Massive Green Hydrogen Production Using Solar and Wind Energy: Comparison between Europe and the Middle East

Marek Jaszczur (), Qusay Hassan (), Aws Zuhair Sameen, Hayder M. Salman, Olushola Tomilayo Olapade and Szymon Wieteska
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Marek Jaszczur: Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Qusay Hassan: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Diyala, Baqubah 32001, Iraq
Aws Zuhair Sameen: College of Medical Techniques, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad 10071, Iraq
Hayder M. Salman: Department of Computer Science, Al-Turath University College, Baghdad 27134, Iraq
Olushola Tomilayo Olapade: Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Szymon Wieteska: Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 14, 1-26

Abstract: This comparative study examines the potential for green hydrogen production in Europe and the Middle East, leveraging 3MWp solar and wind power plants. Experimental weather data from 2022 inform the selection of two representative cities, namely Krakow, Poland (Europe), and Diyala, Iraq (Middle East). These cities are chosen as industrial–residential zones, representing the respective regions’ characteristics. The research optimizes an alkaline water electrolyzer capacity in juxtaposition with the aforementioned power plants to maximize the green hydrogen output. Economic and environmental factors integral to green hydrogen production are assessed to identify the region offering the most advantageous conditions. The analysis reveals that the Middle East holds superior potential for green hydrogen production compared to Europe, attributed to a higher prevalence of solar and wind resources, coupled with reduced land and labor costs. Hydrogen production costs in Europe are found to range between USD 9.88 and USD 14.31 per kilogram, in contrast to the Middle East, where costs span from USD 6.54 to USD 12.66 per kilogram. Consequently, the Middle East emerges as a more feasible region for green hydrogen production, with the potential to curtail emissions, enhance air quality, and bolster energy security. The research findings highlight the advantages of the Middle East industrial–residential zone ‘Diyala’ and Europe industrial–residential zone ‘Krakow’ in terms of their potential for green hydrogen production.

Keywords: green hydrogen production; solar and wind power plants; Europe and Middle East comparison; alkaline water electrolyzer; comparative regional 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: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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