Optimized Wind Power Plant Repowering and Green Hydrogen Hybrid Solutions: Synergies for a Sustainable Energy Transition

Abstract

This paper provides a methodology for the optimal selection of wind-hydrogen hybrid systems, combining repowered wind power plants and green hydrogen production. The methodology aims to maximize the electricity and hydrogen generation, promote the industrial sector cooperation, and minimize associated costs and emissions in line with Sustainable Development Goals 7, 9, and 13. It is evaluated in three scenarios considering a real case study: (i) just repowering, (ii) repowering with surplus for hydrogen production, and (iii) repowering with specific turbines for hydrogen production. From the results, the third scenario fulfil the best the objectives of the three Sustainable Development Goals considered, maximizing the clean energy generation (ranging in between 160—240 GWh/year of electricity, and 1500—3000 ton H2/year), industrial collaborations (using the hydrogen for fuels in ovens, mobility, and specific consumption and reserve), and CO2 emissions (up to 15%), and minimizing the hybrid system costs up to 130,000€. However, successful implementationwould require significant additional investments in research, development, and deployment on a global scale, along with supportive policies and regulatory frameworks to encourage adoption and development.