Unveiling the techno-economic realities of renewable-integrated electrified hydrogen production: a comparative analysis of electrified steam methane reforming and solid oxide electrolysis

초록

Electrified hydrogen production is recognized as a pathway to decarbonization, yet its techno-economic and environmental performance depends on how processes are integrated with renewable energy systems. This study discusses the system-level benefits of electrified steam methane reforming (ESMR) and solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC), highlighting renewable energy responsiveness by integrating both processes with a renewable-based energy supply system that provides electricity and heat. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is used to optimize the capacities and hourly allocation of energy from multiple renewable technologies, minimizing the overall cost based on the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). The framework is applied to five representative global regions and three milestone years, considering region-specific renewable resources and projected renewable technology cost trajectories that reflect technology maturity, and carbon tax trajectories aligned with emerging climate policies. Across all regions and years, ESMR achieves a lower LCOH than SOEC; under renewable-only supply, the LCOH varies from 2.99 to 6.51 USD/kgH2 for ESMR, and 9.52–20.86 USD/kgH2 for SOEC. A key finding is the reversal of carbon intensity: ESMR shows lower carbon intensity in grid-connected scenarios, while under renewable-only supply, SOEC achieves lower carbon intensity (0.12–0.28 kgCO2/kgH2) compared to ESMR (2.43–2.44 kgCO2/kgH2), highlighting a cost-emissions trade-off. These trade-offs are further quantified through marginal abatement cost (MAC) analysis, and the adequacy of the carbon tax is discussed. Overall, the performance of electrified hydrogen pathways is governed by electricity intensity, renewable integration requirements, and policy context rather than process electrification alone. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd.

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