Work

Influence of plant dimensioning and location on the ecology of PEM electrolysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PV and wind systems with PEM electrolysis offer great potential for producing hydrogen with low emissions. Our research has identified the ecologically optimal size of PEM in relation to fixed PV/wind capacities. We calculate efficiencies and production volumes for PEM with 240 capacity and site variations. We analyse the global warming potential of all systems and draw conclusions about the optimal system design. The lowest GWP is achieved at the site with the highest full load hours with 1.32 kg CO 2 -eq/kg H 2 (Wind, 28 MW electrolysis) and 4.24 kg CO 2 -eq/kg H 2 (PV, 23 MW electrolysis). We have identified a clear trend: increasing PV/wind full load hours leads to higher ideal PEM capacities. However, there is a significant discrepancy between the ideal economic and ecological capacity. Furthermore, higher electrolysis capacities can achieve lower emissions as they increasingly operate at a more efficient partial load.

Source: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.151039

Authors: Michael Heberl, Andreas Hofrichter, Daniel Rank, Franz Bauer, Michael Sterner

Institution: OTH Regensburg

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, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,730