Hydrogen value chain analysis comparing different transport vectors: Using Liquid Hydrogen, LNG, Ammonia and Methylcyclohexane as energy carriers between Qatar and the UK

Meeting the anticipated ten-fold increase in hydrogen requirements by 2050 has led to many studies evaluating the most techno-economic means to achieve this target.  Whilst fully green large scale value chains are still some way off there is adequate hydrocarbon infrastructure in place where blue hydrogen could be produced. This paper assesses the options to convert a portion of the LNG supply chain already in place between Qatar and the UK into blue hydrogen and the different transport vectors to convey the hydrogen. Transporting the hydrogen as liquid or in the form of ammonia or other Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) such as methylcyclohexane are common comparisons, however retaining LNG as the energy carrier should also be considered.

It is shown with currently available technology that LNG as the transport vector is economic compared to ammonia and LOHC with liquid hydrogen still somewhat more expensive.