Techno-Economic Analysis of Hydrogen Transport via Truck Using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers

This study presents a techno-economic feasibility of hydrogen transportation via liquid organic hydrogen carriers by road, making a comparison with compressed hydrogen (350 bar) and liquefied hydrogen. The analysis includes the simulation of hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactors for the dibenzyltoluene/perhydro-dibenzyltoluene system using ASPEN Plus, along with a cost assessment of compression, liquefaction, and trucking. A sensitivity analysis evaluates hydrogen transport at varying daily demand (1 t/d, 2 t/d, and 4 t/d) and transport distances (50, 150, and 300 km). Results indicate that compressed hydrogen is the most cost-effective solution for short distances up to 150 km, with a levelized cost of transported hydrogen ranging from 0.63 to 1.55 €/kg. However, liquid organic hydrogen carrier technology becomes more competitive as transport distance increases, reaching values of 1.37–1.93 €/kg at 300 km for all hydrogen demand levels. Liquefied hydrogen remains the least competitive option, with costs reaching up to 6.48 €/kg, although it requires fewer annual trips by maintaining a fixed annual hydrogen demand.