Renewable hydrogen horizon: Geospatial techno-economic feasibility and life cycle greenhouse gas analysis in the Middle East and North Africa

Renewable hydrogen is receiving increasing attention for its potential as a flexible energy carrier in sectors such as transportation and industry. Specific cost and carbon intensity (CI) of renewable hydrogen production vary largely based on the location, owing to differences in renewable energy resources, as well as the supply chain dynamics. This study maps the techno-economic and life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of renewable hydrogen production in the Middle East and North Africa region, leveraging abundant solar and wind resources. The work investigates the variability in hydrogen costs and CI, optimally sizing proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers to account for partial and cyclic loading, and explores standalone versus grid-connected systems. PEM capacity ratios of 52 %–63 % for photovoltaic (PV) systems and 28 %–82 % for wind systems were identified as optimal, with hydrogen production costs ranging from $3.8-$4.8/kg for PV and $2.0-$7.0/kg for wind. CIs span from 1.9 to 3.7 kg CO_2,eq/kg H₂ for PV and 0.4–7.7 kg CO_2,eq/kg H₂ for wind systems. The study highlights significant cost and CI reductions achievable with technological advancements and co-product revenue from oxygen and excess electricity sales.