Exploring structural implications for renewable-based integrated electricity-hydrogen supply across the Pacific Rim

Abstract

Integrated electricity and hydrogen supply using solar and wind energy potentially decarbonizes future energy sectors toward net zero and supports green hydrogen production. However, a reliable and economic co-supply structure remains largely unclear from both local-level and system-wide perspectives. In this study, we systematically evaluate the structural effects and cost performance of integrated electricity-hydrogen supply systems of each location across 54 coastal cities in the Pacific Rim, with their local specifications of renewables and demand in 2050. Our analysis highlights that an integrated structure reduces the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) on average by 28.2% and 6.9% compared to independent electricity and hydrogen supply systems, respectively. Cities featuring salient solar potential resort to an integrated supply structure with heavy electricity demand but negligible H2-to-electricity installations. We also reveal that adopting fossil-hydrogen co-fired gas turbine (GT) as a coupling backup cannot economically outperform its fossil-fired GT counterparts for 2050 net-zero supply, whereas retrofitting GTs with carbon capture and storage technology further improves the cost effectiveness. Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the synergistic benefits and structural implications of combining future electricity and hydrogen energy supplies, while supporting sustainable hydrogen pathways for green chemical industries.