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Areal Assessment in the Design of a Try-Out Grid-Tied Solar PV-Green Hydrogen-Battery Storage Microgrid System for Industrial Application in South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Blessed Sarema

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7600, South Africa)

  • Gibson P. Chirinda

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7600, South Africa)

  • Sören Scheffler

    (Fraunhofer Institute of Machine Tools and Forming Technology, IWU, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany)

  • Stephen Matope

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7600, South Africa)

  • Ulrike Beyer

    (Fraunhofer Institute of Machine Tools and Forming Technology, IWU, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany)

Abstract

The carbon emission reduction mission requires a multifaceted approach, in which green hydrogen is expected to play a key role. The accelerated adoption of green hydrogen technologies is vital to this journey towards carbon neutrality by 2050. However, the energy transition involving green hydrogen requires a data-driven approach to ensure that the benefits are realised. The introduction of testing sites for green hydrogen technologies will be crucial in enabling the performance testing of various components within the green hydrogen value chain. This study involves an areal assessment of a selected test site for the installation of a grid-tied solar PV-green hydrogen-battery storage microgrid system at a factory facility in South Africa. The evaluation includes a site energy audit to determine the consumption profile and an analysis of the location’s weather pattern to assess its impact on the envisaged microgrid. Lastly, a design of the microgrid is conceptualised. A 39 kW photovoltaic system powers the microgrid, which comprises a 22 kWh battery storage system, 10 kW of electrolyser capacity, an 8 kW fuel cell, and an 800 L hydrogen storage capacity between 30 and 40 bars.

Suggested Citation

  • Blessed Sarema & Gibson P. Chirinda & Sören Scheffler & Stephen Matope & Ulrike Beyer, 2025. "Areal Assessment in the Design of a Try-Out Grid-Tied Solar PV-Green Hydrogen-Battery Storage Microgrid System for Industrial Application in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8649-:d:1758625
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katundu Imasiku & Fortunate Farirai & Jane Olwoch & Solomon Nwabueze Agbo, 2021. "A Policy Review of Green Hydrogen Economy in Southern Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Luciano T. Barbosa & Samuel D. Vasconcelos & Pedro A. C. Rosas & José F. C. Castro & Douglas C. P. Barbosa, 2024. "Assessment of Green Hydrogen as Energy Supply Alternative for Isolated Power Systems and Microgrids," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-28, September.
    3. Anteneh G. Dagnachew & Seleshi G. Yalew & Meron Tesfamichael & Chukwumerije Okereke & Edo Abraham, 2025. "A green hydrogen revolution in Africa remains elusive under current geopolitical realities," Climate Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(2), pages 291-302, February.
    4. Noluntu Dyantyi-Gwanya & Solomon O. Giwa & Thobeka Ncanywa & Raymond T. Taziwa, 2025. "Exploring Economic Expansion of Green Hydrogen Production in South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-25, January.
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