Building Sustainable Hydrogen Supply Chains: A Holistic Analysis
Key Ideas
- Efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective hydrogen supply chains are crucial for a future hydrogen economy and defossilized economies.
- The analysis focuses on the simulation and optimization of regional and global hydrogen and PtX supply chains from technological, economic, and ecological perspectives.
- Identification of generation potential for renewable energies, green hydrogen, and hydrogen derivatives in selected regions or entire countries like Western Australia's Oakajee region.
- Location-based analyses of production and transportation costs for the entire hydrogen and PtX value chain, looking at selected countries in 2030.
Hydrogen supply chains play a vital role in the transition towards a sustainable energy future. The article discusses the importance of efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective hydrogen supply chains for driving a future hydrogen economy and defossilized economies. The focus of the analysis lies in simulating and optimizing regional and global hydrogen and Power-to-X (PtX) supply chains from various perspectives such as technological, economic, and ecological. The methodology used involves mapping out regional and nationwide potential for renewable energies and hydrogen, identifying off-take potential for hydrogen and its derivatives, and conducting comprehensive infrastructure analyses. The research includes evaluating and clustering suitable locations for renewable energy parks and future PtX hubs, exemplified by the Oakajee region in Western Australia. By utilizing GIS-based methodology, the analysis considers multiple criteria like solar irradiation, wind speeds, and technical factors to classify locations as ideal for renewable energy projects. Furthermore, the article delves into calculating production and transportation costs for PtX products like liquid hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol in selected countries for the year 2030. The 'H2ProSim' simulation algorithm is applied to assess hydrogen production and supply paths, factoring in location-specific conditions and features to make informed decisions. This comprehensive approach involves simulating the entire hydrogen value chain including electricity generation, production, conversion, storage, logistics, and consumption. The analysis provides insights into the dynamics of synthesis paths, storage facility sizes, and optimized logistics concepts. Overall, the article highlights the significance of building sustainable hydrogen supply chains through holistic analyses and location-based cost assessments.