Work

Hydrogen production from a run-of-river hydropower plant: Modeling the economic viability

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The increasing global demand for clean energy underscores the need to harness otherwise untapped energy sources. This study examines the utilization of run-of-river hydropower for hydrogen production via alkaline electrolysis. The proposed energy systems integrate electrolyzers, ranging from 1–10 MW, with a planned hydropower plant in Bordalen, Norway. Using 20 years of river inflow data, a MATLAB-based model is developed to estimate hydrogen yield and assess economic viability. The analysis evaluates electrolyzer performance under variable hydropower conditions, considering efficiency, start-up/shutdown frequency, and the impact of fluctuating water inflows. Results reveal significant variability between dry and wet years, posing optimization challenges for system sizing. Estimated hydrogen production costs range from 4.19 €/kg to 6.21 €/kg, with the 5 MW electrolyzer offering the lowest cost. The study also indicates that it is more profitable to run the electrolyzers at full load, even when the electricity price from the grid is slightly higher than electricity production costs from run-of-river power plants.

Source: Energy Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2025.04.026

Authors: Liina Sangolt, Andres Franklin Olivares Lopez, Emmanuel Quayson, Arthur Uno Rognmo, Velaug Myrseth Oltedal

Institutions: Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norsk Hydro (Norway)

Language: English

Topic: Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems

Subfield: Energy Engineering and Power Technology

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,040