Green-H2Islands – Hydrogen for a 100 % renewable energy supply for islands in Southeast Asia

In this project, reseacher from the Reiner Lemoine Institute are investigating how the integration of a hydrogen system into the existing renewable energy system cooperatively operated by the island community on the Thai island of Koh Jik can enable a secure and reliable energy supply from 100 per cent renewable energy. The results are intended to serve as a model for implementing similar solutions on other islands in Southeast Asia.

Aim of the project

On Koh Jik, our project partner H2Powercell is expanding the existing energy system by installing an electrolyser, a fuel cell and a hydrogen storage system. The aim is to investigate how renewable energy sources in combination with battery storage and hydrogen technologies – especially as a seasonal storage solution – can enable a completely CO2-free energy supply. Our scientific support includes the installation to analyse the framework conditions from a technical and operating model perspective and to derive potentials.

Development of an online tool

The researchers are developing an open-source online tool to support other interested island communities and other stakeholders in the region. This tool makes it possible to plan site-specific and needs-based energy systems. Thanks to the step-by-step structure of the tool and the stored data, users can easily plan their own systems and compare different scenarios. The tool promotes the exchange of knowledge and makes it possible to design systems for other islands in Southeast Asia and adapt them to individual needs.

Study for Southeast Asia

In parallel to the practical work on the island of Koh Jik, a comprehensive potential study is being carried out. In this study, the scientists are combining technical and socio-economic data to analyse the market potential for comparable applications on other islands in Southeast Asia. The results should help to promote 100 per cent renewable energy-based energy systems and illustrate their feasibility for wider application in an island context.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV).

Project duration: October 2024 – September 2027

• Investigation of the feasibility of a 100 per cent renewable energy supply through hydrogen integration on the island of Koh Jik, Thailand
• Development of an open-source online tool for planning needs-based energy systems for island
• Conducting a study on technical, socio-economic and market-related aspects of energy supply in Southeast Asia
• Promoting knowledge exchange and cooperation between different stakeholders in the region
• Assessing the potential of hydrogen for a sustainable and stable energy supply on islands