DOI: https://doi.org/10.61435/jbes.2025.19985

Model and Simulation of Solar-Powered PEM Water Electrolysis for Green Hydrogen and Environmental Assessment in the Ibukota Nusantara

1Magister Energy, School of Postgraduate Studies, Diponegoro University,Jl.Imam Bardjo SH, Pleburan, Semarang, Indonesia 50241, Indonesia

2Profesor, PhD Mechanical Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jl.Imam Bardjo SH, Semarang, Indonesia 50241, Indonesia

3Profesor, Dept. of Biology, Diponegoro University, Jl.Imam Bardjo SH, Semarag, Indonesiam 50241, Indonesia

Received: 27 Nov 2025; Revised: 28 Nov 2025; Accepted: 1 Dec 2025; Available online: 1 Dec 2025; Published: 1 Apr 2026.
Editor(s): Marcelinus Christwardana
Open Access Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s). Published by Centre of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE)
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Citation Format:
Cover Image
Abstract

Energy demand in Indonesia continues to rise in line with population and economic growth. Using Jakarta city of Indonesia, as a representative case, energy consumption in the transportation sector has risen significantly from year to year. This escalation contributes to deteriorating air quality and poses adverse impacts on public health. To prevent similar condition in the new capital city (Ibukota Nusantara - IKN), this study examines green hydrogen production to support Fuel Cell Electrical Vehicle (FCEV)-based transportation. The objective of this research is to evaluate the technical, economic feasibility and environmental benefit of a solar PV -power-driven Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer (PEMWE) system for large-scale hydrogen generation in IKN. A dynamic PEMWE model was developed and simulated using MATLAB/Simulink/Simscape under operating temperatures of 60 °C, 80 °C and 100 °C at a current density of 1.2 A/cm2. Key performance indicators evaluated include membrane water diffusion flux, electro-osmotic drag, hydrogen production rate and system efficiency.  Result show that operation 80 °C achieves the optimal performance. Scaled-up calculations indicate a hydrogen output of 3,006.62 kg/day with an electricity demand of 143,617 kWh, resulting in specific energy consumption of 47.9 kWh/kg outperforming the commercial PEMWE range 51-55 kWh/kg. This production capacity can fuel approximately 1,500 FCEVs corresponding to a potential CO2 emission reduction of 13,112.7 kg CO2-eq/day. Economic analysis using the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH), with a 6% WACC and 20-years project life, yields an annualized CAPEX of roughly MUSD 31 and electricity dominated OPEX of KUSD 577 per year. The resulting LCOH od USD 3.0/kg H2 aligns with projected 2030 green hydrogen cost target. In conclusion, Solar PV -powered PEMWE development in IKN is demonstrates holistic feasibility in term of technical viable, economically competitive and environment impactful.

Fulltext View|Download
Keywords: PEMWE; Solar PV; Hydrogen; FCEV; LCOH; CO2-Emision

Article Metrics:

