Technical sizing of renewable energy capacity for large-scale green hydrogen production

Abstract

The endeavor to produce 100 tons/day of green hydrogen in Morocco is a target with multifaceted challenges. The size of renewable energy and the electrolysis process constitute major parameters requiring advanced technology and robust infrastructure. The sensitivity analysis of this study involves critical parts of the value chain including the installed capacity, cost-effectiveness, storage, load balance, and resource allocation necessary to achieve the targeted green hydrogen. In the base case scenario (PV:562MWp, Wind:456Mw, EZ:273Mwe, storage:7.4 tons), the analysis reveals the optimal and effective technical sizing of the installed capacity ensuring a reliable energy supply and the load factor of the electrolysers indicates efficient balance of the produced energy, while the minimal requirement for hydrogen storage underscores economic viability. However, in the case of sensitivity scenario case 1 (PV:562MWp, Wind:647Mw, EZ:337Mwe, storage:420 tons), putting high capacities into renewable energies leads to excess energy production, requiring valorization strategies. Although the use of the grid as a storage mechanism is limited and compliant with regulations, a significant need for hydrogen storage is noted to resolve intermittency issues. Quite similar observations in the sensitivity scenario case 2 (PV:562MWp, Wind:290Mw, EZ:256Mwe, storage:1.7 tons) reinforces the project's robustness, with optimized wind production profiles and reduced investment needs facilitated by grid storage capacity.