Green Hydrogen on Koh Munnork: A Blueprint for Clean Island Energy

A new study under the International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme (H2Uppp), led by EGS-Plan and GIZ, explored green hydrogen as a carbon-neutral, self-sufficient energy solution for Koh Munnork, a remote Thai island resort. Currently diesel-powered, the island consumes about 266 MWh annually and emits roughly 290 tCO2, with detrimental noise and spill risks. The consortium tested a hybrid energy system: solar PV, battery energy storage, and a hydrogen energy storage system produced via electrolysis and used in fuel cells. Simulations showed this configuration as the most cost-effective long-term option, delivering lower life-cycle costs and a reduced levelized cost of energy despite higher upfront costs. Hydrogen stabilises supply during low sunlight periods, addressing renewables’ intermittency.

Key findings:

• Hybrid PV-battery-hydrogen systems can fully replace diesel generation on remote islands.
• Green hydrogen improves energy security beyond what batteries alone can provide.
• Economic viability depends largely on diesel fuel costs and transport logistics.
• Concessional finance and international funding are critical to project deployment.