New research from the University of Exeter in the UK has explored using floating photovoltaics (FPV) in Oman. The study investigated the potential of an FPV farm on Oman’s Wadi Dayqah Dam to generate hydrogen. Published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, the project was found to be technically viable. However, advancements in hydrogen energy storage technology are needed to make it economically feasible.
Simulating a Floating Solar Farm for Green Hydrogen
The research team used PVsyst software to model a 26.57 MW floating solar array incorporating 41,847 bifacial monocrystalline silicon modules. The proposed location, Wadi Dayqah Dam reservoir, spans 350 hectares and receives an annual average irradiation of 2,083.6 kWh/m2.
Key specifications of the modeled floating PV system:
- Installed capacity: 26.57 MW
- Number of bifacial modules: 41,847
- Module power: 635 W
- Module efficiency: 20.5%
- Specific annual energy yield: 1947 kWh/kWp
- Total annual energy production: 51.734 GWh
The scientists also simulated a hydrogen storage system consisting of a 22 MW PEM electrolyzer, 60,000 kg storage tank, 13 MW fuel cell, and 12.4 MW converter using HOMER Pro software.
Renewable Energy to Power Over 400 Households
The integrated floating solar and hydrogen storage system could generate a total of 65.516 GWh of electricity per year, with the floating PV array contributing 79% and the fuel cell supplying the remaining 21%. This 100% renewable energy system could meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 422 Omani households.
Economic Viability Depends on Advancing H2 Storage Tech
Image: University of Exeter, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, CC BY 4.0
Despite technical feasibility, the proposed system would result in high levelized costs. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) would be $0.97/kWh, and the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) would be $29.7/kg. Researchers attributed these elevated costs to substantial capital and operating expenses of large-scale components and fuel cell losses.
However, the authors noted that economic viability could improve in the future. As hydrogen energy storage technology advances and fossil fuel prices rise, the system could become more cost-effective. This study demonstrates the potential for floating solar to contribute to Oman’s renewable energy mix. It highlights the importance of continued research and development in hydrogen storage solutions.
To learn more, read the full study “Investigating the integration of floating photovoltaics (FPV) technology with hydrogen (H2) energy for electricity production for domestic application in Oman” in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.
