Techno-Economic Assessment of Hydrogen-Based Power-to-Power Systems: Operational Strategies and Feasibility Within Energy Communities

Lucia Pera (), Marta Gandiglio and Paolo Marocco ()
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Lucia Pera: Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
Marta Gandiglio: Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
Paolo Marocco: Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 13, 1-22

Abstract: In the context of the evolving energy landscape, the need to harness renewable energy sources (RESs) has become increasingly imperative. Within this framework, hydrogen emerges as a promising energy storage vector, offering a viable solution to the flexibility challenges caused by the inherent variability of RESs. This work investigates the feasibility of integrating a hydrogen-based energy storage system within an energy community in Barcelona, using surplus electricity from photovoltaic (PV) panels. A power-to-power configuration is modelled through a comprehensive methodology that determines optimal component sizing, based on high-resolution real-world data. This analysis explores how different operational strategies influence the system’s cost-effectiveness. The methodology is thus intended to assist in the early-stage decision-making process, offering a flexible approach that can be adapted to various market conditions and operational scenarios. The results show that, under the current conditions, the combination of PV generation, energy storage, and low-cost grid electricity purchases yield the most favourable outcomes. However, in a long-term perspective, considering projected cost reductions for hydrogen technologies, strategies including energy sales back to the grid become more profitable. This case study offers a practical example of balancing engineering and economic considerations, providing replicable insights for designing hydrogen storage systems in similar energy communities.

Keywords: power-to-power system; PEM electrolyzer; PEM fuel cell; control strategies; techno-economic analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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