A Step towards the Hydrogen Economy—A Life Cycle Cost Analysis of A Hydrogen Refueling Station

Ludvik Viktorsson,Runar Unnthorsson,Jon Skulason,Jukka Heinonen

doi:10.3390/en10060763

Ludvik Viktorsson, Runar Unnthorsson + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en10060763

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Journal: Energies	Publication Date: May 31, 2017
Citations: 104	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Icelandic New Energy (Iceland), University of Iceland

Abstract

This study was aimed to define a methodology based on existing literature and evaluate the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) for a decentralized hydrogen refueling station (HRS) in Halle, Belgium. The results are based on a comprehensive data collection, along with real cost information. The main results indicated that a LCOH of 10.3 €/kg at the HRS can be reached over a lifetime of 20 years, if an average electricity cost of 0.04 €/kWh could be achieved and if the operating hours are maximized. Furthermore, if the initial capital costs can be reduced by 80%, in the case of direct subsidy, the LCOH could even fall to 6.7 €/kg.

Highlights

Global warming has become an unequivocal problem where the main cause is considered to be anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [1]
The results show that the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) is highest for the 10 years lifetime with a value of 16.6 €/kg and decreases with time becoming
A system like this would realistically be a long-term investment and the results from the 20 years lifetime were selected for further analysis

Summary

Introduction

Global warming has become an unequivocal problem where the main cause is considered to be anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [1]. To demonstrate the rapid growth of the global RE capacity, wind power rose from 17,333 MW to 369,608 MW from 2000 to 2014 and solar energy capacity increased from 805 MW to 175,305 MW during the same period [3]. These new energy sources entail problems linked to their power output as it is highly intermittent and cannot meet steady energy demand [4]. One solution to this problem is to use hydrogen as an energy carrier where hydrogen can be produced on site by water electrolysis, and compressed, stored and re-electrified via fuel cells during low production days or used for mobility purposes [5]

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Conclusion