This application displays the levelized cost of hydrogen on a
global scale.
Meteorological data taken from ERA5 reanalysis at 31x31 km
spatial resolution (at the equator) and annual hourly temporal
resolution. Solar radiation components’ distributions
converted into global tilted irradiation (GTI) profiles
relatively to optimal PV panel inclination (function of
latitude) and subsequently into capacity factor profiles
through technological characteristics. Wind velocity
components’ distributions converted into capacity factor
profiles through turbine power curves. Land eligibility has
been determined at higher resolution (1x1 km) considering
several exclusion criteria (protected areas, forests,
permanent wetlands, croplands, urban areas, slope >5% [PV] and
>20% [onshore wind], population density and water stress).
Differences and similarities in eligibility criteria between
PV and onshore wind produce either single technology
(PV/electrolyzer or wind/electrolyzer) or hybrid
(PV/wind/electrolyzer) hydrogen generation systems. For every
eligible high-resolution cell (1x1 km) the optimal combination
of technology capacities was calculated through optimization,
with the objective of minimizing the LCOH. The inputs to the
optimization are the capacity factor distributions and
region-specific techno-economic data and WACCs.
Assumptions for CAPEX are as follows:
PV
Onshore
Electrolyzer
2050
Optimistic
225-455
700-1070
134
USD/kW
Pessimistic
271-551
775-1191
326
2030
Optimistic
245-690
743-1435
384
Pessimistic
305-865
828-1600
688
The efficiencies (HHV) of the electrolyzer are as follows:
2050
Optimistic
87.5%
Pessimistic
82%
2030
Optimistic
81%
Pessimistic
75%
Assumptions for WACC:
Optimistic: 2020 values without technology dependent values
across regions: 4%-13%.
Pessimistic: 2020 values with technology dependent values
across regions: 4%-15%.
