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Techno-economic analysis of ammonia-based hydrogen production and fuel cell systems for renewable power generation strategies

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  • Chen, Yirong
  • Bai, Hesong

Abstract

Due to its high hydrogen density, secure management, and current production techniques, Chinese society views ammonia as a good hydrogen storage and transit medium. The economic and technical analysis of the 2024 Ammonia to Hydrogen and Ammonia to Power routes details their energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness to estimate the cost of establishing renewable energy power producing infrastructure. High-temperature ammonia cracker units at 600 °C have 88.56 and 87.010 percent energy and exergy efficiency, respectively. Hydrogen has a Levelized Cost of 3.82 USD/kg, and Pressure Swing Adsorption Driver technology has the lowest costs and lowest efficiency reduction in hydrogen separations. The high-temperature cracker and solid oxide fuel cell technology provide top system efficiency of 70.56 % and a Levelized Cost of Electricity of 0.146 USD/kWh. During hydrogen burning season, the ethanol-yeast process performs worse. This research shows that ammonia may use economic and technological improvements to transport renewable energy in China by guiding hydrogen adoption and policymaking.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Yirong & Bai, Hesong, 2026. "Techno-economic analysis of ammonia-based hydrogen production and fuel cell systems for renewable power generation strategies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PE).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pe:s0960148125019330
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124269
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    1. Tawfiq, Kotb B. & Zeineldin, Hatem & Al-Durra, Ahmed & El-Saadany, Ehab F., 2026. "Hydrogen fuel cell-inverter system for grid-connected applications: LCL filter design and optimized control strategies for power quality and standard compliance," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).

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