Study designed for sustainable hydrogen production in the northeast region
- REDAÇÃO H2RADAR
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
In a global scenario increasingly pressured by decarbonization commitments, the search for sustainable solutions has elevated sustainable hydrogen to the status of a strategic vector in the energy transition. An unprecedented case study conducted in the city of Irecê, Bahia, sheds light on the technical feasibility of hydrogen production from photovoltaic solar energy combined with battery storage systems — an approach that could redefine the role of the Brazilian semiarid region on the international energy map.
Based on open data and advanced modeling, the research investigated the performance of a local photovoltaic plant, whose global horizontal solar irradiation levels exceed 5.5 kWh/m² per day, reaching 6.47 kWh/m² during the dry season. This solar intensity, typical of the region's semi-arid tropical climate, creates ideal conditions for water electrolysis — a process that separates hydrogen from oxygen using electricity.
The study demonstrated that the analyzed photovoltaic plant has the capacity to generate approximately 16,682 kWh per year, which allows it to power a 2.5 kW electrolyzer, responsible for producing around 130 kg of hydrogen per year. The ideal configuration includes a tank with a storage capacity of 4 kg of H₂, revealing a promising scale for pilot projects and localized industrial applications..
The decisive role of battery storage
One of the most relevant aspects revealed by the analysis is the strategic role of the battery system in the operational viability of the plant. In the proposed model, the solar energy generated is channeled to a direct current (DC) grid, prioritizing the efficiency of the electrolyzer — a device that is notoriously sensitive to voltage fluctuations. In the Irecê environment, such fluctuations are frequent and could compromise the performance or even cause unwanted shutdowns of the electrolysis system.
Therefore, battery storage is not just a technological accessory, but a structural element to guarantee energy stability, smooth out load peaks and ensure the continuity of hydrogen production. The simulation demonstrated that technical dimensioning through analytical calculations and specialized software reduces the margin of error to less than 10%, validating the methodology applied.
This research reinforces the role of technical knowledge applied in the formulation of public policies and in the design of sustainable projects, at a time when Brazil needs to transform its natural energy vocation into technological leadership on the global stage.
