The role of long-term hydrogen storage in decarbonizing remote communities in Canada: An optimization framework with economic, environmental and social objectives

Many small Canadian communities lack access to electricity grids, relying instead on costly and polluting diesel generators, despite the local availability of renewable energies like solar and wind. The intermittent nature of these sources limits reliable power supply; thus, hydrogen is proposed as a cost-effective and eco-friendly long-term energy storage solution. However, it remains uncertain whether hydrogen storage can significantly contribute to a 100% renewable energy system (100RES), given the diverse characteristics of these communities. Additionally, the potential for fully renewable infrastructure to reduce costs, mitigate adverse environmental impacts, and enhance social impact is still unclear. A multi-period optimization model that balances economic, environmental, and social objectives to determine the optimal configuration of 100RESs for isolated communities is introduced and utilized to evaluate hydrogen as an energy storage solution to seasonal fluctuations. By identifying the best combinations of technologies tailored to local conditions and priorities, this study offers valuable insights for policymakers, supporting the transition to sustainable energy and achieving national climate goals. The results demonstrate that hydrogen could serve as an excellent long-term energy storage option to address energy shortages during the winter. Different combinations and sizes of energy generation and storage technologies are selected based on the characteristics of each community. For instance, a community in the northern territories with high wind speeds, low solar radiation, extremely low temperatures, and limited biomass resources should optimally rely on wind turbines to meet 80.7% of its total energy demand, resulting in a 62.0% cost reduction and a 49.5% decrease in environmental impact compared to the existing diesel-based system. By 2050, all communities are projected to reduce energy costs per capita, with northern territories achieving 33% and coastal areas achieving 55% cost reductions, eventually leading to the utilization of hydrogen as the main energy storage medium. • Develops a tri-objective model for 100% renewable energy in remote communities • Hydrogen storage is key for seasonal balancing in all modelled communities • Optimal renewable mix varies based on local climate, resources, and geography • By 2050, renewables reduce per capita energy costs by 33%–55% across communities • Findings support clean energy policies for remote areas in Canada and worldwide.