Comparative Multi-Criteria Performance Assessment of Battery and Hydrogen-Based Energy Storage Systems in Off-Grid Hybrid Microgrids

This study comparatively analyzes the impacts of different energy storage approaches on the technical, economic, and environmental performance of off-grid hybrid renewable energy systems. System modeling and optimization were carried out using HOMER Pro software. Two alternative system configurations were evaluated under real resource data and a representative load profile. The first configuration included a hydrogen-based long-term storage infrastructure consisting of photovoltaic panels, a wind turbine, battery storage, an electrolyzer, a hydrogen tank, and a fuel cell. The second configuration was based solely on battery energy storage. The results demonstrate that the hydrogen-supported system increased renewable energy penetration to 84.7%, eliminated capacity shortages, fully met the load demand without interruption, and enabled long-term storage of surplus renewable energy. Although the battery-based system required lower initial capital investment and yielded a lower levelized cost of energy, it experienced a 5.2% capacity shortage and was unable to utilize 129,782 kWh of excess energy annually. A multi-criteria assessment conducted from a life-cycle cost perspective revealed that energy supply reliability and renewable energy utilization efficiency play a more decisive role in optimal system selection than approaches based solely on economic indicators. These findings indicate that hydrogen-based long-term energy storage infrastructure in off-grid settlements should be regarded not merely as a storage solution but as a strategic component that enhances energy security and sustainability.