Leveraging media for demand control in an optimal network of renewable microgrids with hydrogen facilities in South Korea

In pursuit of a sustainable 2030 strategy in the Republic of Korea, this study addresses the oversight in recent optimal renewable energy microgrid designs, which, despite encompassing all feasible renewable sources, neglected the pivotal role of hydrogen as an energy carrier. This research explores the feasibility of reprogramming media platforms to dynamically shape energy consumption during peak intervals. It further proposes the retrofitting of microgrids with industrial hydrogen production and storage facilities, aligning with controlled electricity demand. A comprehensive social survey investigates the impact of media content on energy-conscious behaviour and cooperation, specifically targeting energy savings during peak hours. Utilizing a probabilistic model, the study quantifies responses from the surveyed sample and decomposes the energy demand time series to reveal three new consumption patterns: demand reduction by lowering residential electricity consumption at peak intervals without shifts, intense demand shifting by redistributing electricity consumption from peaks to valleys without human intervention, and moderate demand shifting achieved through cooperation with consumers. With these novel energy demand patterns in hand, the study optimally designs renewable microgrids in 17 sites in South Korea, comparing two strategies: Plan A, involving electrolysis-based hydrogen production and storage tanks, and Plan B, which excludes hydrogen facilities. Comparative results demonstrate that media content contributes to a 10.28% and 16.11% reduction in peak electricity consumption, with and without human intervention, respectively. In Plan B, a demand cut saves 937.3 MWh/yr, resulting in a 12.88% reduction in the levelized costs of electricity (LCOE) and a 4.67% reduction in net present costs (NPC) of optimal renewable microgrids in Korea. Conversely, in Plan A, intense demand reduction exhibits superior performance, leading to $981K less NPC, 1,046 MWh/yr less excess electricity, and a 3.76% smaller LCOE. The study recommends the implementation of smart gadgets to control residential electricity consumption, producing industrial hydrogen at Korean sites based on consumer attention and agreement with specific media content. However, it underscores the importance of studying the socio-psychological effects of this plan in future research.