To ensure that green hydrogen can contribute to decarbonisation, its production must be significantly increased from its currently very low level over the next few years. For countries like South Korea or Germany, which have high energy demands but do not possess exceptional potential for renewable energy, self-sufficiency seems unlikely. Therefore, the import of hydrogen in molecular form or as a derivative is inevitable. This raises the question of who the future hydrogen suppliers for these two countries might be. Both the costs of hydrogen and the political suitability of the producing countries play a crucial role in this.
The costs of providing hydrogen depend on a variety of factors: from the potential for renewable energy at production sites, through the assumed investment needs and financing costs of the facilities, to transport distances and methods. Building on the predecessor project, in which the import costs for green hydrogen and ammonia were modelled, this model is now being extended to green methanol. This approach enables the transition from general statements to specific insights tailored to Korea. The adelphi team is supporting the National Institute of Green Technology (NIGT) with this research project in determining the expected cost levels for green hydrogen and its derivatives, as well as in identifying countries with the potential to supply Korea with these energy carriers. This can make an important contribution to Korea's energy policy in this area.