The operation and applicability to hydrogen fuel technology of green hydrogen production by water electrolysis using offshore wind power

Abstract

Hydrogen is gaining attention as a transportation fuel due to its potential for long-term and sustainable energy supply, as well as its capacity to address security and environmental concerns. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles requires overcoming certain barriers, including the vehicle-infrastructure system and zero-emission hydrogen production. Establishing a hydrogen fueling infrastructure that is compatible with hydrogen vehicles and developing sustainable hydrogen production technologies are of paramount importance. Additionally, factors such as the cost of green hydrogen production and its economic viability must be taken into account. Therefore, the development and dissemination of new technologies for carbon-free or low-carbon hydrogen production are crucial for the hydrogen production and hydrogen fuel sectors. In this study, a comprehensive model is presented for the installation of a green hydrogen production facility. The model focuses on utilizing Offshore Wind Technology (OWF) for hydrogen production through water electrolysis, as well as the storage and transportation of the produced hydrogen for use in hydrogen fuel stations. OWF technology is specifically addressed in this study to overcome its limited approach in the green hydrogen industry and address these limitations. The suggested model for green hydrogen production has been discussed, outlining the stages of hydrogen production, storage, and transportation, with its application in the Edirne-Enez location. Furthermore, a detailed techno-economic analysis of the modeled green hydrogen production facility is conducted. According to this analysis, the cost of producing green hydrogen through OWF is projected to be 6.26 EUR/kg in 2023, decreasing significantly to 1.13 EUR/kg by 2050. When accounting for fuel transportation and fuel station expenses, the overall hydrogen cost is estimated to be 10.7 EUR/kg in 2023 and 2.42 EUR/kg in 2050. Given the current state of hydrogen vehicle technology, the cost per kilometer is projected to be 0.0927 EUR/km in the year 2023 and is expected to decrease to 0.021 EUR/km by the year 2050.