Parametric modeling of green hydrogen production in solar PV-CSP hybrid plants: A techno-economic evaluation approach

This study conducts a unique parametric study to comprehensively assess the integration of Photovoltaics (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) for sustained electrolyzer load. An optimal design of the hybrid system is performed, and an economic model for hydrogen production is developed that considers six key parameters: Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of PV, LCOE of CSP, electrolyzer cost, electrolyzer efficiency, electrolyzer stack lifetime hours, and the interest rate. A detailed parametric study for the electrolyzer model involved a dataset of 246,961 unique parameter combinations. The results reveal that the LCOE of CSP and electrolyzer costs are the most influential factors, with proportions of 51.6 % and 21.4 %, respectively. The LCOE's potential 24 % reduction in the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) is the major contributor to the 50 % decrease in CSP costs.”. The study highlights a consistent gradient in LCOH reduction as the electrolyzer cost with the LCOE of CSP decreases. This trend could lead to a remarkable decrease in LCOH to 1.5 $/kg at certain conditions, underscoring the significance of optimizing CSP costs and electrolyzer efficiency for efficient green hydrogen production. •Providing PV-CSP optimal design to evaluate the optimal share of PV and CSP in the Hydrogen production plant.•Six crucial parameters, including LCOE and electrolyzer metrics, shape the economic modeling.•CSP and electrolyzer costs emerge as dominant drivers of economic outcomes.•Potential for LCOH decrease to $1.5/kg at minimum CSP and electrolyzer costs, with the maximum efficiency.