Energy analysis for hydrogen transport methods

Resumen

A comparative energetic study between liquid hydrogen and e-methanol as hydrogen vectors for large-scale transport of hydrogen at sea has been performed. The objective of this study is to gain insight on which one of the energy vectors compared is the best option for transporting renewable energy and obtain hydrogen at destination. The alternatives covered include the seaborne transport of liquid hydrogen or methanol with the reconversion to hydrogen at the
destination through methanol electrolysis or a steam-reforming process. Three different production mass flow rates of hydrogen at the origin are explored: 100 kt/y, 1 Mt/y, and 10 Mt/y. The findings of this study suggest that liquid hydrogen is the best alternative in terms of
energy vector. However, if methanol electrolysis technology improves, lower electricity consumption and lower energy losses are achieved, the alternative based on methanol
electrolysis may compete with the transport of liquefied hydrogen.