Analyzing Green Hydrogen Import and Export: A Techno-Economic Perspective
Key Ideas
  • Fraunhofer ISE conducted a detailed analysis of importing green hydrogen and Power-to-X products from countries like Brazil, Morocco, and Canada, considering cost, sustainability, and partner countries' needs.
  • The study highlighted the potential import costs of hydrogen in 2030 and 2050, emphasizing that most analyzed countries can achieve comparable cost levels.
  • Liquid hydrogen via ship emerged as a cost-effective import option, with ammonia being recommended as the most feasible product for short to medium-term realization.
  • The project also addressed sustainable water supply for hydrogen production, emphasizing the need for efficient water usage and including factors like desalination in regions with low freshwater reserves.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE conducted a comprehensive analysis focusing on the techno-economic aspects of green hydrogen production, import, and export. The research team evaluated potential locations for green hydrogen production and the export of Power-to-X products, considering countries like Brazil, Morocco, Canada, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates. Using the 'H2ProSim' simulation tool, they analyzed the import of various Power-to-X products by ship, highlighting the production, synthesis, storage, and transportation costs involved. The study projected import costs of hydrogen in 2030 and 2050, suggesting liquid hydrogen as a cost-effective import option. Ammonia was recommended as the most feasible product for short to medium-term realization. The project also emphasized the positive effects on exporting countries, such as environmental benefits and job creation, while cautioning against potential negative impacts on the local energy transition due to increased export volumes. Furthermore, the study addressed sustainable water supply for hydrogen production, indicating that electrolyzers currently require significant amounts of fresh water and exploring alternatives like seawater desalination in regions with low freshwater reserves. The HYPAT project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the 'Hydrogen Republic of Germany' ideas competition, aimed to provide a balanced framework for evaluating water costs in electrolysis and PtX production models with a focus on sustainability.
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