Examining the Viability of Green Hydrogen: Economic and Environmental Analysis of Renewable Energy Integration

Hydrogen energy is considered a cornerstone in building a sustainable society in the face of global warming and the impending energy revolution. Hydrogen is an essential molecule that can be obtained through several methods, employing nonrenewable and renewable energy sources. Regrettably, the requirement for a systematic shift towards sustainable energy sources has posed a significant obstacle in the advancement and execution of green hydrogen technology. Therefore, the central objective of this chapter is to present a comprehensive assessment of the techno-economic-environmental features concerned with using water electrolyzers in renewable energy-based hydrogen production systems. Moreover, the adopted energy sources are solar, wind, geothermal and ocean energies. The chapter compares the different types of water electrolyzers used in green hydrogen systems. The analysis examines and evaluates system performance and economic aspects across many locations, culminating in assessing the environmental impact. Finally, the ecological impact of the studied systems is illustrated to point out the effect of hydrogen production on the environment.