article · Energy Exploration & Exploitation
This research addresses the challenge of inconsistent power supply from renewable sources and the high financial commitment required for green hydrogen systems. It proposes a spatial analysis to identify and prioritise optimal locations for solar-based green hydrogen production in Tunisia. A GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach was developed, incorporating technical, topographical, environmental, and accessibility criteria. Various ranking techniques, including EDAS, ARAS, MOORA, and COPRAS, were then applied. The study identified 1591 km² of highly suitable sites, predominantly in southeastern and southwestern Tunisia, with Sfax, Monastir, and Sousse ranking as the most promising. These sites collectively offer a potential hydrogen capacity of 9910 Mt per year.
This research provides a strategic roadmap for Tunisia to develop its green hydrogen industry, which is crucial for energy security and reducing reliance on imports. By identifying optimal locations, it helps ensure efficient investment in renewable energy infrastructure, contributing to economic growth and a more sustainable future for the nation.
This research provides foundational data for strategic planning and investment in large-scale green hydrogen production facilities. It is directly applicable for government agencies, energy developers, and investors seeking to establish green hydrogen projects in Tunisia. The findings are at an early-stage research level, offering site selection guidance before construction, which is critical for de-risking significant financial commitments.
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The unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, raises concerns about consistent power supply based on a single type. Green hydrogen presents a promising solution to mitigate the environmental effects of fossil fuels and control the unpredictability of renewable energy sources. Yet, developing green hydrogen systems mandates immense financial commitments, vitally stressing the importance of determining the most appropriate locations before constructing them. As such, the primary purpose of this paper was to propose an initial spatial analysis and prioritize the most suitable locations for installing solar-based green hydrogen systems in Tunisia. For this reason, an exhaustive literature survey was conducted to develop a GIS-based MCDM approach, taking into account technical, topography, environmental, and accessibility criteria. Then, EDAS, ARAS, MOORA, and COPRAS techniques were used to rank the most promising sites resulting from the previous stage. The study revealed that sites of high suitability, primarily in the southeastern and southwestern parts of Tunisia, spanned a total area of 1591 km 2 (0.78%). Among such regions, Sfax, Monastir, and Sousse appeared to hold the top ranking as the most suitable locations for solar-based hydrogen. The “most suitable” sites had a hydrogen potential capacity of 9910 Mt per year, with Sfax, Monastir, and Sousse accounting for 14.5% of that capacity. By tapping into this immense potential and embracing the green hydrogen industry, Tunisia has the opportunity to lead in renewable energy adoption. This move could help ensure energy security, reduce dependence on imports, stimulate economic growth, and steer the nation toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.
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DOI: 10.1177/01445987241268072
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