Comprehensive techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of the low-emission hydrogen supply chain from Saudi Arabia to South Korea

Abstract

As the global transition to sustainable energy accelerates, establishing international supply chains for lowemission hydrogen is increasingly important. This study evaluates a hydrogen import supply chain from Saudi Arabia to South Korea, selecting Saudi Arabia as a high-potential hydrogen exporter. The supply chain, comprising hydrogen production, storage, maritime transport, and release, is assessed using techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA). Process simulations compare hydrogen production (Green, Blue) and storage pathways (LH2, LOHC, and NH3) and estimate the levelized cost of hydrogen and GHG intensity. TEA results indicate that imported low-emission hydrogen can be more cost-competitive than domestic hydrogen production in South Korea. LCA results show compliance with Korea's Well-to-Gate clean hydrogen certification, while extending the system boundary to the release stage significantly increases GHG intensity. Under optimistic decarbonization scenarios, the green hydrogen-LH2 pathway becomes particularly favorable due to low renewable electricity costs and reduced lifecycle emissions.