Evaluation of Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) produced by wind electrolysis: Argentine and Italian production scenarios.

The work done in this thesis shows the methodology for evaluating the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) starting from production till delivery at Italian Hydrogen Refueling Stations (HRS), by means of PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane or Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) electrolysers. The energy exploited for electrolysis is wind energy (i.e. a renewable source), so it ensures the production of hydrogen actually green, differently from conventional production categories such as steam methane reforming and coal or biomass gasification. It was decided to size the study by assuming a national demand for hydrogen needed to meet a market penetration of 1% hydrogen cars. Respected sources have estimated that Italy will reach 1% of hydrogen powered vehicles shortly after 20301,2 Two macro-scenarios have been analysed: a first scenario of Argentinian prpduction, in Patagonia region, where a huge wind potential at low-cost can be exploited3,4, and a second production scenario directly in Italy, saving of ocean transport expenses but with a higher cost for wind production energy. Three kinds of storage and transport methodologies were evaluated: hydrogen in the compressed gaseous state (CGH2), hydrogen liquefied by cryogenics at -253 °C (LH2) and hydrogen bound to a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC), which allows to transport hydrogen at room temperature and pressure. Sensitivity analysis were also carried out for all scenarios analysed. Results obtained show that the total cost of hydrogen is lower in the Argentine production scenario. Low production costs due to low wind energy costs and high capacity factors make it more competitive despite ocean transport. The final cost of hydrogen [€/kg] obtained from scenarios allows to assess the fuel economy convenience of a hydrogen FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) with respect to cars of the same segment with gasoline or hybrid (gasoline/electric) motorization.