Study points to the viability of hydrogen production from surplus wind power in Santa Catarina.
- REDAÇÃO H2RADAR
- 22 hours ago
- 1 min read
An academic study analyzes the energy potential and economic viability of low-carbon hydrogen production in Santa Catarina, Brazil, using the estimated surplus generation from wind farms, followed by its reconversion into electricity through fuel cells. In a global context still heavily dependent on fossil fuels—responsible for about 80% of primary energy consumption and high levels of greenhouse gas emissions—this work contributes to the debate on solutions capable of reconciling energy security, decarbonization, and the efficient use of intermittent renewable sources.
Wind surplus, economic metrics, and long-term horizon
The research developed a methodology to estimate the amount of hydrogen that could be produced in the state using surplus wind generation, currently underutilized in certain periods. Two scenarios were evaluated: in the first, with one hour of daily energy surplus, the estimated production reaches approximately 110,000 kg of hydrogen per month; in the second, with two hours of surplus, this volume doubles, reaching approximately 220,000 kg per month. The reconversion of this hydrogen into electricity would allow the generation of between 1.9 million and 3.9 million kWh per month, respectively. From an economic standpoint, the study calculates a levelized cost of production for both hydrogen and the reconverted electricity, compatible with long-term energy transition projects, resulting in an internal rate of return close to 3% and a payback period of around 15 years, within a 20-year horizon.
