Combining diverse renewable energy sources and locations may hold the key to unlocking green hydrogen’s potential, according to new research.

In a co-authored paper, EWI researcher Jun.-Prof. Dr. Oliver Runhau analysed how green hydrogen produced through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity can benefit from a ‘diverse portfolio’ of renewable energy generators.

Such a portfolio, combining renewable generators of multiple locations and technologies, allows for a smoother electricity generation profile, which could help achieve compliance with strict emerging regulatory standards at lower costs, the research found.

Combining two locations within Germany, for example, can already yield cost savings in the range of 3-8%, and that may increase up to 21% for a nationwide portfolio.