Title:
Comparison of Biomass Sources in the Production of Renewable Hydrogen: Technical and Economic Analysis
Author(s):
Khalid, H., Vileva Oliveira, J., Viana Ensinas, A.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The aim of this study is to compare different routes for producing hydrogen from renewable sources such as residual woody biomass, biomethane and ethanol. The evaluation was carried out using mixed integer linear programming (MILP), allowing the total costs of the production chain to be estimated and minimized. Three technologies were analyzed: ethanol reforming (Ethanol_ESR), gasification of woody biomass (GS_WGS) and biodigestion of vinasse with biomethane reforming (BD_SMR). The Ethanol_ESR route had the highest raw material cost (4042 $/t.H2), negatively impacting economic performance, despite the low operating cost (89 $/t.H2) and reduced annualized investment (362 $/t.H2). GS_WGS showed a better cost balance, with feedstock at 1135 $/t.H2 and an IRR of 36% but faced significant logistical challenges (746 $/t.H2) due to the volume of biomass. The BD_SMR route had the best financial indicators, with the highest NPV (1928 M$), the highest IRR (44%) and the lowest raw material cost (302 $/t.H2), although it had high logistical costs (889 $/t.H2) due to the transportation of biomethane. The GS_WGS and BD_SMR routes also stood out for having a lower discounted payback (3 years), compared to 7 years for the ethanol-based route. The GS_WGS and BD_SMR routes were more financially attractive than the Ethanol_ESR route, highlighting the strategic role of the choice of biomass.
Keywords:
alternative energy, logistics, agricultural waste
Topic:
Biomass, Bio-based Products and Bioenergy Integration
Subtopic:
Biomass integration into energy systems
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3AV.6.14
Pages:
501 - 504
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-3AV.6.14
Price:
FREE
