Análisis del potencial hidroeléctrico para la generación de hidrógeno verde en el Ecuador

Abstract

Currently most of the hydrogen produced globally comes from fossil fuels, which generates greenhouse gas emissions. That is why new environmentally friendly energy sources are sought to cushion the harmful effects. In the present experimental work, the hydroelectric potential for the generation of green hydrogen, through the electrochemical process known as water electrolysis, therefore, the objective of this research is to analyze hydrogen as an energy vector that leads the country towards decarbonization and a greater use of renewable energies. In this study, three scenarios for green hydrogen generation were evaluated: by feasible economic potential, by discharges into reservoirs and by energy delivered to auxiliary systems, all these evaluated in 9 hydroelectric plants distributed in the national territory, these were selected for the proximity to the province of Tungurahua and the availability of the necessary information for the analysis of hydrogen production processes. Finally, the applicability and benefits of the implementation of hydrogen in the industrial, energy and transport sectors were analyzed, concluding that there is great potential in the country for the development of this technology.