Study of H production by hydroelectricity 2 for a Hydrogen economy in Colombia

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a technical, economical and environmental study of hydrogen production by abundant hydroelectricity, as an energy vector for a future Hydrogen Economy in Colombia. The amount of H2 considered (178 kgH2/h) supplies a 15,800 inhabitant village with heat and electricity from fuel cells. The Amoya´s hydroelectric plant, at Chaparral, Tolima, was selected a prototype for H production by electrolysis. Five electrolyzing cells, each consuming 53.4 kWh/kg of H2 were selected from commercial offers. For the H2 energy supply, two transport alternatives were compared: a 313 km H2 -gas pipeline, or the transmision through the national grid the equivalent electricity for H2 to be produced near the customer. Electricity transportation resulted more favorable, but more expensive if the electricity cost is higher than $67 per kWh. An electrolyzer and fuel cell set, to be installed inside the plant as a demonstration unit, was included to supply electricity to the auxiliary systems. Neither H2 applications nor safety measures were considered.