Economic analysis and comparison of three large-scale physical hydrogen storage and transportation methods for refuelling stations

Abstract Hydrogen has a low density under ambient conditions and faces challenges in storage and transportation. Accordingly, a variety of high-density hydrogen storage and transportation methods exist, including compressed gaseous hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, and cryo-compressed hydrogen. Nevertheless, the cost comparison among the three methods remains unclear. Therefore, this paper presents an economic analysis of these three methods of hydrogen storage and transportation. Compressed gaseous hydrogen storage technology is more mature and widely used, but the economics are relatively poor. Liquid hydrogen is suitable for low electricity prices and long transportation distances. Cryogenic compressed hydrogen is more advantageous at normal electricity prices and for short and medium distances. This provides a reference for the applicable range of three large-scale physical hydrogen storage and transportation mode.