Sustainable and self-sufficient social home through a combined PV‑hydrogen pilot

Utilizing surplus renewable energy to produce and store green hydrogen can help meet energy demands during periods of low renewable energy production, and thus contributing greatly to decarbonize emission-intensive sectors, such as the residential and building sector. In this context, this manuscript reports the design, construction and operation of a hybrid PV‑hydrogen demonstrative pilot (PVHyP) for the 100% electrical self-sufficiency of a social housing in the town Novales (Spain). The work addresses i) the collection of real consumption data from the dwelling, ii) the design considering real characteristics and market availability of the devices, iii) final balance of plant implementation, and iv) the energy management strategy followed. The implemented control system allows the facility to be tracked and operated remotely. Besides, this flagship implementation in the SUDOE region (Spain, Portugal and southwest of France) has achieved the electrical independence from the grid under diverse climate conditions, eliminating 2260 kg of CO2 emissions associated to electricity consumption, saving almost 15,200 kWh of primary energy during two years of monitoring. Thus, around 1170 € where avoided in electricity bills (100% savings), resulting on multiple benefits for social dwellers in risk of energy poverty.