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When it comes to the energy planning, computer programs like H2RES are becoming valuable tools. H2RES has been designed as support for simulation of different scenarios devised by RenewIsland methodology with specific purpose to increase integration of renewable sources and hydrogen into island energy systems. The model can use wind, solar, hydro, biomass, geothermal as renewable energy sources and fossil fuel blocks and grid connection with mainland as back up. The load in the model can be represented by hourly and deferrable electricity loads of the power system, by hourly heat load, by hydrogen load for transport and by water load depending on water consumption. The H2RES model also has ability to integrate different storages into island energy system in order to increase the penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources or to achieve a 100% renewable island. Energy storages could vary from hydrogen loop (fuel cell, electrolyser and hydrogen storage) to reversible hydro or batteries for smaller energy systems. The H2RES model was tested on the power system of the Island of Porto Santo – Madeira, the islands of Corvo, Graciosa, and Terrciera – Azores, Sal Island – Cape Verde, Portugal, the Island of Mljet, Croatia and on the energy system of the Malta. Beside energy planning of the islands, H2RES model could be successfully applied for simulation of other energy systems like villages in mountain regions or for simulation of different individual energy producers or consumers.

Hydrogen as an energy vector can increase penetration of renewable and intermittent sources in the energy supply of the islands and it can serve as an energy vector that may allow reaching 100% renewable energy supply of island communities. This article presents summary of the results of several case studies: Island of Mljet—Croatia, Porto Santo—Madeira, Terceira—Azores, and Malta. The islands were analysed by RenewIslands methodology and it was decided to apply hydrogen as an energy vector. Different scenarios for each island were modelled by H2RES software and required installed powers of necessary technological options are described for chosen scenarios. Basically, there were two types of scenarios. Scenarios with 30% hourly penetration limit for electricity generated by intermittent sources, as a proxy to the current conversion technology being installed in island, and scenarios without this limit, as a proxy of available conversion technology that can also provide output control and ancillary services. When hydrogen as an energy vector was introduced in the scenarios with penetration limit, it was possible to increase penetration by 4–6% of total yearly electricity demand and it was possible to satisfy 100% of transport load by hydrogen from renewable energy sources. In scenarios without penetration limit it was possible to satisfy all electricity demand and hydrogen demand for transport from renewable sources.