Study of a Hybrid Renewable Energy System to Produce Green Energy for Cooktown - a Far North Queensland

Australia's pledge to net zero in 2050 has seen a dramatic increase in the use of renewable energy systems, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV)-wind hybrids. This study aims to optimise a solar PV-wind hybrid system to power a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser to produce green energy for Cooktown as a case study. This study identifies the current hybrid systems within the literature, develops a solar PV-wind hybrid system to meet load demands and optimises the hybrid system through HOMER, reducing Net Present Cost (NPC) and Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE). Results of the project identify that an NPC of AU$56.6 million and LCOE of AUS0.55/kWh are achievable for a solar PV-wind hybrid renewable system powering a PEM electrolyser in Cooktown, Far North Queensland (FNQ). However, electrical output data identifies unmet loads and capacity shortages, indicating electrical disruptions for the PEM electrolyser regardless of implementation location. This paper discusses economic and performance optimisation outcomes, with green energy and fossil fuel technologies highlighted as possible solutions to electrical shortages. The solar PV-wind hybrid is compared with its counterparts, which identified cost differences and electrical production ability. In conclusion, this project has developed a solar PV-wind hybrid renewable energy system to power a PEM electrolyser. Economic optimisation does occur through HOMER, with substantial reductions in NPC and LCOE. However, performance issues limit the hybrid system's ability to meet the electrolyser's load demands, and further action is needed for the system to fulfil its electrical load requirements.