MUSCAT: Green hydrogen is becoming a key solution to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Oman plans to produce a significant amount of green hydrogen by 2030, and one way to achieve this is through floating solar panels at the Wadi Dayqah Dam in the Wilayat of Qurayyat.
A recent study looked into how floating solar panels combined with hydrogen storage can generate electricity efficiently. Using advanced software, researchers from UK’s University of Exeter, Dr Aritra Ghosh and Kawthar al Saadi, designed a system with 26.57 MW of floating solar panels, a 22 MW hydrogen generator, a 13 MW hydrogen fuel cell, a large hydrogen storage tank, and a 12.4 MW converter. This setup is expected to produce 65.5 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity and 826,624 kg of green hydrogen annually. While the hydrogen production cost is high at $29.7 per kg due to the large storage components, the system can power 422 households near the dam with minimal shortages, proving its technical feasibility.
Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy is critical for Oman’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. This project contributes to this goal by providing 100% renewable electricity through floating solar panels and hydrogen storage. The floating solar installation at Wadi Dayqah Dam saves valuable land for agriculture and other uses, and it also reduces water evaporation from the dam, which is a significant benefit.
Wadi Dayqah Dam, built in 2011, is the country’s biggest man-made reservoir with a capacity to hold an estimated 100 million cubic metres.
The floating solar panels use high-efficiency bifacial modules, which perform well due to the cooling effect of water. However, high temperatures in summer can still affect their performance. Effective energy storage is crucial for renewable energy, and Oman is particularly interested in green hydrogen technology. The study showed that the system met all the electricity needs of the targeted households, with only a tiny unmet load of 0.0284%.
Excess electricity, about 0.747% of total production, can be used for site lighting and equipment. The system’s green hydrogen production aligns with Oman’s 2040 vision, highlighting its strategic importance. The cost of electricity from this system is $0.97 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), making it economically viable and competitive.
Implementing this floating solar and hydrogen storage system could significantly transform Oman’s energy sector. It positions Oman as a leader in renewable energy, attracting international investments and fostering collaborations. The project supports Oman’s broader energy strategy to diversify its energy mix, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and enhance energy security. Solving the problem of solar power intermittency ensures a stable electricity supply, which is crucial for economic growth and better living standards.
For the success of floating solar and hydrogen systems, supportive policies and regulatory frameworks are essential. The Omani government should provide incentives, facilitate financing, and streamline approvals. Policies promoting research, development, and public-private partnerships will drive innovation and cost reduction. Establishing standards for deployment and operation ensures safety, reliability, and environmental protection, paving the way for future projects.
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