Mediterranean Ports Could Produce Hydrogen at €2.5-€13/kg Using Hybrid Systems, Study Finds

Researchers from the University of Naples Federico II have completed a comprehensive analysis of hydrogen production potential at Mediterranean ports, finding significant cost variations depending on energy configuration.

The study examined levelised costs of hydrogen (LCOH) across multiple operational scenarios. Fully renewable configurations yield costs of €5.7-8.6/kg, while hybrid systems combining renewables with grid electricity range from €2.5-13/kg depending on grid electricity prices and emission intensities.

The research assessed renewable resource performance across Mediterranean ports using geographic information systems (GIS) data, weather datasets (ERA5 and CMEMS), and modeled energy generation from photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, and wave energy converters. The analysis incorporated battery storage systems and evaluated both fully renewable and grid-supported fixed-load electrolysis strategies.

Key findings indicate solar energy provides the most consistent performance with capacity factors of 18.1-24.4% across all assessed ports. Wind energy demonstrated higher potential in specific locations, reaching approximately 30% capacity factors, though performance is highly site-dependent. Wave energy showed limited feasibility at most locations with low capacity factors.

The researchers concluded that solar energy represents the most consistently viable renewable source for hydrogen production at Mediterranean ports, with wind offering advantages in select high-resource areas.

Originally reported by PV Magazine. Read the full article →