Techno-economic assessment of MW-scale solid oxide electrolysis hydrogen production plant: Integrating possibilities in Spain

Solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) is regarded as the most efficient green hydrogen production technology. However, the cost competitiveness of this technology for large-scale hydrogen production is at stake due to the complexity of operating at high temperatures. This study aims to estimate the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of a MW-scale SOE system and its possible integration in Spain. The heat exchanger network of a SOE system has been optimized by a pinch analysis and the techno-economic feasibility of the system has been assessed. Even if initial LCOH estimations of >6 €·kg −1 are obtained with the electricity and stack costs as the major contributors, optimistic scenarios indicate that LCOH can be reduced below 4 €·kg −1 , or even further by coupling the systems to heat-intensive industries such as Spanish cement or steel factories. • The techno-economic viability of MW-scale SOE plant in Spain is evaluated. • The system uses 39.56 kWh e ·kg −1 of electricity and demands 9.48 kWh h ·kg −1 of heat. • A LCOH of 6.45 €·kg −1 is obtained, with stacks and LCOE as the major cost drivers. • Certain values of LCOE, stack cost and stack lifetime allow LCOH <4 €·kg −1 . • Potential locations in Spain where SOE can be integrated are investigated.