Floating PV powered seawater purification using the RO process and powering electrolyser for green hydrogen production in Oman

Abstract

Floating photovoltaic (FPV)-powered PEM electrolysis can be a promising solution for green hydrogen production, as it eliminates land use concerns typically associated with PV installations. Electrolysis produces hydrogen and oxygen as by-products without emitting harmful gases. However, the process requires a substantial amount of clean water, which can be sourced from seawater using desalination techniques. This study demonstrates the viability of an off-grid green hydrogen production system powered by FPV technology and seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO), designed to support green mobility in Duqm, Oman. A 20 MWp FPV system was installed on the Arabian Sea, approximately 600 km south of Muscat. The integrated system efficiently combines renewable energy, desalination, and electrolysis to produce 1755 kg of hydrogen per day using local solar energy and seawater resources.

The system achieved zero operational CO₂ emissions, contributing to the decarbonisation of the transportation sector through the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Levelised Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) was calculated at $9.50/kg, the Levelised Cost of Water (LCW) at $1.80/m³, and the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) at a competitive $0.05/kWh. Hydrogen-powered sedans and high-capacity fuel cell buses were successfully operated using the produced hydrogen, demonstrating the potential for widespread refuelling of a significant number of vehicles.