Researchers from the Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Duisburg-Essen have developed models for a future global hydrogen economy in a three-year study. According to the universities, the energy system model shows that continents could largely operate independently in hydrogen production, with the exception of Europe, which would import larger quantities from North Africa.
The model suggests that the majority of hydrogen transport within continents would occur through pipelines, with ships playing a limited role. The cost of hydrogen in Europe could reach an average of 110 euros per megawatt-hour by 2040. In contrast, production costs in South America would be around 80 euros per megawatt-hour, but the transport would be uneconomical. Instead, the production of derivatives could be a viable option in this region.
The developed model will be made available as open source, allowing other researchers to verify the results and conduct their own studies. The scientists stated that the model is intended to serve as a tool for political and economic decisions in the future.