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<p>The integration of renewable energy into the water and hydrogen production sectors offers a vital opportunity to decarbonize some of the most energy-intensive industrial processes. In this study, we present a low-carbon performance assessment of a pilot-scale photovoltaic (PV)-powered system that combines reverse osmosis (RO) desalination and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis for green hydrogen production. Designed for implementation in coastal, water-stressed regions, the system is modeled to deliver measurable climate impact, targeting the avoidance of 5,000 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) annually under real-world operational conditions. Using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, we evaluate the emissions associated with both a conventional grid-powered scenario and the proposed solar-powered alternative, applying a well-to-pump boundary that includes electricity generation, desalination, hydrogen synthesis, and energy delivery. Emission factors are regionally calibrated to reflect North African grid conditions and projected PV system performance. The results show that the solar-powered system can offset more than 90% of the emissions associated with fossil-based operations, with the desalination and hydrogen components contributing approximately 3,400 tCO₂e and 1,600 tCO₂e savings per year, respectively. This study builds on prior utility-scale assessments (which demonstrated up to 90,000 tCO₂e/year in avoided emissions) and highlights the scalability and replicability of such hybrid systems at medium scale. By quantifying the carbon savings achievable at the pilot level, this work underscores the potential of decentralized PV-desalination-hydrogen solutions to play a meaningful role in national and regional low-carbon transition strategies, particularly in arid coastal zones with high solar availability and growing energy-water demands.</p>

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Pilot-scale assessment of PV-desalination-hydrogen integration for low-carbon energy transition in arid regions

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月12日

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  • Amina Chahtou,
  • Brahim Taoussi,
  • Mohammed Zighed,
  • Siham Zenak,
  • Nasreddine Belhaouas

摘要

The integration of renewable energy into the water and hydrogen production sectors offers a vital opportunity to decarbonize some of the most energy-intensive industrial processes. In this study, we present a low-carbon performance assessment of a pilot-scale photovoltaic (PV)-powered system that combines reverse osmosis (RO) desalination and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis for green hydrogen production. Designed for implementation in coastal, water-stressed regions, the system is modeled to deliver measurable climate impact, targeting the avoidance of 5,000 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) annually under real-world operational conditions. Using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, we evaluate the emissions associated with both a conventional grid-powered scenario and the proposed solar-powered alternative, applying a well-to-pump boundary that includes electricity generation, desalination, hydrogen synthesis, and energy delivery. Emission factors are regionally calibrated to reflect North African grid conditions and projected PV system performance. The results show that the solar-powered system can offset more than 90% of the emissions associated with fossil-based operations, with the desalination and hydrogen components contributing approximately 3,400 tCO₂e and 1,600 tCO₂e savings per year, respectively. This study builds on prior utility-scale assessments (which demonstrated up to 90,000 tCO₂e/year in avoided emissions) and highlights the scalability and replicability of such hybrid systems at medium scale. By quantifying the carbon savings achievable at the pilot level, this work underscores the potential of decentralized PV-desalination-hydrogen solutions to play a meaningful role in national and regional low-carbon transition strategies, particularly in arid coastal zones with high solar availability and growing energy-water demands.