Liquid hydrogen derivatives such as methanol transported in pipelines can lower cost up to ten times in energy content terms compared to gaseous hydrogen. A case study from Fraunhofer IEG and Fraunhofer ISI illustrates this point. To this end, the simulation model HyTROM+ has been developed with the aim of creating planning security for import corridors.
It is well to be noted that the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Energy – IEG as well as the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research – ISI are presenting, for the first time, a detailed cost analysis of the pipeline transport of liquid hydrogen derivatives in comparison to gaseous hydrogen. The findings are reported in the journal Energy Strategy Reviews. This is based on the newly developed simulation model HyTROM+, which is an extension of the present HyTROM – Hydrogen Transport Route Optimization model by Fraunhofer ISI.
Methanol for 0.4 euros per megawatt hour over almost 700 kilometers
The case study addresses the approximately 700-kilometer route from Trieste in Italy to Karlsruhe. The transport of hydrogen gas in a repurposed pipeline on this route costs 3.9 euros per megawatt hour and in a new pipeline 11.4 euros. But liquid derivatives like methanol, Fischer-Tropsch crude oil, or kerosene can be shipped for just 0.4 or 1.9 euros per megawatt hour.
Says Natalia Pieton from Fraunhofer IEG and lead author of the study, “Our model can provide reliable decision-making bases for policymakers and pipeline operators.” ” It is now easier to determine which energy carriers and import routes are technically feasible and economically robust.”
Two things, however, must not be forgotten. First, the production of methanol has to be considered in the total costs – at least if the hydrogen is not already intended to be converted into methanol or a similar derivative. Second, the cost comparison is based on the total energy content of the substance and not on how much hydrogen is in methanol. If the end product is to be hydrogen, one has to recalculate.
Alpine route as a stress test for rough terrain
Interestingly, the researchers chose the Alpine corridor deliberately as a stress test – If liquid derivatives are able to be transported economically even in difficult terrain, then this is even more true for flatter terrain. The results are transferable to other import axes. HyTROM+ combines geodata with physical material properties and economic indicators. Using actual land use information, elevation changes, population density, as well as existing infrastructure, the model defines the pipeline route. It breaks the route into small parts, evaluates them in terms of environment, pressure drop, and pump or compressor capacity, and chooses the most cost-effective overall route.
Existing pipelines can be repurposed to drastically drop costs
In addition to fact finding on methanol transported in pipelines can lower cost, the study also finds that investing in the reuse of existing oil and gas pipelines for liquid energy carriers can lead to significant cost savings. The model shows where it makes sense to reuse fossil infrastructure and where new pipelines are more cost-effective. But the authors note that transport of hydrogen gas can still make sense where hydrogen is needed as a direct feedstock. Derivatives might be the cheaper starting point, particularly in sectors like refineries, chemicals, and heavy transport. At the same time, it could also mean value creation is shifted to countries that possess cheap renewable power. The next step is to further investigate the total delivery costs, including production.
Also involved in the study were the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology –Â KIT, ETH Zurich, the Technical University of Denmark –Â DTUÂ and Fraunhofer Cines. The research was funded by the MOHN project.