Electrolytic hydrogen production in Brazilian electric utilities—a way to increase return on investments

Abstract

The Brazilian park of electric energy generation is more than 85% made up of hydroelectric power plants, with a utilization factor of about 60%. Taking into consideration that the hydroelectric power plants represent about 60% of the investments of the Brazilian Electric Sector, the electrolytic hydrogen production close to some hydroelectric power plants in the Country may increase the rate of return on investments in the same. The purpose of this article is to make an evaluation of the type, geographic localization and capacity of the hydroelectric power plants which may be used for the production of electrolytic hydrogen during the off-peak hours of the electric system. Preliminary estimates of the cost of production of electrolytic hydrogen close to certain hydroelectric power plants are made; and finally, evaluations are also made of the influence of hydrogen production under those conditions, in the rate of return on investments made by the electric utilities.