A recent study published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy offers a comprehensive analysis of electricity supply configurations for green hydrogen hubs, focusing on urban transport decarbonization in European cities.
Authored by Kamaldeen Adekola, Samim Ghafoori, François Dechamp, and Alessandro Prada, this research is pivotal as the hydrogen industry seeks sustainable solutions for public transportation.
This research introduces a specialized techno-economic analysis tool designed to evaluate green hydrogen hubs’ feasibility for fueling urban fuel-cell bus fleets. The authors compared five different configurations of green hydrogen hubs, each distinguished by its specific electricity sourcing strategy, including a mix of renewable energy types, capacity sizes, financial models, and grid interactions.
Key findings highlighted the cost-optimal performance of hybrid renewable electricity sources, particularly those combining photovoltaic, wind systems, and hydrogen storage. The hybrid systems outperformed others by balancing operational costs and economic efficiency. Notably, bi-directional grid-interactive systems were lauded for their efficiency and their ability to stabilize the electricity grid, addressing issues like the duck curve—a phenomenon where electricity demand patterns mismatch supply, causing strain on the grid.
Additionally, the study suggests significant cost reductions can be achieved when the refueling schedules for bus fleets are optimized in conjunction with the hydrogen hub’s electricity supply configuration.
Technical Details and Methodology
The research employed a detailed techno-economic analysis framework to assess various configurations under real-world operational conditions typified by a metropolitan bus fleet’s schedule. By modeling different electricity mixes, including renewable sources and grid interactions, the study provided a holistic view of the economic and operational impacts of each configuration. Capital expenditure (Capex), wholesale electricity prices, and power purchase agreement (PPA) prices were key variables influencing the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH).
Potential Applications and Market Relevance
The findings from this research have considerable implications for urban transport authorities and policymakers aiming to implement green hydrogen solutions within city infrastructures. With the demonstrated cost advantages of hybrid renewable systems and bi-directional grid interactions, cities can more feasibly pursue large-scale fleet decarbonization, contributing to broader environmental and sustainability goals.
