Harnessing Solar Power for Sustainable Hydrogen Production in Portugal
Key Ideas
  • Hydrogen is forecasted to play a pivotal role as a clean energy carrier, with an emphasis on utilizing renewable sources like solar power in Portugal.
  • The study focuses on assessing the feasibility of large-scale hydrogen production through photovoltaic-fed water electrolysis in specific regions of Portugal.
  • Techno-economic analysis reveals that regions like Alentejo, Algarve, and Beira Interior in Portugal offer highly competitive hydrogen production costs below 4.0 €/kg.
  • The research contributes to the development of the first atlas for Solar Hydrogen production capacity and cost in Portugal, highlighting its potential in the hydrogen market.
The research article explores the increasing prominence of hydrogen as an essential energy carrier in a future dominated by renewable energy sources. It emphasizes the significant role that hydrogen is poised to play beyond its traditional industrial applications, particularly as a fuel for internal combustion engines. The study underscores the escalating global demand for hydrogen, necessitating the establishment of large-scale production units utilizing renewable sources. In Europe, ambitious energy directives have been set, driving the need for evaluating suitable locations for hosting these hydrogen production facilities. The study specifically delves into the utilization of photovoltaic-fed water electrolysis for hydrogen production, citing the maturity and affordability of these technologies and the abundant solar energy available in Southern Europe. By leveraging 23 years of hourly meteorological data from the Portuguese Meteorological Service, the researchers develop typical meteorological year files for roughly 90 stations across mainland Portugal. These files are integrated into a model that simulates a 120 MWp photovoltaic plant using the System Advisor Model. The electricity generated by the photovoltaic plant powers the simulation of hydrogen production through an in-house developed electrolyser model. The results of the simulation contribute to the creation of the first atlas for Solar Hydrogen production capacity and cost in Portugal. The techno-economic analysis indicates the potential for specific hydrogen production values exceeding 30 kg/kWp, with the levelized cost of hydrogen falling below 4.0 €/kg, particularly in regions like Alentejo, Algarve, and Beira Interior. These findings position these regions as highly attractive for hosting large-scale photovoltaic hydrogen production plants, offering competitiveness in the hydrogen market, especially concerning neighboring countries like Morocco and Spain. The research not only underscores the feasibility of utilizing solar energy for sustainable hydrogen production but also provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in advancing the clean energy transition.
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