Technical and Economic Assessment of Hydrogen Production from Integrated Gas Steam Power Plant with REC

Abstract

The global drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has accelerated interest in sustainable hydrogen production pathways. This study investigates the integration of Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power generation with alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) for hydrogen production, evaluating the system’s techno-economic viability and environmental impact. Using Aspen HYSYS simulations, the combined CCGT system achieved an efficiency of 47%, while the electrolysis unit demonstrated optimal performance at elevated temperatures. The integrated system produces hydrogen at a levelized cost of $2.65/kg with a carbon intensity of 17.29 kg CO₂/kg H₂. Incorporating carbon capture and storage (CCS) reduces emissions significantly but raises hydrogen costs to $5.64/kg. Compared to renewable-powered electrolysis, the CCGT-AWE hybrid offers lower hydrogen production costs, though it remains more expensive than conventional steam methane reforming (SMR) methods. Environmentally, CCGT-electrolysis yields moderate emissions, outperforming average grid mixes but trailing behind wind and solar-based hydrogen production; however, CCS integration enables emissions lower than renewable alternatives. This hybrid approach presents a practical transitional solution for low-carbon hydrogen generation, particularly in regions lacking abundant renewable resources, by leveraging existing infrastructure while advancing decarbonization goals.