Cost, footprint, and reliability implications of deploying hydrogen in off-grid electric vehicle charging stations: A GIS-assisted study for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2022-09, Vol.47 (76), p.32641-32654
• Main Authors: Elshurafa, Amro M., Muhsen, Abdel Rahman, Felder, Frank A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Charging stations; Electrolyzer; Hydrogen; Off-grid; Renewable energy; Saudi Arabia
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.07.160

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). •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.