Assessment of the Regional Hydrogen Demand and Infrastructure Build-up for 10 European Countries

The infrastructure analysis in the HyWays project comprises an integral regional and supraregional assessment of the hydrogen demand and supply development over time. An iterative process is pursued including intense stakeholder discussions within all the participating countries (Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain and the UK) and the regional modelling of supply and demand. High initial investments in infrastructure can be mitigated by a gradual local build-up. Once a significant demand exists, hydrogen costs at the pump range between 11 and 16 €-ct/kWh (1.1 - 1.6 €/l Diesel equivalent). Hydrogen use will take off mainly in densely populated centres and, during the transition phase, gradually expand towards locations difficult to supply. Hydrogen supply infrastructure build-up depends strongly on regional particularities such as the available feedstock, population density and geographic factors. Each delivery option is beneficial under certain conditions, with a trend towards centralized production for areas with higher population density in later phases.