In the quest for a sustainable energy future, green hydrogen is emerging as a formidable contender, and a recent study published in the journal Southern Power Construction (南方能源建设) is shedding new light on how advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technology could make green hydrogen more competitive than ever. The research, led by Hongyu Zhang from the School of Chemical Engineering at Beijing University of Chemical Technology, delves into the intricate relationship between the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) from PV systems and the cost of producing green hydrogen through water electrolysis.
The International Hydrogen Council has set an ambitious target: hydrogen energy could account for 18% of the total global end-use energy demand by 2050. To achieve this, the cost of producing green hydrogen needs to become more competitive with traditional “grey” hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels. Zhang’s research focuses on the critical role that PV technology plays in this equation.
“With the reduction of module cost and the improvement of conversion efficiency, the LCOE for PV power generation in more than 90% of areas in China will have the potential to break through CNY 0.1/kWh,” Zhang explains. This breakthrough could significantly lower the cost of green hydrogen production, making it a more viable option for large-scale adoption.
The study constructed an LCOE calculation model based on solar resource data from typical regions in China. The results are striking: with an annual effective power generation of 1200 hours, the LCOE for crystalline silicon photovoltaic cell systems can be reduced to approximately CNY 0.133 per kWh. However, for more advanced technologies like perovskite solar cells, crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem cells, and dual tandem cells, the LCOE threshold of CNY 0.1 per kWh can be achieved with even fewer annual power generation hours.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. When the LCOE for PV power generation drops below CNY 0.1 per kWh, the cost of hydrogen production by water electrolysis can be reduced to CNY 6.16 per kg. This makes green hydrogen not only more environmentally friendly but also economically competitive with grey hydrogen.
The study provides a quantitative basis for the industrialization of photovoltaic hydrogen production technology. It offers valuable insights for optimizing the transformation path of energy structures and achieving a harmonious balance between environmental benefits and economic viability.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, this research could shape future developments in green hydrogen production. By highlighting the potential of advanced PV technologies, Zhang’s work underscores the importance of continued innovation and investment in renewable energy solutions. The findings published in Southern Power Construction (南方能源建设) serve as a call to action for stakeholders in the energy industry to embrace these technological advancements and pave the way for a sustainable energy future.