Techno-economic optimization of a photovoltaic-wind energy-based hydrogen production system: A case study of different cities of Saudi Arabia

The study employed Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables software and two-hybrid energy systems configurations to ascertain the most effective approach for generating hydrogen and electrical power in the designated three cities of Dammam, Jeddah and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. To reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, improve energy security and encourage sustainable development, this study was motivated by the need to address the urgent need to switch to renewable energy sources like solar and wind based on Saudi Arabian's Vision 2030 initiative. To achieve these objectives, this research investigates the techno-economic feasibility of producing hydrogen from renewable energy sources to promote energy independence and economic growth in the region of Saudi Arabia. The novelty of the study provides a regional view of the use of renewable energy sources for hydrogen production by concentrating on several Saudi Arabian cities. It is essential for successful energy planning and policy formation to have insights suited to unique regional settings as demonstrated in this study. According to the findings of the study, the electrical and hydrogen requirements of the selected cities in Saudi Arabia can be fulfilled using renewable energy sources, as sufficient wind speed and sunlight are available to produce renewable hydrogen. The outcomes of the study demonstrated that the electricity and hydrogen generated in the city of Dammam were found to be significantly higher than in the other two cities resulting in high hydrogen production at the city of Dammam compared to the cities of Tabuk and Jeddah. The hybrid energy system in Dammam was identified as the most practical option for fulfilling Saudi Arabia's electricity and hydrogen production requirements based on the analysis and optimization, with low net present cost, levelized cost and levelized cost of hydrogen values of $235235, 0.316 $/kWh and 4.16 $/kg, respectively. The outcome of the study suggests that incorporating a renewable energy system in Dammam may diminish the country's reliance on fossil fuels and decarbonize its transportation sector. The results of this study could be employed by members of the Saudi hydrogen industry to promote increased hydrogen production and make Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure more resilient and sustainable.