Electricity Supply Configurations for Green Hydrogen Hubs: A European Case Study on Decarbonizing Urban Transport

In this study, a techno-economic analysis tool for conducting detailed feasibility studies on the deployment of green hydrogen hubs for fuel cell bus fleets is developed. The study evaluates and compares five green hydrogen hub configurations’ operational and economic performance under a typical metropolitan bus fleet refuelling schedule. Each configuration differs based on its electricity sourcing characteristics such as the mix of energy sources, capacity sizing, financial structure, and grid interaction. A detailed comparative analysis of distinct green hydrogen hub configurations for decarbonising a fleet of fuel-cell buses is conducted. Among the key findings is that a hybrid renewable electricity source and hydrogen storage are essential for cost-optimal operation across all configurations. Furthermore, bi-directional grid-interactive configurations are the most cost-efficient and can benefit the electricity grid by flattening the duck curve. Lastly, the paper highlights the potential for cost reduction when the fleet refuelling schedule is co-optimized with the green hydrogen hub electricity supply configuration.