Optimization-Driven Multi-Aspect Planning of Grid-Tied Green Hydrogen Hubs in Saudi Arabia

This paper offers a comprehensive techno-economic design optimization assisted with multi-aspect (techno-enviro-economic) analysis of Grid-connected Green Hydrogen Hubs (GHHs) across three strategically designated spots in Saudi Arabia: Jubail, Tabuk, and Abha. The study explores the integration of solar and wind energies to energize a set of electrolyzers (ELZ) for hydrogen production and storage. A multi-aspect-based techno-enviro-economic optimization model is applied to minimize system costs and emissions, and maximize its resilience and energy efficiency. Also, the model evaluates the impacts of the newly-launched power purchase agreement (PPA) that allows surplus electricity to be exported to the Saudi utility grid through net-energy metering (NEM). The economic outcomes highlighted Jubail as the optimal hub with the least net present cost of $15.3M, energy cost of 0.0245 $/kWh, and a promising hydrogen cost of 2.41 $/kg, with a payback period of 9.8 years. The NEM scheme earns $14.25M annually from grid exports, achieving a 97% GHGE reduction against the grid-only baseline. Also, energy scheduling validates a superior-balanced and resilient behavior with no capacity shortage and unmet electrical and hydrogen loads.