To analyze the major challenges facing renewable hydrogen as a key vector for achieving decarbonization objectives. 

Hydrogen as an energy vector is a relatively new player, a baby in the energy world, but it is quickly gaining popularity. In the medium to long term, hydrogen is not expected to replace all energy sources, but it aspires to be a significant option among energy consumption alternatives. Its great value lies in its capacity to replace carbon-intensive fuels in those sectors and uses that are most difficult to decarbonize, as well as its potential as an energy storage system.

For hydrogen to be competitive and develop, it must overcome two main challenges: infrastructure and cost. In terms of infrastructure, major capital investments are needed for hydrogen production facilities, to adapt the transport networks, and for hydrogen distribution facilities, the hydrogen stations. In terms of cost, renewable hydrogen must be competitive with gray hydrogen derived from fossil fuels. Currently, the falling price of renewable energy is opening up this opportunity, making the cost of renewable hydrogen increasingly competitive.

• Energy study on the hydrogen compression process at service stations (hydrogen stations).
• Cost-efficiency analysis of the different H2 transport and distribution options.

Directorate:

• Tomás Gómez Acebo, Professor at the Universidad de Navarra 

Work team:

• Íñigo Gutiérrez, Tecnun Development Director, Universidad de Navarra