A techno-economic evaluation and SWOT analysis of various hydrogen energy carriers: Production to distribution

The transition from fossil fuel dependency to low-carbon pathways is dependent on efficient energy transportation methods. Hydrogen (H₂) stands as a key player in achieving carbon-neutral targets by 2050. However, large-scale H₂ transport presents technological and economic challenges. This study provides a techno-economic evaluation (TEE) and SWOT analysis of hydrogen energy carriers (HECs) for export from natural gas-rich countries, comparing four different pathways: liquid hydrogen (LH₂), ammonia (NH₃), methanol (MeOH), and dimethyl ether (DME). NH₃ emerges as the most cost-effective option, with the lowest specific energy consumption (SEC) of 7.67 kWh/kg-H₂ and a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) at US$4.76/kg-H₂. SWOT analysis reveals strong infrastructure and regulatory support for NH₃, while LH₂ is ranked higher on specific factors. Although NH₃ faces safety challenges, it remains favorable for sustainable transportation. However, significant research is needed to ensure the technological and economic feasibility of these pathways for large-scale implementation.

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Published in: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
See article on publisher's website: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.03.125