Water Supply for Electrolysis Plants

This working paper outlines a comprehensive framework for evaluating the Levelized Cost of Water (LCOW) for electrolysis and Power-to-X (PtX) production models under the HYPAT project. The report employs a water cost calculation methodology that integrates technological and geographical parameters to quantify water supply costs. Key variables influencing these costs include water discharge, transport distance, and altitude. The methodology involves analyzing groundwater potential using "Baseline Water Stress" (BWS) indicators, assessing financial and energy demands of seawater desalination, and considering expenses and energy requirements for water transmission based on distance and topography. The study highlights the necessity of localized water availability assessments, especially in water-stressed regions, to ensure sustainable hydrogen supply chains. Results indicate that LCOW varies significantly with geographical conditions and infrastructure, impacting hydrogen production costs. The LCOW for the water supply system ranges from 0.012 to 0.245 € per kilogram of hydrogen (€/kgH2), which is very low compared to other hydrogen production costs like electricity and electrolysis investment. This research underscores the critical role of efficient water management in transitioning to a sustainable hydrogen economy, offering valuable insights for future infrastructure planning and investment strategies.