In the sun-drenched landscapes of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), a shift is underway, one that could redefine the region’s energy narrative. Researchers, led by Abdellatif Azzaoui from the Materials Science, New Energies, and Applications Research Group at Mohammed 1st University in Morocco, are exploring the potential of “green” hydrogen production using linear Fresnel reflector (LFR) technology. Their findings, published in the journal Energies, offer a glimpse into a future where the MENA region could become a hub for sustainable, locally driven hydrogen production.
The MENA region, known for its abundant solar resources, is increasingly investing in renewable energy. However, the intermittency of solar power and the need for energy storage present significant challenges. “Green” hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, emerges as a promising solution. Azzaoui and his team have investigated the potential of hydrogen production using a 50 MW concentrated solar power (CSP) system based on LFR technology.
Their study, conducted across three locations—Ain Beni Mathar in Morocco, Assiout in Egypt, and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia—reveals compelling insights. Tabuk, with its high solar irradiance, achieved the highest annual hydrogen production at 45.02 kg/kWe, followed by Assiout (38.72 kg/kWe) and Ain Beni Mathar (32.42 kg/kWe). The corresponding levelized costs of hydrogen (LCOH₂) were 6.47 USD/kg, 6.84 USD/kg, and 7.35 USD/kg, respectively.
The research also delves into the impact of thermal energy storage (TES) on hydrogen production and costs. “The integration of TES enhanced hydrogen output and reduced LCOH₂ by up to 9%,” Azzaoui explains. This finding underscores the importance of TES in improving the economic feasibility of hydrogen production.
Moreover, the study explores the potential cost reductions resulting from local manufacturing of LFR components and the projected drop in electrolyzer costs by 2030. “A future PEM electrolyzer costs projected for 2030 showed that LCOH₂ could decrease by up to 1.3 USD/kg depending on site conditions,” Azzaoui notes. This highlights the significance of cost optimization strategies in enhancing the competitiveness of hydrogen production.
The implications of this research are profound for the energy sector. As the MENA region transitions away from fossil fuels, “green” hydrogen production using LFR technology offers a practical and cost-effective solution. The findings demonstrate that combining TES with cost optimization strategies can significantly improve both technical performance and economic feasibility.
Azzaoui’s work not only supports the development of the energy sector but also promotes local industrial growth. By leveraging the region’s solar potential and investing in renewable energy technologies, the MENA region can position itself as a leader in the global hydrogen economy. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the insights from this research could shape the trajectory of hydrogen production and energy storage solutions.
In the quest for affordable and sustainable energy, the MENA region stands at the forefront, ready to harness the power of the sun and transform it into a clean, reliable energy source. The journey towards a hydrogen-powered future has just begun, and the path forward is illuminated by the promising findings of Azzaoui and his team, published in the journal Energies.