Techno-economic Analysis of Energy Micro-grids with Hydrogen Storage and Fuel Cell in Moroccan Farming Systems

This study evaluates the techno-economic performance of hybrid renewable microgrids integrating hydrogen storage and fuel cells in two Moroccan pilot farms: a grid-connected site (BLFARM) and an off-grid site (RIMSAR). Real meteorological and load data were analyzed in HOMER Pro to assess feasibility. In 2024, BLFARM achieved a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of e1.63/kWh and a Renewable Fraction (Ren Frac) of 83.9%, while RIMSAR reached e4.32/kWh with 100% renewable contribution. Hydrogen use remained limited due to low demand and high costs. Assuming 2050 hydrogen-technology reductions, LCOE decreased to e0.160/kWh (BLFARM) and e0.425/kWh (RIMSAR), while hydrogen components were still underutilized. Aggregating demand from 5-80 farms reduced LCOE by over 50% from e0.093 to e0.045/kWh (BLFARM) and from e0.142 to e0.074/kWh (RIMSAR) while increasing electrolyzer and fuelcell operation. Community-networked hydrogen microgrids thus enhance component utilization, energy resilience, and cost effectiveness in rural Moroccan agriculture.