Cost, footprint, and reliability implications of deploying hydrogen in off-grid electric vehicle charging stations: A GIS-assisted study for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (5th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elshurafa, Amro M.; Muhsen, Abdel Rahman; Felder, Frank A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 47:Number 76(2022)
• Page Start: 32641
• Page End: 32654
• Publication Date: 2022-09-05
• Subjects: Charging stations -- Off-grid -- Hydrogen -- Electrolyzer -- Renewable energy -- Saudi Arabia; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.07.160
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: For the first time, we quantify cost, footprint, and reliability implications of deploying hydrogen-based generation in off-grid electric vehicle charging stations (CS) using an optimization model coupled with a geographic information system (GIS) analysis for the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We also account for the challenges associated with wind energy deployment as a candidate generation technology within city centers. The analysis was restricted to carbon-free technologies: photovoltaics (PV), wind, battery, and hydrogen fuel-cells. At current prevailing technology costs, hydrogen can reduce the required footprint of off-grid CSs by 25% at a small incremental cost increase without impacting the charging reliability. By 2030, however, hydrogen will simultaneously provide the footprint and cost advantages. If we allow as little as 5% of the annual load to be unmet, the required footprint of the CS decreases by 60%. The levelized cost of energy values for the CS by 2030 can range between 0.13 and 0.20 $/kWh depending on learning-curve assumptions. The footprints calculated are then mapped to five land parcel categories in Riyadh: gas station, hospital, mall, school, and university. Incorporating hydrogen in CS design increases the number of parcels that could accommodate CSs by 15–45% via reducing the required PV array (i.e., footprint). Highlights: We assess the benefits that hydrogen can bestow upon off-grid charging stations. Analysis conducted using a power optimization model and GIS analysis. By 2030, hydrogen can reduce the cost and required footprint of charging stations. Hydrogen can reduce the footprint requirement of charging stations by 25%. Hydrogen enables 15–45% more land parcels to host charging stations in Riyadh.