Optimal energy management of sustainable hydrogen-based forestry operations with grid and hydrogen network support

The decarbonization of forestry operations poses significant challenges due to the dependence on fossil-fueled equipment and the limited accessibility of energy infrastructure in remote regions. This study presents a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP)-based optimal energy management model for a zero-emission forestry ecosystem powered by renewable energy sources (RESs) and hydrogen technologies. The integrated system harnesses photovoltaic (PV) and wind power, supplemented by the power grid, to generate hydrogen, which is stored in a centralized stationary tank. A mobile hydrogen tank ensures off-grid delivery to remote forestry zones, enabling emission-free operations by supplying hydrogen to various types of forestry equipment, including log stackers, power saws, and planters. The system also connects both the power grid and hydrogen network, providing backup electricity and hydrogen support during emergency conditions, thereby enhancing operational resilience. Participation in the hydrogen certificate market is incorporated to promote economic sustainability and reward green energy use. The proposed model simultaneously minimizes total operational costs and maximizes energy resilience and grid support. The model's performance is evaluated through detailed case studies under various operating scenarios, with all test activities assumed to be conducted based on forestry operations in Kırklareli, Türkiye. The results demonstrate the system's capability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, optimize resource allocation, and maintain reliable energy supply even in fully off-grid contexts. The best-performing case achieves a maximum economic gain of €4915. Fully off-grid systems achieve zero emissions but have limited energy output and economic performance, with a carbon emission reduction of 6.7 metric tons compared to fossil-based operations. Notably, the model demonstrated complete operational coverage for forestry machinery without reliance on fossil fuels, achieving 100 % carbon emission reduction and highlighting its viability as a decarbonized and resilient solution. These results confirm the robustness and applicability of the proposed approach, underscoring its potential to enable economically viable, zero-emission, and off-grid forestry operations.