Theoretical analysis of green hydrogen from hydropower: A case study of the Northwest Columbia River system

Within the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, there is the unique opportunity to explore alternative energy management solutions of the Columbia River's multi-use hydro-power system. As with various European hydropower systems that experience large variability in water runoff, but lack adequate reservoir storage capacity, the Columbia River System is a viable source for renewable hydrogen production. This paper studies the theoretical potential of green hydrogen production from excess hydropower energy from the Columbia River Sys-tem. The potential surplus hydroelectric energy and hydrogen production potential from surplus energy (during March through July months) are estimated from 11 hydroelectric pro-jects along with the Columbia River System. Results show that the system's total monthly average hydrogen production potential ranges from 2.22 x 106 to 8.96 x 106 kg H2 with the utilization of surplus energy over a historical 80 water year period (1928-2008). This study concludes that hydrogen production from spilled hydropower energy and its use in the transportation sector is a viable opportunity to lead the country towards a hydrogen economy.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.

Automated summary

This study examines the potential of green hydrogen production from excess hydropower energy from the Columbia River System. The results show that the monthly average hydrogen production potential ranges from 2.22 x 106 to 8.96 x 106 kg H2 over an 80-year period. It concludes that utilizing spilled hydropower energy for hydrogen production in the transportation sector is a viable opportunity.