Abstract
Industrial decarbonization and the transition to
sustainable energy sources present a critical challenge. This study
addresses the fundamental trade-off between energy
independence and system efficiency in photovoltaic (PV)-
electrolyzer systems. We investigated the impact of electricity
grid connection on the risk and sizing of PV-electrolyzer systems
for industrial energy supply. A multi-method approach was
applied, combining fault tree analysis of grid-connected and
stand-alone configurations with a system sizing model based on
an industrial demand profile. Results revealed that grid fault
contributed minimally to total system risk, whereas off-grid
configurations demanded oversizing of PV and electrolyzer
capacities — up to 17× and 6× the average demand, respectively.
The findings suggest that while off-grid systems are technically
feasible, their complexity and cost (levelized cost of hydrogen
~ 15 $/kg H2) raise questions about practicality under standard
conditions. This study provides guidance for strategic decisions
around grid dependency, system robustness, and sustainable
design in industrial decarbonization
sustainable energy sources present a critical challenge. This study
addresses the fundamental trade-off between energy
independence and system efficiency in photovoltaic (PV)-
electrolyzer systems. We investigated the impact of electricity
grid connection on the risk and sizing of PV-electrolyzer systems
for industrial energy supply. A multi-method approach was
applied, combining fault tree analysis of grid-connected and
stand-alone configurations with a system sizing model based on
an industrial demand profile. Results revealed that grid fault
contributed minimally to total system risk, whereas off-grid
configurations demanded oversizing of PV and electrolyzer
capacities — up to 17× and 6× the average demand, respectively.
The findings suggest that while off-grid systems are technically
feasible, their complexity and cost (levelized cost of hydrogen
~ 15 $/kg H2) raise questions about practicality under standard
conditions. This study provides guidance for strategic decisions
around grid dependency, system robustness, and sustainable
design in industrial decarbonization
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | IEEE Explore 2025 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2025 |
| Event | 2025 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe (ISGT Europe) - The Grand Hotel Excelsior, Valletta, Malta Duration: 20 Oct 2025 → 23 Oct 2025 https://attend.ieee.org/isgt-europe-2025/ |
Conference
| Conference | 2025 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe (ISGT Europe) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | ISGT Europe 2025 |
| Country/Territory | Malta |
| City | Valletta |
| Period | 20/10/25 → 23/10/25 |
| Internet address |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
-
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
Research Field
- Hybrid Power Plants
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