Analysis of geothermally produced hydrogen on the Big Island of Hawaii : a roadmap for the way forward

Abstract

"Sentech, Inc. has analyzed the potential for geothermally produced hydrogen on the Big Island and subsequently developed this Roadmap delineating the most prudent pathways for the development of a hydrogen energy infrastructure based on the geothermal resources on the Big Island of Hawaii through 2025. Results of this analysis indicate that hydrogen is a potential transportation fuel for the Big Island of Hawaii; however, a concerted effort by the state’s leaders and policy makers will be necessary for hydrogen to become a significant transportation fuel before 2025. The primary conclusions of this report are as follows: Conclusion 1: Hydrogen transportation fuel can compete with diesel by 2025 only if the electricity to produce hydrogen is available at less than $0.10/kWh and diesel costs exceed $5.30 per gallon. Conclusion 2: All-electric battery/fuel cell hybrid powertrain vehicles are projected to be the hydrogen vehicles most likely to be available and cost-competitive with internal combustion engine vehicles by 2025. Conclusion 3: Conservative estimates indicate that using 24 MW of the currently permitted 60 MW of geothermal capacity can produce over 10,000 kg of hydrogen per day (approximately 3,800,000 kg/year) – enough to fuel approximately 3.3% of Big Island transportation needs. Conclusion 4: If the State of Hawaii chooses to pursue the renewable hydrogen transportation pathways outlined in this roadmap, an aggressive policy approach will be required. Based on detailed analysis that was conducted for this report, a prudent, three-phased approach to a geothermal hydrogen future for the Big Island is recommended: Phase I (2008-2012): Initial Prototype Test and Validation of Infrastructure. Phase II (2012-2020): Proof-of-Concept Demonstration Period. Phase III (2020 and beyond): Aggressive Expansion, Investment and Commercialization."