Optimal design and viability of a green hydrogen refueling station: A techno-economic and enviro-social analysis for hot desert climate

This study addresses the lack of widespread hydrogen infrastructure deployment in hot desert climates by conducting a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental-social analysis of a grid-connected, hybrid renewable hydrogen refueling station. A hybrid renewable system optimized with HOMER Pro software is modeled using the mixed-methods methodology. The technical results show that a solar-dominant system that produces 29,167 kg of hydrogen and 1,554,546 kWh of power annually is the optimal design. The financial analysis indicates that the competitive levelized cost of hydrogen is $6.61/kg, the cost of energy is $0.029/kWh, the net current cost is 2.49 million, and the internal rate of return is 12 %. It is 92.3 % renewable-sourced or the equivalent of 6912 kg CO2 avoided in a net positive average annual environmental impact (optimal system). This negative emissions number is important because it indicates how well the system is performing in meeting climate goals by avoiding and reducing grid carbon pollution relative to its own emissions. The study substantiates the feasibility and economic viability of a solar-driven green hydrogen refueling station in a hot desert climate, offering a crucial data-driven roadmap for decarbonization.