Cleaner energy solutions using wind energy and hydrogen production in agriculture

This study evaluates the integration of wind energy into greenhouse agriculture in the Safi region, a major agricultural area in Morocco. As part of cleaner energy systems, five wind turbines were analyzed to determine their performance. After performing a statistical analysis using the Weibull distribution with two parameters, the results showed that the VESTAS V82–0.9/1.65MW – 70 m turbine was the most efficient. It achieved a capacity factor of 41.72 %, an annual energy production of 3 326.17 MWh, and the ability to supply electricity to 6 960 m² of agricultural greenhouses. Environmental benefits include a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Economically, the results vary, with a payback period of <5 years for the VESTAS turbine but a longer period of 10.49 years for the Norwin – 30 m turbine. To address fluctuations in wind energy caused by daily wind speed variations, this innovative study explores combining wind power with hydrogen production. The results indicate that the Safi region has the potential to produce between 25 188.76 kg and 44 875.25 kg of hydrogen annually, depending on the turbine used. Additionally, this approach could reduce annual CO₂ emissions by up to 2 606 609 kg. These findings highlight a promising innovation in cleaner energy systems to enhance agricultural sustainability through renewable energy solutions.