Abstract:
The objective of this thesis is to develop a design methodology using ordinal optimization
(OO) technique for hydrogen generation in Europe using a hybrid solar system located in
Africa. Reverse osmosis water desalination, water electrolysis using a polymer-
electrolyte membrane (PEM), solar panels and batteries are the subsystems used to
produce green hydrogen. The main goal is to size properly each of these system
components to achieve an average production rate of around 50 tons per day at the lowest
cost of production in dollars per kilogram of hydrogen. The cost of production will take
into account the different systems used in addition to transportation of the power through
submarine cables from Africa to Europe. This thesis examines the feasibility of
harnessing abundant solar energy resources in North Africa to export it to Europe where
it will be used to produce green hydrogen for the European market. The green hydrogen
produced using solar energy, does not emit carbon dioxide when oxidized, making it an
essential tool in the fight against global warming, and helping to reach a decarbonized
economy by replacement of fossil fuels, which is as an important step toward a more
sustainable and ecologically friendly energy future. This study intends to construct a
comprehensive and sustainable green hydrogen generation simulation model using a
multidisciplinary approach that includes solar technology, electrochemical water
electrolysis, and economic modeling. This simulation model will be used in an ordinal
optimization approach to determine the size and cost each subsystem in order to produce
the market demand of 50 tons of hydrogen per day at minimum cost. Through this OO
approach, an optimal solution has been identified, comprising a PV size of 810MW,
battery size of 1350MWh, PEM size of 86 tons per day, RO size of 56.25m3/h, SC size
of 2000mm2 and hydrogen storage of 32 tons. The results underscore the viability of the
proposed approach in meeting production goals at a competitive cost of $4.43 per
kilogram of hydrogen, with the Morocco and Spain route chosen for power delivery. The
quoted cost is based on projected technologies for the year 2035 and is likely to drop
further.