Techno-Economic Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production from Solar Energy in Mena and Transport to Central Europe
Abstract
This techno-economic study investigates a Power-to-Hydrogen (PtH2) process chain producing 120 TWh (higher heating value, HHV) hydrogen. The aim is to estimate the efficiency as well as the production cost of green hydrogen from solar energy in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region followed by transport to Central Europe. The examined process chain includes a photovoltaic system, desalination system, Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolysis (PEM), storage, and pipeline transport. Central aspects are first, the economic optimization between technical design of photovoltaic (PV) and electrolysis capacity and second, the challenge of storing large amounts of hydrogen due to volatile hydrogen production. Results suggest that the costs of hydrogen production in MENA and delivery to Central Europe are 4.7 €/kg in 2020, 3 €/kg in 2030 and 2.4 €/kg in 2050. The overall efficiency is 56 %.