An Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production Using Solar Energy in Angola

Öz

This study looks at the potential for producing green hydrogen in Angola using solar energy, focusing on Benguela Province because of its high solar radiation. A PV system was designed using PVsyst and AutoCAD to supply two alkaline electrolysers. The PVsyst simulation gave an annual electricity production of 12,775 kWh. The software already includes typical system losses like temperature effects, inverter efficiency, and wiring losses, but it does not model detailed real-time interaction with the electrolyser. Hydrogen production was estimated in a simplified way based on annual energy, giving 255.5 kg/year. The results also reflect seasonal changes in solar availability. The LCOH ranges between 3.50 and 10.40 USD/kg. Overall, the study shows that solar-based hydrogen production in Angola is technically feasible.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Solar energy
• Angola
• Green Hydrogen
• Energy Transition
• Net Zero

Angola’da Güneş Enerjisi Kullanılarak Yeşil Hidrojen Üretiminin Analizi

Öz

Bu çalışma, yüksek güneş radyasyonuna sahip Benguela ili’ne odaklanarak, Angola’da güneş enerjisi kullanarak yeşil hidrojen üretme potansiyelini incelemektedir. İki alkali elektrolizöre enerji sağlamak için PVsyst ve AutoCAD kullanılarak bir fotovoltaik (PV) sistem tasarlanmıştır. PVsyst simülasyonu, yıllık 12.775 kWh elektrik üretimi vermiştir. Yazılım, sıcaklık etkileri, invertör verimliliği ve kablolama kayıpları gibi tipik sistem kayıplarını zaten içermektedir, ancak elektrolizörle gerçek zamanlı etkileşimi ayrıntılı olarak modellememektedir. Hidrojen üretimi, yıllık enerjiye dayalı olarak basitleştirilmiş bir şekilde tahmin edilmiş ve 255,5 kg/yıl olarak bulunmuştur. Sonuçlar ayrıca güneş enerjisinin mevsimsel değişimlerini de yansıtmaktadır. LCOH (Hidrojen Üretim Maliyeti) 3,50 ile 10,40 USD/kg arasında değişmektedir. Genel olarak, çalışma Angola’da güneş enerjisine dayalı hidrojen üretiminin teknik olarak mümkün olduğunu göstermektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Güneş enerji
• Angola
• Yeşil hidrojen
• Enerji Geçiş
• Net sıfır

Kaynakça

1. [1] Halkos, G. E., & Gkampoura, E.-C. Reviewing Usage, Potentials, and Limitations of Renewable Energy Sources. Energies 2020,13(11),2906.https://doi.org/10.3390/en13112906.[CrossRef]
2. [2] Gielen, D.; Gorini, R.; Leme, R.; Prakash, G.; Wagner, N.; Janeiro, L.; Collins, S.; Kadir, M.; Asmelash, E.; Ferroukhi, R.; et al. World Energy Transitions Outlook: 1.5 ̊C Pathway; International Renewable Energy Agency: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2021. Available online:https://www.irena.org/publications/2021/Jun/World-Energy-Transitions-Outlook (Accessed on 17 May 2026).
3. [3] Hassan, Q. Evaluation and optimization of off-grid and on-grid photovoltaic power system for typical household electrifica-tion. Renewable Energy 2021, 164, 375–390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.09.008. [CrossRef]
4. [4] Bocklisch, T. Hybrid energy storage approach for renewable energy applications. J. Energy Storage 2016, 8, 311–319. [CrossRef]
5. [5] Olivier, P.; Bourasseau, C.; Ould-Bouamama, B. Low-temperature electrolysis system modelling: A review.Renew. Sustain. Energ. Rev. 2017, 78, 280–300. [CrossRef]
6. [6] David, M.; Ocampo-Martínez, C.; Sánchez-Peña, R. Advances in alkaline water electrolyzers: A review. J. Energy Storage 2019, 23, 392–403. [CrossRef]
7. [7] Vincent, I.; Bessarabov, D. Low cost hydrogen production by anion exchange membrane electrolysis: A review. Renew. Sus-tain. Energ. Rev. 2018, 81, 1690–1704. [CrossRef]
8. [8] Gallardo, F., García, J., Monforti Ferrario, A., Comodi, G., & Chiu, J. NW. Assessing sizing optimality of OFF-GRID AC-linked solar PV-PEM systems for hydrogen production. International J. of Hydrogen Energy, 2022, 47(64), 27303–27325.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.06.098. [CrossRef]

9. [9] Almeida, R.M.; Shi, Q.; Gomes-Selman, J.M.; Wu, X.; Xue, Y.; Angarita, H.; Barros, N.; Forsberg, B.R.; García-Villacorta, R.; Hamilton, S.K.; et al. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions of Amazon hydropower with strategic dam planning. Nat. Com-mun. 2019, 10, 4281.[CrossRef]
10. [10] Gan, Y.; Wang, M.; Lu, Z.; Kelly, J. Taking into account greenhouse gas emissions of electric vehicles for transportation de-carbonization. Energy Policy 2021, 155, 112353. [CrossRef]
11. [11] Bayazıt, Y. The effect of hydroelectric power plants on the carbon emission: An example of Gokcekaya dam, Turkey. Renew. Energy 2021, 170, 181–187. [CrossRef]
12. [12] Howarth, R.W.; Jacobson, M.Z. How green is blue hydrogen? Energy Sci. Eng. 2021, 9, 1676–1687. [CrossRef]
13. [13] Green Hydrogen Organisation. Angola. Available online: https://gh2.org/countries/angola (Accessed on 17 May 2026).
14. [14] Rodriguez, J.R.; Pontt, J.; Silva, C.; Wiechmann, E.P.; Hammond, P.W.; Santucci, F.W.; Alvarez, R.; Musalem, R.; Kouro, S.; Lezana, P. Large current rectifiers: State of the art and future trends. IEEE Trans. Ind. Electron. 2005, 52, 738–746. [CrossRef]
15. [15] Abudureyimu, A.; Tuluhong, A.; Chang, Q.;Wang, F.; Luo, B. A Comprehensive Review of Green Hydrogen Technology: Electrolysis Methods, Topologies and Control Strategies, Applications. Materials 2025, 18, 4826. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18214826. [CrossRef]
16. [16] IRENA, Green Hydrogen Cost Reduction: Scaling up Electrolysers to Meet the 1.5⁰C Climate Goal, International Renewable Energy Agency 2020, Abu Dhabi.
17. [17] Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Hydrogen production costs 2021. United Kingdom: UK Government; 2021.