Techno-economic Analysis of a Solar Thermal Water Preheating System for a 5 Mw Electrolyzer in PecÉM, Brazil

Bezerra, Marcos Souto Lopes, Diogenes, Gustavo Azevedo, Sousa, Maria do Socorro Santos, Silva, Paulo Henrique Pereira

ISES Solar World Congress 2025 · Fortaleza, Brazil · 2025-11-03
Published by International Solar Energy Society (ISES)

Abstract

In this study, a techno-economic analysis is presented for a solar thermal system designed to preheat feedwater for a 5 MW hydrogen electrolyzer at the Pecém Industrial and Port Complex (Ceará, Brazil). The system uses 602 m² of solar collectors to heat 21.6 m³ of water per day from 30°C to 90°C. Annual solar heat supply (~0.55 GWh) yields approximately R$329,551 in electricity savings and excellent financial performance: net present value (NPV) ~R$1.27 million, internal rate of return (IRR) 24.46%, and discounted payback ~5 years. The levelized cost of heat (LCOH) is estimated at R$0.329/kWh, significantly below the local electricity tariff, confirming the economic viability of integrating solar thermal preheating into green hydrogen production.

Keywords

solar thermal, water preheating, electrolyzer, techno-economic analysis, green hydrogen.

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