Large-scale green hydrogen production using alkaline water electrolysis based on seasonal solar radiation

Abstract The research study provides a techno-economic analysis for the green hydrogen generation based solar radiation data for both the single and hybrid alkaline water electrolyzer and energy storage system systems. In addition, a carbon footprint study is conducted to estimate the developed system carbon dioxide emissions. The optimal size of the alkaline water electrolyzer and energy storage system is determined by a genetic algorithm that takes into account a carbon tax on carbon emissions. Based on itemized cost estimating findings, unit hydrogen production costs for a single system and a hybrid system were $6.88/kg and $8.32/kg respectively. Furthermore, capital cost it has been found as a key element in determining the optimal scale of the alkaline water electrolyzer and energy storage system, which are essential for minimizing the unit hydrogen production cost. Lastly, an effort to minimize the capital cost of producing green hydrogen is required when the rising trend of the carbon dioxide tax is taken into account.