Optimizing Grid-Integrated Renewable Systems for Cost-Effective Electricity and Hydrogen Supply

This study analyzes the technical and economic feasibility of a hybrid renewable energy system consisting of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind (WT), grid, battery (Bt), electrolyzer, hydrogen tank (H2 tank), and fuel cell to meet the electricity and hydrogen needs based on the real data of Dijon, France. Mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) integrated inside an open-source Python FINE module is employed to optimize the design and operation of an energy system. Three different case studies are performed; Case I: Grid, Bt, H2 components, Case II: Grid, WT, PV, Bt, H2 components, Case III: W T, PV, Bt, H2 components (off-grid). The major objective of the study is to minimize the total annual cost (TAC) of the system in every case study. The optimization results indicate the difference in TAC based on the operation and choice of various components. In Case I, the TAC is observed to be 52. 82 million euros, focusing solely on the grid operation without considering any grid investment. For Case II, the TAC is found risen to 163 million euros due to significant investments in PV and WT. In Case III, a substantial TAC of 1790. 85 million euros is obtained, attributed to major investments in PV, WT, Bt, H2 tank, and fuel cell. The study shows that utilizing the grid in combination with renewable sources such as wind and photovoltaic currently can be the cost-effective solution, while solar and wind energy may become more competitive if investment and operating costs decrease. Furthermore, batteries and hydrogen tanks are identified as suitable storage technologies for supporting the peak electricity and hydrogen demand of energy systems. Fuel cell is still an expensive choice however, the future development in fuel cell technologies holds the potential for more affordable power solutions.