Optimized Wind Power Plant Repowering and Green Hydrogen Production: Synergies Based on Renewable Hybrid Solutions

A key obstacle to achieving a fully renewable energy system is energy storage. A promising solution involves generating green hydrogen by using wind power. In parallel, as some wind power plants near the end of their operational life, crucial decisions about their future must be made. In this context, hybrid solutions emerge as promising renewable systems, offering resilient and cost-effective approaches. This paper provides a methodology for the optimal selection of wind-hydrogen hybrid systems, combining repowered wind power plants and green hydrogen production. The methodology aims to maximize the power and hydrogen generation; promoting the industrial sector cooperation and minimizing costs and emissions in line with Sustainable Development Goals 7, 9, and 13. The methodology is evaluated in three scenarios considering a real case study: (i) only repowering, (ii) repowering with energy surplus for hydrogen production purposes, and (iii) repowering with specific wind turbines focused on hydrogen production. From the results, the third scenario achieves the objectives of the previous Sustainable Development Goals, maximizing the clean energy generation (160—240 GWh/year of electricity, and 1500—3000 ton H2/year), CO2 emissions (up to 15%), and minimizing the hybrid solution costs up to 130,000e. Further successful hybrid solutions and implementations require significant additional investments in research, development, and deployment on a global scale, along with supportive policies and regulatory frameworks to encourage adoption and development.