Leveraging Remote Sensing, Geophysical Methods and AHP Model to Determine Optimal Locations for Green Hydrogen Production on Egypt's Mediterranean Coast

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Global efforts to decarbonize energy systems have intensified the search for renewable alternatives, green hydrogen is considered one of the best intriguing solutions. This research integrates satellite imaginary to identify optimal locations for production of green hydrogen along Egypt's Mediterranean coast. The methodology employs nine critical parameters: distance to sea, drainage density, geology, land use/land cover, elevation, lineament density, distance to roads, wind speed, and air temperature. These parameters were evaluated by utilizing analytic hierarchy process with a consistency ratio of 0.075 which confirms correctness of the weightage method. The resulting suitability map categorizes potential sites into three classes: least suitable, moderately suitable, and most suitable. Analysis revealed that the northern part of Marsa Matruh represents the most favorable location for green hydrogen production. Additionally, a geoelectrical survey using eleven vertical electrical soundings (VESs) with Schlumberger configuration validated the surface findings and provided crucial subsurface information, identifying dolomitic limestone as the optimal bedrock for facility construction. This study offers a thorough framework for the strategic advancement of green hydrogen production in Egypt, supporting the country's sustainable energy transition goals.