Abstract

This study evaluates the operation of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electro-lyzer and an Alkaline Water Electrolyzer (AWE), coupled with Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), Photovoltaic (PV), and Wind Turbine (WT) power plants in a region characterized by high solar irradiance and moderate wind speeds. Each technology is modeled and integrated into fourteen differentconfigurations,seven of which are coupled with a PEM electrolyzer, and the remaining seven with an AWE electrolyzer. Hourly simulations are conducted for one year to determine annual hourly production. Subsequently, the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) are calculated for two scenarios: the current state and projections for 2030. Results indicate that the LCOE ranges from 48.19to 118.18 USD/MWh, while the LCOH varies from 3.56 to 14.13 USD/kg H2. By 2030, these values are projected to decrease to between 38.57 and 87.99 USD/MWh for LCOE and between 2.87 and 8.22 USD/kg H2for LCOH. However, these LCOH values are still higher than those for grey hydrogen derived from fossil fuels. If reductions in LCOE and electrolyzer investment costs are achieved, green hydrogen could become more cost-competitive. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers considering strategies for green hydrogen production.