Unlocking Sweden’s hydrogen export potential: A Techno-Economic analysis of compressed hydrogen and chemical carriers

Abstract

Sweden, with its abundant access to low-cost, fossil-free electricity, is well-positioned to become a significant hydrogen exporter. This study presents a techno-economic analysis of different hydrogen carriers—compressed hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC)—for export applications. Using the Northern Green Crane Project as a reference for scale, the analysis focuses on cost optimization for hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. A linear programming model is developed to optimize capacities and operational strategies for each carrier, ensuring a fair basis for comparison. Results indicate that LOHC and ammonia are competitive with compressed hydrogen, showing particular promise for larger-scale, long-distance deliveries. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders developing Sweden’s hydrogen export strategies.