Solar Hydrogen Production: Techno-Economic Evaluation of Concentrated Solar Power Plant and High-temperature Electrolysis Integration
Abstract
High-temperature electrolysis systems produce hydrogen with high electrical efficiency, but require thermal energy for steam generation. This study explores the thermal and electrical integration of a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant with a high-temperature electrolysis system. Medium-temperature heat (above 150 °C) from the solar plant can be used for water evaporation during steam electrolysis, reducing the electrical energy demand compared to low-temperature alternatives. The techno-economic performance of this integration is evaluated through numerical quasi-dynamic simulations for a 50 MW plant in Morocco. The model includes a parametric analysis to optimize the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) by varying the solar multiple and storage capacity. Additionally, the analysis evaluates solar-to-fuel efficiency and capacity factor, comparing results with other electrochemical hydrogen production pathways powered by CSP and/or photovoltaic systems. Under current cost assumptions, the optimal configuration (solar multiple of 2.29 and storage capacity of 10.7 hours) results in an LCOH of 7.88 EUR/kgH₂. In a 2030 cost scenario, a similar configuration yields an LCOH of 4.83 EUR/kgH₂, a capacity factor of 48 %, and a solar-to-fuel efficiency exceeding 20 %. Finally, the sensitivity analysis identifies the most critical economic parameters influencing the LCOH, and highlights further research points to bring this integration concept closer to competing technologies.