Techno-Economic and Thermodynamic Evaluation of Low-Emission Hydrogen Production Pathways for Steel Decarbonization: A Peruvian Case Study

Sullayme D.V.; Quispe J.T.; Corrales P.A.; Salazar J.V.; Arapa C.A.D. · International Journal of Design and Nature and Ecodynamics (2026) · DOI: 10.18280/ijdne.210610

Resumen

The steel industry faced a critical challenge due to its significant contribution to global CO2 emissions, mainly derived from the use of fossil fuels in conventional processes. This situation created an urgent need for more sustainable alternatives. Hydrogen emerged as a key energy carrier for decarbonization, particularly in its green and blue forms. These options demonstrated strong potential to reduce emissions through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources and natural gas reforming with CO2 capture, respectively. In this context, the present study aimed to comparatively evaluate the feasibility of implementing green and blue hydrogen for steel production in Peru from a techno-economic perspective. The methodology was based on Aspen Plus scenario simulations of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis and autothermal reforming (ATR) with methyldiethanolamine (MDEA)-based carbon capture, followed by a techno-economic assessment using the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). The simulations showed that a continuous hydrogen production target of 0.16 kg/s required approximately 28.8 MW of PEM electrolyzer power. Green hydrogen production increased linearly with electrical input, while blue hydrogen performance depended strongly on ATR operating conditions. The estimated LCOH was 6.78 USD/kg for green hydrogen and 3.83 USD/kg for blue hydrogen, making the latter approximately 43% less expensive. The comparison focused on process-related CO2 emissions rather than a full life-cycle carbon intensity assessment. This highlighted the trade-off between sustainability and economic feasibility.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa