economic conditions.
The techno-economic analysis of HRES for hydrogen production focuses on diverse configurations integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind turbines, batteries, electrolyzers, hydrogen storage tanks, and grid connectivity. Among the evaluated configurations, HRES3 has emerged as the most viable option. Key metrics highlight a 91.7% renewable fraction, suggesting a promising potential to leverage Bangladesh’s climatic advantages. The Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of $0.0321/kWh and the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) at $5.22/kg are competitive benchmarks, especially in comparison to global averages.
This study employs multicriteria analysis (MDCM) using CRITIC and TOPSIS methods, weighing economic, technical, and environmental criteria against social factors such as job creation potentials and HDI improvements. HRES3’s favorable standing—anchored by metrics including a Net Present Cost (NPC) of $10.11 million over 25 years—underscores its potential economic viability and socio-economic contributions in the context of Bangladesh.
Carbon Emission Reduction
Carbon footprint reduction is critical, with HRES3 demonstrating substantial CO2 emission reductions relative to alternative configurations. The substitution of fossil fuel-based hydrogen production with green hydrogen holds promise for aligning with Bangladesh’s greenhouse gas mitigation goals. The environmental benefits of deploying HRES for hydrogen production are amplified by its potential to decrease reliance on imported energy, consequentially enhancing energy security.
The use of renewable resources—complemented by viable electrolyzer technologies—facilitates a clean hydrogen production process. Despite the higher initial capital investment associated with HRES, lifetime cost benefits and emission reductions make it a strategically attractive option. This aligns with global trends favoring decarbonized pathways essential for energy transitions.
Robustness and resilience under variable conditions are pivotal to sustainable energy planning. Sensitivity analyses indicate that HRES3 exhibits stable LCOE and NPC values even when subjected to variations in hydrogen demand, discount rates, and CO2 penalty fluctuations. This resilience suggests a degree of economic stability that is crucial for long-term energy strategies.
Bangladesh’s policy environment and regulatory frameworks will need to adapt to support the integration of hydrogen into its energy mix. Investments in R&D, supportive policies, and public-private partnerships will be critical to overcome existing infrastructural and technological challenges and leverage the benefits illustrated by this research.
Market Dynamics
Globally, the hydrogen market is projected to grow significantly. According to industry reports, the green hydrogen market is expected to reach a valuation of $10.2 billion by 2030, driven by increasing renewable installations and governmental incentives. Bangladesh, with its high renewable energy potential, is well-positioned to tap into this burgeoning market.
The domestic commitment to hydrogen as part of the energy strategy will necessitate policy support, capital investments, and international collaborations to facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building. As technologies mature and become economically feasible, hydrogen can play a transformative role in achieving Bangladesh’s long-term energy independence and environmental sustainability objectives.
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