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Technical–Economic Analysis of Renewable Hydrogen Production from Solar Photovoltaic and Hydro Synergy in a Pilot Plant in Brazil

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  • Ana Beatriz Barros Souza Riedel

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil)

  • Vitor Feitosa Riedel

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil)

  • Hélio Nunes de Souza Filho

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil)

  • Ennio Peres da Silva

    (Interdisciplinary Center for Energy Planning, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil)

  • Renato Marques Cabral

    (Eletrobras, E-Fuel Management (CMNSC), Goiânia 74993-600, Brazil)

  • Leandro de Brito Silva

    (Eletrobras, E-Fuel Management (CMNSC), Goiânia 74993-600, Brazil)

  • Alexandre de Castro Pereira

    (Eletrobras, E-Fuel Management (CMNSC), Goiânia 74993-600, Brazil)

Abstract

Renewable hydrogen obtained from renewable energy sources, especially when produced through water electrolysis, is gaining attention as a promising energy vector to deal with the challenges of climate change and the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. In this context, this work analyzes a pilot plant that uses this technology, installed in the Itumbiara Hydropower Plant located between the states of Goiás and Minas Gerais, Brazil, from technical and economic perspectives. The plant utilizes an alkaline electrolyzer synergistically powered by solar photovoltaic and hydro sources. Cost data for 2019, when the equipment was purchased, and 2020–2023, when the plant began continuous operation, are considered. The economic analysis includes annualized capital, maintenance, and variable costs, which determines the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). The results obtained for the pilot plant’s LCOH were USD 13.00 per kilogram of H 2 , with an efficiency loss of 2.65% for the two-year period. Sensitivity analysis identified the capacity factor (CF) as the main determinant of the LCOH. Even though the analysis specifically applies to the Itumbiara Hydropower Plant, the CF can be extrapolated to larger plants as it directly influences hydrogen production regardless of plant size or capacity.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Beatriz Barros Souza Riedel & Vitor Feitosa Riedel & Hélio Nunes de Souza Filho & Ennio Peres da Silva & Renato Marques Cabral & Leandro de Brito Silva & Alexandre de Castro Pereira, 2024. "Technical–Economic Analysis of Renewable Hydrogen Production from Solar Photovoltaic and Hydro Synergy in a Pilot Plant in Brazil," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-20, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:17:p:4521-:d:1474307
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Park, Joungho & Hwan Ryu, Kyung & Kim, Chang-Hee & Chul Cho, Won & Kim, MinJoong & Hun Lee, Jae & Cho, Hyun-Seok & Lee, Jay H., 2023. "Green hydrogen to tackle the power curtailment: Meteorological data-based capacity factor and techno-economic analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    2. José Carlos Curvelo Santana & Pedro Gerber Machado & Cláudio Augusto Oller do Nascimento & Celma de Oliveira Ribeiro, 2023. "Economic and Environmental Assessment of Hydrogen Production from Brazilian Energy Grid," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-21, April.
    3. Hurtubia, Byron & Sauma, Enzo, 2021. "Economic and environmental analysis of hydrogen production when complementing renewable energy generation with grid electricity," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 304(C).
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