HYDROGEN STRATEGY BETWEEN NORTH AFRICA AND EUROPE

This paper presents the results of a study exploring the potential for integrating green hydrogen production in North Africa with its transport to Europe, with the aim of addressing both environmental sustainability and energy security. Using the abundant solar energy resources in North Africa, particularly near Europe, the study focuses on hydrogen generation through photovoltaic systems and evaluate the energy efficiency of three hydrogen transport methods with economic viability: pipelines, ammonia, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers. The case study is based on a 13.5 MW photovoltaic plant near Tamanrasset, Algeria, and highlights the possibility of adding a system to produce 500 tons of hydrogen per year. The process uses advanced electrolyzers (assumed to be Alkaline) with a peak power of 1 MW and an annual production of 55.65 metric tons each, which requires nine units to meet the annual requirement. They are powered by PV-generated electricity, achieving an energy efficiency of approximately 74.7%. This efficiency underscores the advantages of North Africa’s high levels of solar irradiance, which far exceed those of Europe, making the region an ideal candidate for large-scale hydrogen production. The transportation methods were analyzed to determine their energy consumption, economic feasibility, and scalability. Pipeline transport emerged as the most energy-efficient and cost-effective method, with an efficiency rate of 47.5% and significantly lower operational costs compared to the use of ammonia and LOHCs. The direct transfer of gaseous hydrogen through pipelines leverages existing natural gas infrastructure, offering a practical solution to provide a long-term stable energy supply to Europe. Ammonia transport, while offering a higher energy density suitable for maritime routes, incurs substantial energy losses during synthesis and cracking processes, resulting in an efficiency of 47% and higher associated costs. LOHCs, despite their safety advantages, demonstrated the lowest efficiency (17%) due to energy-intensive hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes, in addition to higher operational costs. The findings of the research point out the strategic position that North Africa occupies in the global green hydrogen economy. The region has the potential to be a prime exporter of green hydrogen, coming from its solar potential, to the energy-demanding regions of the world, like Europe, and to create mutual benefits with international cooperation. However, this study again highlights that substantial pipeline infrastructure investment, advances in solar technology, and policy frameworks are needed to support this energy transition. This work enhances the overall discussion on integrated renewable energy with a major comprehensive techno-economic assessment related to the production and transportation system chain of hydrogen. In addition to better energy efficiency, hydrogen pipe transport from North Africa is a highly feasible transport method and can represent an important path toward establishing an unbroken and economically viable hydrogen value chain between these two relevant territories. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to advance green energy initiatives and strengthen transcontinental energy partnerships.