Article Info
Section: Research Articles
Language : EN
Recent articles
Environmental Impact Assessment of Biomass Co-Firing and Particulate Filtration Stability in a Remote-Area Stoker Coal Power Plant Economic Valuation of Forest Environmental Services in the form of Water Resources Converted into Electrical Energy with Micro-hydro Power Plants Application of Bacterial Biofilm in Remediation of Crude Oil Polluted Mangroove Forest Water Seaweed Cellulose: A Hybrid Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis Environmental and Ergonomic Determinants of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Among Oil Palm Harvesters: A Literature Review More recent articles
  1. Ariyadi, S.B., & Purwanto, W. W. (2024). Development Strategies for Grid-Connected Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic to Increase Renewable Energy Penetration. CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development, 7(3), 478–495. https://doi.org/10.7454/jid.v7.i3.1164
  2. Badgett, A., Brauch, J., Thatte, A., Rubin, R., Skangos, C., Wang, X., Ahluwalia, R., Pivovar, B., & Ruth M. (2024). Updated Manufactured Cost Analysis for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers. https://doi.org/10.2172/2311140
  3. Bhandari, R., & Shah, R. R. (2021). Hydrogen as energy carrier: Techno-economic assessment of decentralized hydrogen production in Germany. Renewable Energy, 177, 915–931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2021.05.149
  4. Brezak, D., Kovač, A., & Firak, M. (2023). MATLAB/Simulink simulation of low-pressure PEM electrolyzer stack. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 48(16), 6158–6173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.03.092
  5. Fagerström, J., Das, S., Klyve, Ø. S., Olkkonen, V., & Marstein, E. S. (2024). Profitability of battery storage in hybrid hydropower–solar photovoltaic plants. Journal of Energy Storage, 77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2023.109827
  6. Gebara, C. H., & Laurent, A. (2023). National SDG-7 performance assessment to support achieving sustainable energy for all within planetary limits. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112934
  7. Hancke, R., Holm, T., & Ulleberg, Ø. (2022). The case for high-pressure PEM water electrolysis. Energy Conversion and Management, 261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2022.115642
  8. Kamaroddin, M.F.A., Sabli, N., Tuan Abdullah, T. A., Siajam, S. I., Abdullah, L. C., Abdul Jalil, A., & Ahmad, A. (2021). Membrane-based electrolysis for hydrogen production: A review. In Membranes (Vol. 11, Issue 11). MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11110810
  9. Karmaker, H., Siddique, A., & Das, B. K. (2023). Numerical investigation of lead free Cs2TiBr6 based perovskite solar cell with optimal selection of electron and hole transport layer through SCAPS-1D simulation. Results in Optics, 13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rio.2023.100571
  10. Konsep Pembangunan IKN. (n.d.)
  11. Langer, J., Kwee, Z., Zhou, Y., Isabella, O., Ashqar, Z., Quist, J., Praktiknjo, A., & Blok, K. (2023). Geospatial analysis of Indonesia's bankable utility-scale solar PV potential using elements of project finance. Energy, 283, 128555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.128555
  12. Layer, R.K., Prosser, J.H., Kellu, J.C., James, B.D., & Elgowainy, A. (2024). Life-cycle Analysis of Hydrogen Production from Water Electrolyzers. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 81, 1467-1478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.06.355
  13. Liu, W., Wan, Y., Xiong, Y., & Gao, P. (2022). Green hydrogen standard in China: Standard and evaluation of low-carbon hydrogen, clean hydrogen, and renewable hydrogen. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 47(58), 24584–24591. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.10.193
  14. Liun, E., Suparman, Sriyana, Dewi, D., & Pane, J. S. (2022). Indonesia’s Energy Demand Projection Until 2060. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 12(2), 467–473. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.12794
  15. Makhsoos, A., Kandidayeni, M., Pollet, B. G., & Boulon, L. (2023). A perspective on increasing the efficiency of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers– a review. In International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (Vol. 48, Issue 41, pp. 15341–15370). Elsevier Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.01.048
  16. Memutusian. (n.d.). Republik Indonesia-2 Mengingat Dengan Persetqjuan Bersama Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Republik Indonesia dan Presiden Republik Indonesia
  17. Mofolasayo, A. (2023). Assessing and Managing the Direct and Indirect Emissions from
  18. Electric and Fossil-Powered Vehicles. Sustainability (Switzerland) , 15(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021138
  19. Nasional, S. H. (n.d.). Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral Republik Indonesia. www.ebtke.esdm.go.id
  20. Naskah Akademis Raperda Rencana Umum Energi Daerah (Rued) Provinsi Dki Jakarta. (2022)
  21. Pettinau, A., Marotto, D., Dessì, F., & Ferrara, F. (2024). Techno-economic assessment of renewable hydrogen production for mobility: A case study. Energy Conversion and Management, 311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2024.118513
  22. Prasetyo, S. D., Trisnoaji, Y., Arifin, Z., & Mahadi, A. A. (2025). Harnessing unconventional resources for large-scale green hydrogen production: An economic and technological analysis in Indonesia. Unconventional Resources, 6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uncres.2025.100174
  23. Putri, A.R., Gunarto, T., Emalia, Z., & Murwiati, A. (2022). Pengaruh Pertumbuhan Ekonomi, Pertumbuhan Penduduk, dan Konsumsi Energi Terhadap Emisi CO2 di Indonesia. BULLET: Jurnal Multidisiplin Ilmu, 1(6), 1070-1080. https://journal.mediapublikasi.id/index.php/bullet
  24. Saphira, D., & Sofyan, N. (2025). Project Financing Strategy For On-Grid Solar PV Installation In The Cement & Construction Material Industry (Case Study: Pt Cibinong Bangun Sarana, West Java, Indonesia)
  25. Shin, H. S., & Oh, B. S. (2020). Water transport according to temperature and current in PEM water electrolyzer. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 45(1), 56–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.10.209
  26. Shin, H., Jang, D., Lee, S., Cho, H. S., Kim, K. H., & Kang, S. (2023). Techno-economic evaluation of green hydrogen production with low-temperature water electrolysis technologies directly coupled with renewable power sources. Energy Conversion and Management, 286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2023.117083
  27. Steffen, B. (2020). Estimating the cost of capital for renewable energy projects. Energy Economics, 88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2020.104783
  28. Teresia, K.F., Fahmi Muzakki, M., Mutiara Salsadila Sodik, V., & Hotimah, O. (2025). Dampak Polusi Udara Terhadap Kesehatan: Studi Komparatid Antara Kota Jakarta dan Kota Hanoi. Jurnal Enviromental Science, 8(1), 8-15. https://doi.org/10.35580/jes.v8i1.71956
  29. Triana, D., Garniwa, I., Rosadi, A. H. Y., & Martono, D. N. (2024). Performance Analysis Simulation of Urban Rooftop Photovoltaic Potential in Jakarta City, Indonesia. Environmental Research, Engineering and Management, 80(4), 21–38. https://doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.80.4.34200
  30. Windarta, J., Handoko, S., Sukmadi, T., Irfani, K. N., Masfuha, S. M., & Itsnareno, C. H. (2021). Technical and economic feasibility analysis of solar power plant design with off grid system for remote area MSME in Semarang City. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 896(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/896/1/012007
  31. Xia, X., & Li, P. (2022). A review of the life cycle assessment of electric vehicles: Considering the influence of batteries. In Science of the Total Environment (Vol. 814). Elsevier B.V. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152870

Last update:

No citation recorded.

Last update:

No citation recorded.

echo '
https://journals.aesop-planning.eu/ https://jurnal.pgsd.unipol.ac.id/ https://superbilisim.com.tr/ https://journal.pubalaic.org/
';