Techno-economic optimization of green hydrogen production from curtailed power in Ireland: Impact of future renewable energy installations, weather variability, and grid constraints
Charlene Vance, Aina Maimó-Far, C. Sweeney, Eoin Syron
Abstract
To improve the economic viability of renewable (green) hydrogen production, excess renewable energy which cannot be input to the electricity grid (curtailed power) can be utilized. While several models have attempted to optimize hydrogen production using curtailed power, several factors must be considered in greater detail, including the impacts of future renewable energy capacity, weather variability, and electricity grid constraints. This study aims to explore these aspects through an integrated model performing a techno-economic assessment and size optimization in order to achieve the minimum levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). Based on the Irish case, optimizing the production of hydrogen from curtailed power results in a minimum LCOH of 1.20–9.39 €/kg. To maximize variable renewable energy penetration in the grid while allowing for low-cost hydrogen production from curtailed power, it is suggested to focus on grid improvements while ensuring rapid commissioning of offshore wind installations, leading to a LCOH of 1.26–2.44 €/kg. • Green hydrogen can be produced using exclusively curtailed power. • A techno-economic model is developed to optimize installed electrolyzer capacity. • Model accounts for future renewable capacity, electricity demand, and grid constraints. • Electrolyzers installed today can produce cost-competitive hydrogen (∼2 €/kg). • Optimal electrolyzer capacity is influenced by stack lifetime and weather variability.