Applying excess wind power to green hydrogen production: A simulation approach to improving energy utilization in Greece's non-interconnected islands

This study presents a practical and forward-looking approach to improving renewable energy integration within the isolated power systems of Greece's Non-Interconnected Islands (NIIs). It addresses a key challenge faced by such regions: the significant curtailment of wind energy due to infrastructure limitations, lack of interconnection, and the absence of grid-scale storage. Focusing on a medium-sized island as a representative case, the analysis introduces a tailored methodology for estimating excess wind output, combining hourly operational data with turbine-specific performance characteristics to assess the extent of untapped renewable potential.

The proposed system design involves coupling Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis with Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination to produce green hydrogen using surplus wind power, even in water-scarce environments. Simulation results suggest that, under existing constraints, approximately 100 metric tons of hydrogen could be produced annually—energy that would otherwise go unused. Among the storage solutions evaluated, Compressed Gaseous Hydrogen (CGH₂) is identified as the most practical for this context, offering safety, scalability, and compatibility with local infrastructure.

In addition to technical feasibility, the study considers logistical aspects of hydrogen transport and favors CGH₂-based distribution via road trailers, aligning well with the decentralized nature of island systems. Beyond operational benefits, the approach holds broader implications for energy autonomy, reduced fossil fuel dependency, and environmental sustainability. Its originality lies in integrating excess wind recovery, water treatment, and hydrogen production into a unified, replicable framework, suited for real-world application in remote island contexts seeking resilient and clean energy alternatives.