Towards low-carbon power networks: Optimal location and sizing of renewable energy sources and hydrogen storage

• Published in: Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks Grids and Networks, 2024-06, Vol.38, p.101394, Article 101394
• Main Authors: Kayacık, Sezen Ece, Schrotenboer, Albert H., Ursavas, Evrim, Vis, Iris F.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Green hydrogen; Hydrogen storage; Optimal power flow; Renewable energy source integration; Second-order cone programming; Storage integration
• ISSN: 2352-4677; 2352-4677
• DOI: 10.1016/j.segan.2024.101394

This paper proposes a systematic optimization framework to jointly determine the optimal location and sizing decisions of renewables and hydrogen storage in a power network to achieve the transition to low-carbon networks efficiently. We obtain these strategic decisions based on the multi-period alternating current optimal power flow (AC MOPF) problem that jointly analyzes power network, renewable, and hydrogen storage interactions at the operational level by considering the uncertainty of renewable output, seasonality of electricity demand, and electricity prices. We develop a tailored solution approach based on second-order cone programming within a Benders decomposition framework to provide globally optimal solutions. In a test case, we show that the joint integration of renewable sources and hydrogen storage and consideration of the AC MOPF model significantly reduces the operational cost of the power network. In turn, our findings can provide quantitative insights to decision-makers on how to integrate renewable sources and hydrogen storage under different settings of the hydrogen selling price, renewable curtailment cost, emission tax price, and conversion efficiency. •A new AC MOPF model optimizes location and sizing of renewables and hydrogen storage.•Proposed SOCP-based algorithm can offer global optimality guarantees.•Joint optimization of renewables & hydrogen storage greatly save operational cost.•Hydrogen market can change location and sizing dynamics.•Considering AC power equations is necessary for efficient investment decisions.