Technoeconomic analysis of hydrogen versus natural gas considering safety hazards and energy efficiency indicators
Abstract Hydrogen ( $$\textrm{H}_2$$ ) is emerging as a key alternative to fossil fuels in the global energy transition. This study presents a comparative techno-economic analysis of $$\textrm{H}_2$$ and natural gas (NG), focusing on safety hazards, energy output, $$\textrm{CO}_2$$ emissions, and co...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-14686-6 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Hydrogen ( $$\textrm{H}_2$$ ) is emerging as a key alternative to fossil fuels in the global energy transition. This study presents a comparative techno-economic analysis of $$\textrm{H}_2$$ and natural gas (NG), focusing on safety hazards, energy output, $$\textrm{CO}_2$$ emissions, and cost-effectiveness aspects. Our analysis showed that, compared to NG and other highly flammable gases like acetylene ( $$\textrm{C}_2\,\textrm{H}_2$$ ) and propane ( $$\textrm{C}_3\,\textrm{H}_8$$ ), $$\textrm{H}_2$$ has a higher hazard potential due to factors such as its wide flammability range, low ignition energy, and high flame speed. In terms of energy output, 1 kg of NG produces 48.60 MJ, while conversion to liquefied natural gas (LNG), grey $$\textrm{H}_2$$ , and blue $$\textrm{H}_2$$ reduces energy output to 45.96 MJ, 35.45 MJ, and 31.21 MJ, respectively. Similarly, while unconverted NG emits 2.72 kg of $$\textrm{CO}_2$$ per kg, emissions increase to 3.12 kg for LNG and 3.32 kg for grey $$\textrm{H}_2$$ . However, blue $$\textrm{H}_2$$ significantly reduces $$\textrm{CO}_2$$ emissions to 1.05 kg per kg due to carbon capture and storage. From an economic perspective, producing 1 kg of NG yields a profit of $0.011. Converting NG to grey $$\textrm{H}_2$$ is most profitable, yielding a net profit of $0.609 per kg of NG, while blue $$\textrm{H}_2$$ , despite higher production costs, remains viable with a profit of $0.390 per kg of NG. LNG conversion also shows profitability with $0.061 per kg of NG. This analysis highlights the trade-offs between energy efficiency, environmental impact, and economic viability, providing valuable insights for stakeholders formulating hydrogen and LNG implementation strategies. |
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| ISSN: | 2045-2322 |