Economic and technical evaluation of on-site electrolysis solar hydrogen refueling station in Corsica: A case study of Ajaccio

The European Union's ambitious target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 necessitates a transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources. Hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative, particularly as a fuel for large-scale transportation, including heavy-duty vehicles. The fleet buses in Ajaccio travel 1 494 007.9 km per year, responsible for 1453.67 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Utilizing green hydrogen, derived from renewable sources, can reduce these emissions by 87.3 %. This paper conducts a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of a hydrogen refueling station, aiming to foster the adoption of this technology and gain widespread acceptance. Our objective is to determine the economic viability of a hydrogen station capable of producing 440 kg of hydrogen daily. The Levelized Hydrogen Cost (LHC) is found to be 6.95 €/kg over a 20-year lifespan with electrolyzers operating at a power of 4.5 MW. The total installation cost amounts to 22 324 617 €. Remarkably, the return on investment is realized in the 11th year of operation. Electrolyzers account for 46 % of the system's total CAPEX and 29 % of its OPEX, indicating that advancements in electrolyzer technology will play a crucial role in reducing production costs. Our findings underscore the economic viability of the hydrogen refueling station, with a compelling LHC value indicative of its cost-effectiveness. The successful return on investment within a relatively short timeframe highlights the project's potential as a financially sound and sustainable initiative.