Design of photovoltaic system coupled with electrolyzer hydrogen production in Algeria

This study evaluates the techno-economic potential of photovoltaic (PV)-powered hydrogen production via electrolysis across Algeria's diverse climate zones. A coupled PV-electrolyzer model was developed, revealing that 722 monocrystalline modules (1409 m²) are required to power the electrolyzer, resulting in a total installed capacity of 270.75 kW. Regional solar radiation was estimated using site-specific correlations and optimized tilt angles, resulting in annual electricity generation exceeding 450 MW h in arid southern areas and reaching 492 MW h in Tamanrasset. Northern sites like Algiers and Chlef produced around 397 and 416 MW h, respectively. Hydrogen output ranged from 4.4 tonnes/yr in Algiers to over 5.45 tonnes in Tamanrasset. The model incorporates a combined annual efficiency degradation rate of 1% and environmental soiling effects, with estimated losses of 8% in Ghardaïa and Bechar and 15% in Ouargla and Tamanrasset. These factors result in a cumulative hydrogen yield reduction of up to 20% over 20 yrs. To assess economic viability, a simplified Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) analysis was performed using site-specific hydrogen output. The results show LCOH values ranging from 4.83 USD/kg in Bechar to 5.27 USD/kg in Ouargla. Despite degradation and environmental losses, southern regions remain economically competitive due to their superior solar resource and consistent energy yield.