The production of hydrogen form wind is done via the following conversion process: convert wind to mechanical energy, further convert it to electricity and finally convert it to hydrogen.
The production cost of sustainable hydrogen is dominated by investment costs. Wind is for free. Maximizing the production with the asset is driving the cost of the energy down. So, finding the best wind resources is important. The best wind resources can be found offshore.
The system integration of a wind turbine and an electrolysis system results in a cost of hydrogen, that is half the cost of offshore wind electricity combined with large scale electrolysis onshore.
This is based on the following aspects:
- With the integration of a classic electricity generating wind turbine and an electrolysis system a lot of electrical conversions can be eliminated, resulting in a higher hydrogen production yield.
- The elimination of electrical conversions is a reduction in expensive parts, so lower investment costs.
- Elimination of components will increase the reliability, so a lower downtime of the installation.
- The transportation of energy in the form of gas is a factor 10 cheaper compared to electricity and also requires less space.
- A pipeline with hydrogen also provides an inherent storage system, making the process of supply and demand less vulnerable.
- Hydrogen can directly be stored, without any other conversion.
With the above aspects, it is concluded that hydrogen will become the primary energy carrier, that can be used in the energy system and as feedstock in the chemical industry.