Design and Feasibility Study of Wind Powered Hydrogen Refueling Station in Saudi Arabia

The transportation sector is one of the leading contributors to global carbon emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels. Hydrogen, as a non-toxic and clean energy source, presents a promising alternative to fossil fuels. By transitioning to hydrogen-powered vehicles, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions, mitigating greenhouse gas effects and environmental pollution. If sustainable energy sources produce hydrogen and a widespread network of hydrogen refueling stations supports it, this potential becomes especially notable. This study conducted a techno-economic evaluation for a wind-powered hydrogen refueling station in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. The objective was to determine the optimal design for a wind-powered hydrogen refueling station in the city and to assess the project's economic feasibility and its potential impact on reducing carbon emissions. We designed the station to meet the daily refueling needs of 20 hydrogen vehicles, each with a 5 kg tank capacity. The results show that the cost of producing hydrogen at this facility is approximately $3.75 per kilogram, which is competitive when compared to global hydrogen production costs. Furthermore, the hydrogen refueling station has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by 5904 tons and CO emissions by 19.66322 tons over its lifetime. These findings affirm the feasibility of a wind-powered hydrogen refueling station in NEOM and highlight its potential environmental benefits.