Green Hydrogen Production and Transport

In the race to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy future, hydrogen has emerged as a star player, especially when it’s green. The Fraunhofer Institute, renowned for its innovative research, has delved deep into the realms of green hydrogen production and transport, providing crucial insights that may shape our energy landscape. Let’s explore the fascinating findings from this ground-breaking analysis.

The Scope of Exploration

The Fraunhofer Institute’s study focused on the generation and export of five distinct Power-to-X (PtX) products, including liquid and gaseous hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and jet fuel. These PtX products hold immense potential for revolutionizing energy systems globally.

The countries selected for this extensive study were predetermined by the H2Global Foundation. To identify promising regions for large-scale wind and photovoltaic (PV) parks, a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis was executed for each of the twelve chosen countries. This resulted in the identification of up to four “RE regions” per country, totalling an impressive 39 globally distributed RE regions.

Simultaneously, the study pinpointed PtX generation sites strategically located near suitable ports for efficient export. The data was meticulously broken down to understand local production costs (at gate) and supply costs, which include the expenses associated with transport to Germany. All these analyses were projected into the year 2030, taking into account the evolving energy landscape.

Sensitivity analyses and sub-scenarios were also part of the study, providing a comprehensive foundation for the results and conclusions. With over 250 result series generated, a detailed discussion of each was beyond the scope of the study. Instead, the study’s authors synthesized and summarized central statements, with a particular focus on example regions.

The Big Picture: An Overview

The study’s results offer a panoramic view of the evaluated Renewable Energy (RE) regions, their respective full load hours, and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Additionally, they compare the supply costs for all PtX products under scrutiny.

Figure is compelling visual representation of the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for PV. These visualizations highlight an intriguing correlation – the lowest LCoE is consistently found in countries where a fortuitous blend of high full load hours and low capital costs exists. However, an interesting twist emerges within countries, showcasing a broad spectrum of LCoE values. For instance, Colombia exhibits a range of 40–177 EUR/MWhel for onshore wind electricity, while India’s analyzed regions show 56–84 EUR/MWhel.

Certain standout countries, such as Brazil and Australia, captivate attention due to their promising cost potentials for both PV (29–33 EUR/MWhel) and onshore wind (41–50 EUR/MWhel). Notably, the La Guajira region in northern Colombia boasts exceptionally favorable wind production costs. The regions in Northern Africa also shine brightly on the cost-efficiency front, consistently displaying advantageous power generation cost potential – below 36 EUR/MWhel for PV and 57 EUR/MWhel for onshore wind.

One of the key takeaways is that cost-effective green hydrogen and its derivatives can potentially thrive in regions where solar and wind-based electricity production synergize harmoniously. However, in regions where this hybrid advantage is lacking, it may be pragmatic to consider separate PV and wind sites, each optimized for their respective conditions. Admittedly, this approach might entail higher investment costs for power infrastructure connecting RE production to the PtX site. Yet, these upfront expenses could be offset by increased full load hours and heightened system utilization.

Charting the Course Forward

The Fraunhofer Institute’s analysis paints a promising picture of green hydrogen production and transport. It underscores the importance of meticulously evaluating RE regions and comprehending the nuanced dynamics of LCoE. By doing so, stakeholders are better equipped to make informed decisions, propelling the global shift towards sustainable energy. Challenges undoubtedly persist, but with innovative strategies and thoughtful planning, the vision of widespread green hydrogen production seems closer than ever. It’s not just a dream; it’s a viable pathway to a greener, brighter future.