What is it about?
This paper is about how to reliably produce fresh water in remote, off-grid areas using renewable energy, supported by hydrogen storage. More specifically, it presents a hybrid renewable energy system that: Uses solar PV and wind energy as primary power sources Integrates battery storage for short-term energy balancing Uses hydrogen (electrolyzer + storage tank + fuel cell) for long-term energy backup Powers a reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plant to produce freshwater
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Why is it important?
This publication is important because it addresses the dual challenge of water scarcity and energy reliability in remote and off-grid regions by proposing a fully integrated renewable energy–hydrogen desalination system. Desalination processes require continuous power, while solar and wind energy are inherently intermittent; this work demonstrates how hydrogen storage, combined with batteries and advanced power management, can ensure stable, 24/7 operation without reliance on fossil fuels. By integrating photovoltaic and wind generation with electrolyzers, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells to supply a reverse osmosis desalination unit, the study advances the water–energy–hydrogen nexus and provides a practical, scalable solution for arid and coastal regions. The system achieves measurable environmental and economic benefits, including significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, while maintaining competitive energy costs for off-grid applications. As such, the paper contributes both scientifically and practically to sustainable development goals and supports national and international strategies for renewable energy deployment, green hydrogen utilization, and secure freshwater supply.
Perspectives
This work opens several important perspectives for future research and practical implementation of renewable energy–driven desalination systems. The proposed hydrogen-integrated framework demonstrates strong potential for scaling up to larger desalination capacities and for deployment across diverse climatic and geographic conditions beyond the Red Sea region. Future developments may focus on integrating advanced predictive and AI-based energy management strategies to further optimize dispatch decisions, reduce energy shortages, and enhance system resilience. The adoption of higher-efficiency storage technologies, particularly lithium-ion batteries and next-generation electrolyzers and fuel cells, could significantly improve overall system efficiency and economic performance.
Dr. Amal A. Hassan
Electronics Research Institute
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Hydrogen-integrated power management for hybrid renewable energy-driven reverse osmosis desalination: Enhancing water and energy sustainability in remote areas in Egypt, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, February 2026, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.153556.
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