No abstract

This paper summarises a feasibility study for large-scale production of liquid hydrogen from wind power in East Patagonia. An investigation and valuation of the wind potential and infrastructure indicate that in the Provinces of Chubut (357,000 inhabitants) and of Santa Cruz (160,000 inhabitants), three Regions are especially suitable for building up such a system. The Region of Comodoro Rivadavia has been chosen for an exemplary system-layout because of the accurate meteorological database and the best infrastructure possibilities combined with a large wind potential. Two system layouts have been developed, which differ mainly in the method of energy transmission. A cost evaluation showed no significant differences in specific energy costs between the two layouts. The analysis shows that the production of liquid hydrogen now is not presently competitive with fossil fuels at market price (taxes included), but an outlook to the year 2025 shows that the production of liquid hydrogen may be economically feasible in the future.