A Techno-Economic Analysis of solar hydrogen production by electrolysis in the north of Chile and the case of exportation from Atacama Desert to Japan

H2 production from solar electricity in the region of Atacama Desert – Chile has been identified as strategical for global hydrogen exportation. In this study full supply chain investigated 2018 and projected to scenarios 2025-2030. Multi-year hourly electrical profiles data have used real operating PV plants simulated Concentrated Solar Power “CSP” with Thermal Energy Storage “TES” well commercial Purchase Agreement “PPA” prices reported Chilean market were considered. The Levelized Cost Hydrogen “LCOH” each pathway is calculated by a case-sensitive techno-economic MATLAB/Simulink model utility scale (multi-MW) alkaline PEM electrolyser technologies. Successively, different distribution, storage transportation configurations are evaluated based on 2025 Japanese case according declared demand. Transport form liquefied (LH2) via ammonia (NH3) carrier compared port Antofagasta, CL Osaka, JP.