Hydroelectric and Hydrogen Storage Systems for Electric Energy Produced from Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy sources are essential for mitigating the greenhouse effect and supplying energy to resource-scarce regions. However, their intermittent nature necessitates efficient storage solutions to enhance system efficiency and manage energy costs. This paper investigates renewable and clean storage systems, specifically examining the storage of electricity generated from renewable sources using hydropower plants and hydrogen, both of which are highly efficient and promising for future energy production and storage. The study utilizes extensive literature data to analyze the impact of various parameters on the cost per kWh of electricity production in hybrid renewable systems incorporating hydropower and hydrogen storage plants. Results indicate that these hybrid systems can store electricity efficiently and cost-effectively, with production costs ranging from 0.126 to 0.3 $/kWh for renewable-hydropower systems and 0.118 to 0.42 $/kWh for renewable-hydrogen systems, with expected cost reductions over the next decade due to technological advancements and increased market adoption. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive comparison of hybrid renewable systems integrating hydropower and hydrogen storage, providing detailed cost analysis and future projections. It identifies key parameters influencing the cost and efficiency of these systems, offering insights into optimizing storage solutions for renewable energy. Moreover, this research underscores the potential of hybrid systems to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, particularly during peak demand periods, and emphasizes the importance of seasonal and geographic considerations in selecting energy sources. The study highlights the importance of policy support and investment in hybrid renewable systems and calls for further research into optimizing these systems for different seasonal and geographic conditions. Overall, the integration of renewable energy sources with hydropower and hydrogen storage offers a promising pathway to a sustainable, economical, and resilient energy future. © 2024 The Authors.