Modelling Cost Structures of Green Hydrogen Production through Direct Air Capture (DAC) in Senegal

Abstract

This paper presents a modelling cost structure of the stand-alone system of green hydrogen production coupled with a direct air capture (DAC) over a period of one year, having a daily production of 1 ton of hydrogen(H2) and 7 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). The electricity source for the facility is solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, while concentrated solar power (CSP) is harnessed to provide heat. Additionally, the water necessary for the electrolysis process is sourced from Direct Air Capture (DAC). A keen attention is paid to the DAC component to understand the operating principles and interplay with other components. The research is conducted in Senegal, focusing on specific subcases located in Saint-Louis, Touba, Tambacounda, Kolda, and Ziguinchor. Each of these locations represents the different climatic zones of Senegal. The primary aim is to identify the best weather conditions for a competitive stand-alone system and to determine the cost drivers of such a system. The data used are secondary data extracted from the literature and official websites. We perform calculations through a Python-based algorithm to determine the economical parameters of each case and then determine the optimum scenario. We determine the annualised cost and the levelized cost of the different commodity using weather data from the year 2019. Hydrogen can be produced in Senegal at a levelized cost ranging from 6.88-7,57 €/kgH2 and a carbon dioxide capture cost ranging from 6,88 to 7,57 €/kgH2. the conclusion of this study is that humid regions with good potential for renewable energy are favourable to such a system. The cost of heat acts as a primary cost driver.