Modeling and economic evaluation of hybrid renewable energy sources for green hydrogen production: A case study for the Mediterranean region

This study introduces a comprehensive model for green hydrogen production using Renewable Energy Sources (RESs), specifically Offshore Wind Power (OWP) and solar energy. The model aims to generate electrical energy from hybrid RESs for hydrogen production via seawater electrolysis. Initially, the study identifies optimal locations with high solar and offshore wind potentials and designs a hybrid RES configuration accordingly. Subsequently, the selection of electrolysis and desalination units is made based on the hydrochemical properties of seawater. The facility's operation and techno-economic analysis are conducted in the model's other stages (respectively). An application is carried out along the Mediterranean coast to validate the accuracy and robustness of the model. Subsequently, at the designated Samandag location, a green hydrogen production facility is modeled, operated chosen the appropriate technology, and subjected to a techno-economic analysis. Simulation results at Samandağ highlight significant potential for hydrogen production. In 2024, a 13.2 MW OWP plant (Scenario-1) is projected to produce 93.59 kg/h, increasing to 149.07 kg/h by 2050. In the hybrid scenario (Scenario-2), production starts at 75.11 kg/h in 2024, reaching 119.68 kg/h by 2050. Techno-economic analysis shows cost reductions from $6.8/kg to $1.26/kg in Scenario-1, and from $6.43/kg to $1.069/kg in Scenario-2 by 2050.