Economic assessment and comparative analysis of hydrogen transportation with various technical processes

This paper took hydrogen transportation as a breakthrough to make a comprehensive study on the economic assessments of hydrogen delivery pathways, so as to promote the low-cost and large-scale hydrogen energy development. A specific transportation model for gas-hydrogen trailers, liquid-hydrogen tank trucks, and hydrogen pipelines with various technical levels was developed to explore the cost reduction pathways. To verify the feasibility of the model, a case study was conducted in Shanghai, China, to obtain more realistic cost data. Accordingly, the gas-hydrogen trailer was found to be feasible for short distances, while the liquid-hydrogen tank truck was economic for long distances. By increasing the hydrogen storage pressure and liquefaction scale, the transportation cost of gas-hydrogen trailers and liquid-hydrogen tank trucks could be significantly reduced. However, their economic advantage could not surpass that of pipelines when its utilization rate is high. By improving the utilization rate of hydrogen pipelines, the transportation cost could be significantly reduced. In addition, we attempted to determine the more economical and feasible option between long-distance hydrogen transportation and local hydrogen production. With the large-scale utilization of renewable energy resources, only when the electricity price is reduced to approximately 0.1-0.2 yuan/kWh and hydrogen production efficiency is increased above 60%-80%, local hydrogen production can be more economical than long-distance hydrogen transportation.

Automated summary

This paper conducted a comprehensive study on the economic assessments of hydrogen delivery pathways, focusing on hydrogen transportation as a breakthrough. By developing a specific transportation model and conducting a case study in Shanghai, China, the feasibility and cost reduction pathways of various hydrogen delivery methods were explored. The research found that gas-hydrogen trailers are feasible for short distances, while liquid-hydrogen tank trucks are more economic for long distances. The transportation cost of these methods can be significantly reduced by increasing storage pressure and liquefaction scale, but pipelines have an economic advantage when utilization rate is high.