Techno-Economic Feasibility and Environmental Assessment of Multi-Energy Storage Hybrid Systems for EV Charging Solution in the Arctic Region

This research intends to promote the adoption of EVs in the Arctic regions, particularly in Fin-land, and reduce the dependency on fossil fuels by deploying off-grid renewable energy integrated charging solutions with multi-energy and storage hybrid systems (MESHS). The study assessed techno-economic feasibility and environmental impact by exploring various energy stakeholders’ opinions on several aspects, like costs and economic aspects, technical feasibility, environmental emission, policy, and social aspects, through a survey. The study also optimized two distinct multi-energy and storage hybrid systems (MESHS), one utilizing hydrogen (H₂) storage and the other using lithium-ion battery storage, by employing the widely used energy simulation software HOMER Pro in a case study. The H₂-storage-based MESHS included PV, WT, a diesel genset, a converter, an electrolyzer, a hydrogen storage tank, a fuel cell, and a controller (LF), while the lithium-ion battery-based MESHS integrated WT, PV, a diesel genset, a lithium-ion battery, a converter, and a controller (LF). The key performance parameters were the LCC (total NPC), LCOE, CAPEX, OPEX, and emission measurement (CO₂). The models utilize a high number of renewables and result in no unmet load or capacity shortages, making them highly reliable. A sensitivity analysis with various diesel prices was conducted, and the impact on the variable changes was observed. The proposed MESHS models individually highlighted lower costs and minimal environmental impact compared to a conventional diesel-based energy system, but they demand higher capital expenses, which challenged the faster establishment of the charging infrastructure. When comparing the two optimized MESHS, the results indicated that the H₂-storage model outperformed the lithium-ion battery system by demonstrating lower LCC (total NPC), LCOE, and OPEX. Furthermore, H₂-based MESHS reduced significant GHG emissions, including CO₂, and saved more diesel consumption than lithium-ion battery-based MESHS. However, CAPEX for the lithium-ion storage is less than that of the H₂-based storage model. Additionally, H₂-based MESHS resulted in higher IRR and faster payback, which indicated high profitability with H₂ storage. With the H₂-storage model, there are possibilities to utilize the excess elec-tricity through an electrolysis process using the electrolyzer, and it could be stored in the storage tank or fuel cell or serve an external purpose, which offers additional financial bene-fits with H₂-based MESHS. Likewise, the H₂ storage tank autonomy is comparatively higher than the lithium-ion battery storage, which is crucial for long-term storage solutions for EV charging stations in the Arctic climate condition. Overall, the findings present the potential of H₂-based MESHS as a viable charging solution for EVs in the Arctic region. The study conveys valuable insights for the industries in consider-ing potential business investments and policy makers, supporting the deployment of sustain-able EV charging infrastructures, hence promoting EV adoption in the Arctic region.