Techno-economic assessment of green hydrogen production in Izmir: Evaluating electrolyzer technologies, modularization strategies, and renewable energy integration

GÜLAY E. D., ÇOLPAN C. Ö., EZAN M. A.

Energy Conversion and Management, cilt.333, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 333
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.enconman.2025.119797
  • Dergi Adı: Energy Conversion and Management
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, Environment Index, INSPEC, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Electrolyzer, Hydrogen production, Power allocation strategies, modularity, Techno-Economic Assessment
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The transition to low-carbon energy has accelerated with the expansion of renewable power capacity and the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. Green hydrogen production via renewable-powered electrolysis offers a sustainable alternative but faces cost challenges compared to fossil-based methods. This study conducts a techno-economic analysis of wind-powered green hydrogen production in Izmir, Türkiye. First, two power allocation strategies (Daisy Chain and Average Allocation) are evaluated in a 10 MW wind-integrated PEMWE system to determine the most effective approach. Then, using the selected strategy, three electrolyzer technologies (Alkaline, Proton Exchange Membrane, and Anion Exchange Membrane) are compared based on their impact on the LCOH. The key novelty of this study is the separate consideration of SEC values for the stack and BoP in a modular electrolyzer system operated with different power allocation strategies. A case study across four locations in Izmir identifies Çeşme as the most viable site, where a 10 MW wind farm with a 7.5 MW PEMWE system achieves a net profit of 133.4 million US$ and a NPV of 14.5 million US$. Reducing electrolyzer capacity from 10 MW to 7.5 MW also lowers LCOH from 7.52 US$/kg to 7.11 US$/kg. The study also highlights that direct investment in wind power is more cost-effective than a PPA scenario for a price of 54 US$/MWh. These findings provide key insights for designing modular electrolyzer systems and improving the economic feasibility of green hydrogen production.