Sustainable bio-hydrogen production: Assessing economic and environmental implications of a scaled-up industrial bioethanol prototype

Abstract

This study comprehensively evaluates a bioethanol steam reforming plant in Colombia for green hydrogen (H2) production, sourced from the country's sugar industry. By integrating experimental data and Aspen Plus simulations, the research examines the techno-economic and environmental aspects of utilizing bioethanol as a renewable feedstock for H2 production. Rigorous process modeling, capital investment appraisal, operational cost estimation, economic performance metrics, and environmental assessment are considered. Key findings indicate an H2 yield of 0.155 kg/kg of bioethanol and 34 % energy efficiency, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels. The Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) at a Colombian sugar mill is calculated at 10.27 USD/kg under specific assessment conditions. The process exhibits a carbon footprint of 2.16 kgCO2-eq/kgH2 from an environmental perspective. These results emphasize the potential of bioethanol steam reforming as a sustainable and economically viable pathway for green-H2 production, advancing energy transition efforts away from fossil fuels.