Feasibility study of industrial scale green hydrogen production in Finland

Abstract

This master’s thesis conducts a feasibility study on industrial-scale green hydrogen production in Finland, exploring both technical and economic dimensions. Green hydrogen emerges as a critical driver for transitioning to a zero-emission future. The investigation emphasizes the dominance of alkaline water electrolyzer in large-scale applications due to its cost-effectiveness, despite the appeal of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer for direct coupling with volatile renewable energies. Business cases reveal the role of renewable energy source quality, with Finnish wind energy presenting a promising avenue. The estimated levelized cost of hydrogen in Finland anticipates a significant reduction by 2030, rendering green hydrogen economically viable. Analysis of cost structures highlights the importance of capital expenditures (CAPEX) elements and identifies key strategies for cost reduction. As the urgency to transition from fossil fuels intensifies, electrolyzer technologies are poised for large-scale development, with alkaline electrolyzers emerging as a mature and cost-effective choice. Looking forward, the thesis expresses confidence in the essential role of hydrogen applications. Future research recommendations include optimizing entire plant performance, exploring diverse energy resources, advancing material science for cost-effective alternatives, addressing barriers to scale-up, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration for a holistic understanding of green hydrogen production’s potential.