Economic Evaluation of Green Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Export from Niger to Europe

Abstract

This thesis investigates the economic viability of producing, storing, and exporting green hydrogen from Niger to Europe, addressing a notable gap in existing research. Niger has abundant solar energy potential, substantial agricultural waste, and proximity to Europe; however, it is not currently involved in any global hydrogen projects. The study uses a techno-economic evaluation approach, combining resource assessment, cost modeling, and logistics analysis. It explores three hydrogen production methods: biomass gasification, dark fermentation, and solar steam methane reforming (SSMR), which uses methane derived from slaughterhouse blood. Techno-economic modeling shows that the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) from biomass pathways is between 2.5 and 5.1 USD/kg. However, solar-assisted SSMR can get lower values when the irradiation conditions are good and exceed 2,000 kWh/m²/year. Levelized cost of storage (LCOS) analysis compares various storage options, such as compressed gaseous hydrogen and liquefied hydrogen. Compressed hydrogen is a suitable choice for storage in small to medium-sized applications, while liquefied hydrogen is better suited for long-distance exports at $5.98/kg. The export route is evaluated through retrofitted oil pipelines to Europe at $ 0.85/ton/km. Findings show that Niger's solar and agricultural waste resources make hydrogen production competitive. Dark fermentation offers a decentralized option, gasification provides scalability, and SSMR proves efficient when paired with solar power. Retrofitted pipelines emerge as the most cost-effective long-term export solution. Overall, results indicate Niger could become a new hydrogen supplier, aiding Europe in achieving renewable energy goals, boosting local industry growth, increasing energy access, and strengthening the economy.