Evaluating the Cost of Hydrogen: Griffith University's Innovative Approach
Key Ideas
  • Researchers at Griffith University in Queensland have devised a novel method incorporating overload capacity and power-dependent efficiency to assess the cost of hydrogen production.
  • The new technique considers factors like electrolyser type, calendar life, and economies of scale to determine the levelised cost of hydrogen in various Australian regions.
  • A target cost of $2-3 per kilogram set by Australia's National Hydrogen Roadmap was evaluated, with the Pilbara region showing potential for achieving it.
  • Sensitivity analyses revealed that parameters like WACC, scaling factor, and electrolysis efficiency significantly impact the cost of green hydrogen production.
A team of researchers at Griffith University in Queensland has developed a groundbreaking method to evaluate the cost of hydrogen production. By integrating overload capacity and power-dependent efficiency of electrolysis, the researchers aimed to provide a more accurate assessment of the levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH). The new approach takes into consideration various factors such as electrolyser type, operational characteristics, and environmental costs, ensuring a comprehensive cost analysis. The study, focusing on hydrogen hubs across Australia, revealed that achieving the target cost set by the National Hydrogen Roadmap is feasible in specific regions like Pilbara. However, significant scale-up is essential for Australia to compete effectively in the renewable hydrogen industry. The research, published in Applied Energy, emphasizes the importance of factors like economies of scale, capital expenditure, and electrolysis efficiency in determining the cost competitiveness of green hydrogen. The findings suggest that incorporating a carbon cost linked to the hydrogen production methods' carbon intensity can further enhance the competitiveness of green hydrogen. Overall, the study highlights Australia's potential to lead in cost-competitive renewable hydrogen production but underscores the need for substantial growth in the sector to prevent lagging behind.
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