Spatial optimization of photovoltaic-based hydrogen-electricity supply chain through an integrated geographical information system and mathematical modeling approach

Hydrogen is a potential energy carrier for renewables that has a clean emission during the point of use. To implement hydrogen energy system in large-scale, a comprehensive hydrogen supply network should be built to supply the hydrogen with optimal infrastructure arrangement. Although the optimization of hydrogen supply chain has been extensively studied, the investigation of an integrated hydrogen-electricity supply chain is still lacking. Considering the interconvertibility of hydrogen and electricity, this study presents a spatial optimization framework that integrates geographical information system with mathematical modelling for the design and optimization of a photovoltaic-based hydrogen-electricity supply chain. The proposed framework allows the concurrent targeting of vehicle fuel and electricity demands as well as the identification of suitable locations for supply chain infrastructures. Case study results showed that the minimum cost of hydrogen-electricity supply chain is about 14.9 billion USD/y assuming two days of autonomy, and the cost of battery constitutes 43% of the total supply chain cost. When the days of autonomy is 8 and above, electricity storage in the form of hydrogen and reconversion through fuel cell is preferred.