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Green Hydrogen Generation by Water Photoelectrolysis: Economic and Environmental Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Gaetano Maggio

    (Istituto di Tecnologie Avanzate per l’Energia “Nicola Giordano” (CNR-ITAE), Via Salita S. Lucia Sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy)

  • Salvatore Vasta

    (Istituto di Tecnologie Avanzate per l’Energia “Nicola Giordano” (CNR-ITAE), Via Salita S. Lucia Sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy)

  • Agatino Nicita

    (Istituto di Tecnologie Avanzate per l’Energia “Nicola Giordano” (CNR-ITAE), Via Salita S. Lucia Sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy)

  • Stefano Trocino

    (Istituto di Tecnologie Avanzate per l’Energia “Nicola Giordano” (CNR-ITAE), Via Salita S. Lucia Sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy)

  • Mauro Giorgianni

    (Istituto di Tecnologie Avanzate per l’Energia “Nicola Giordano” (CNR-ITAE), Via Salita S. Lucia Sopra Contesse 5, 98126 Messina, Italy)

Abstract

Water photoelectrolysis cells based on photoelectrochemical water splitting seem to be an interesting alternative to other traditional green hydrogen generation processes (e.g., water electrolysis). Unfortunately, the practical application of this technology is currently hindered by several difficulties: low solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency, expensive electrode materials, etc. A novel concept, based on a tandem photoelectrolysis cell configuration with an anion-conducting membrane separating the photoanode from the photocathode, has already been proposed in the literature. This approach allows the use of low-cost metal oxide electrodes and nickel-based co-catalysts. In this paper, we conducted a study to evaluate the economic and environmental sustainability of this technology, using the environmental life cycle cost. Preliminary results have revealed two main interesting aspects: the negligible percentage of externalities in the total cost (<0.15%), which means a positive environmental impact, and as evidenced by the net present value (NPV), there are potentially financial conditions that favour future investment. In fact, an NPV higher than 150,000 EUR can be achieved after 15 years.

Suggested Citation

  • Gaetano Maggio & Salvatore Vasta & Agatino Nicita & Stefano Trocino & Mauro Giorgianni, 2025. "Green Hydrogen Generation by Water Photoelectrolysis: Economic and Environmental Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:6:p:1439-:d:1612526
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Squadrito, Gaetano & Maggio, Gaetano & Nicita, Agatino, 2023. "The green hydrogen revolution," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    2. Cornes,Richard & Sandler,Todd, 1996. "The Theory of Externalities, Public Goods, and Club Goods," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521477185, January.
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