Technical & economic proposal of Blue Hydrogen to improve the atmosphere (BIA)

The report presents a preliminary design for the production of Blue Hydrogen using Autothermal Reforming (ATR), combined with carbon capture and sequestration. The objective was to achieve a production rate of at least 250 MMSCFD while ensuring economic feasibility and process safety. Economic analysis indicates that under current conditions, the project is not financially viable, with an estimated negative Net Present Value (NPV) of $1.57 billion and an uncalculable negative rate of return. The major cost drivers identified were hydrogen pricing and the monoethanolamine (MEA) required for CO₂ capture. Sensitivity analysis showed that increasing the selling price of hydrogen by 34% or production by 17% (to 328 MMSCFD) would render the project economically feasible. Additionally, reducing the MEA concentration or volume by half could yield a positive NPV of $2.23 billion and an ROR of 32%. Process safety considerations assessed hazards related to hydrogen embrittlement, CO₂ exposure, and potential explosion risks. A worst-case scenario analysis estimated that overpressure events could result in a detonation equivalent to 133 metric tons of TNT, affecting a 650-acre radius. Recommendations include further Front-End Loading (FEL) studies to optimize pricing models, CO₂ capture efficiency, and process safety improvements before pursuing feasibility at full scale.