A Step towards the Hydrogen Economy—A Life Cycle Cost Analysis of A Hydrogen Refueling Station

Abstract

This study was aimed to define a methodology based on existing literature and evaluate the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) for a decentralized hydrogen refueling station (HRS) in Halle, Belgium. The results are based on a comprehensive data collection, along with real cost information. The main results indicated that a LCOH of 10.3 €/kg at the HRS can be reached over a lifetime of 20 years, if an average electricity cost of 0.04 €/kWh could be achieved and if the operating hours are maximized. Furthermore, if the initial capital costs can be reduced by 80%, in the case of direct subsidy, the LCOH could even fall to 6.7 €/kg. Keywords: hydrogen; hydrogen refueling station; level