Analyzing Global Potential: Hydrogen Importation Analysis by Fraunhofer Institute
Key Ideas
- The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems conducted a techno-economic analysis on importing hydrogen to Germany from Brazil, Morocco, Canada, Ukraine, and the UAE.
- Hydrogen production was found to account for the highest share of costs, with varying costs for synthesis, storage, and transportation depending on the product and production volume.
- Ammonia was identified as the most promising Power-to-X product in the short to medium term, while liquid hydrogen technologies are recommended for the long term.
- Countries able to defossilize their industry and energy sector quickly are prioritized for hydrogen export, with a focus on avoiding negative impacts on local energy transitions.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, through the HyPat project, has compiled a global hydrogen potential atlas for sustainable future production locations. By analyzing the techno-economic aspects, researchers evaluated the feasibility of importing Power-to-X products like liquid hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol from Brazil, Morocco, Canada, Ukraine, and the UAE to Germany. The comprehensive cost analysis projected import costs ranging from €3.50 to €6.50/kg in 2030 and €4.50/kg in 2050, with hydrogen production constituting the major cost component. The study recommended promoting ammonia as a readily achievable product and accelerating the development of liquid hydrogen technologies for long-term importation. Moreover, the research emphasized the mutual benefits for both importing and exporting countries in terms of energy transition and cost reduction, while cautioning against depleting renewable energy potential. Suggestions included early coordination with exporting countries to mitigate adverse effects on local energy transitions and prioritizing countries capable of rapid defossilization for hydrogen exports.
Topics
Production
Renewable Energy
Sustainability
Energy Transition
Green Technology
Research
Economics
Energy Policy
International Trade
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