Unveiling Afghanistan's wind and hydrogen potential: a comparative study

Given the detrimental environmental impacts of fossil fuels, there is a gradual worldwide shift towards renewable energy sources. Wind power, renowned for its cost-effectiveness and simplicity, has been widely embraced. Despite Afghanistan facing significant challenges in its energy sector, its considerable wind energy potential offers a chance to mitigate some of these issues. This study employed a multi-criteria decision-making approach to evaluate potential wind-hydrogen project sites in Afghanistan, encompassing economic, technical, social, risk, and environmental considerations. Five criteria and sub-criteria for wind-hydrogen project implementation were analyzed using the Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method. The Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS), Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS), Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS), and Technique of Order Preference Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods were then applied to prioritize provinces for wind-hydrogen project implementation. The analysis found that the Duration of the Payback Period and Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) with weight of 6.6% and 5.6% were critical sub-criteria. Farah, Herat, and Nimroz emerged as Afghanistan's most promising provinces for wind-hydrogen energy development. In Farah, utilizing 900-kW turbines, it is feasible to generate 2679.8 MWh of electricity and produce 43.4 tons of hydrogen annually, with a Levelized Cost of Electricity of 0.0690 $/kWh and Levelized Cost of Hydrogen of 1.747 $/kg.