Resumen

Introducción Ecuador’s energy system is mainly based on hydroelectricity, in 2020 the net energy produced reached 27.120 GWh, 89.24 % from hydroelectric generation, 8.36 % from thermoelectric generation and the final share from non-conventional generation (renewable energies). Although, the energy matrix supply is covered by hydroelectric power in its whole, every year demand for energy increases. Therefore, the development of new technologies that can be coupled with the existing ones, is essential to maintain and guarantee a reliable and constant energy supply. Over the last decade, hydrogen has emerged as a potential energy vector which can be easily integrated with the hydroelectric generation, proposing a viable solution for energy storage during the times of low demand, hence, improving the efficiency of the system.

Objetivos This study aims to analyse the potential for green hydrogen generation from hydroelectric power in Ecuador.

Método The methodology comprises: First, a literature and state of the art analysis of available hydroelectric power in Ecuador. Second, the evaluation of the electric potential generated from hydroelectric plants that could be used for hydrogen generation. Finally, the interpretation of the data to determine the cost-benefit and practicality of hydrogen implementation into the Ecuador’s energy system.

Principales resultados There are 2 possible approaches to calculate the potential amount of hydrogen production from hydroelectric plants. First, estimating the available generation and capacity factor from a power plant to calculate the electric energy that can be used for hydrogen generation purposes. The second approach is based on power obtained from turbinable water, also called hydroelectricity in excess that usually is discarded due to high inflow into the dam or reduction in the energy demand. Ecuador presents a great potential for hydrogen generation from hydroelectric power due to the availability of hydroelectric resources; net energy production from hydroelectric plants achieved in 2020 was 24.201,48 GWh, this represents almost 90 % of the annual energy production of the country. Therefore, considering the potential hydroelectricity produced, it is estimated a potential hydrogen generation equivalent to 1.67×10^8 Kg H2/year.

Conclusiones The analysis shows the feasibility for Ecuador to implement a system based on hydrogen from hydroelectricity. This will be of benefit for the country, given the contribution that hydrogen could bring to enhance the efficiency of hydropower plants storing the excess energy produced when the demand decreases in form of hydrogen and converting the stored hydrogen into electricity when demand peaks arise. Therefore, contributing to the diversification of the national energy matrix and the sustainability of the whole energy system. Moreover, hydrogen generated from hydroelectricity could play a fundamental role in the transport sector, substituting diesel vehicles, and thus, reducing the importation and use of fossil fuel derivatives, which would have a direct impact in the economy and the environment of Ecuador. However, it is essential the cooperative work from the academia, private industry and the government to make a sustainable path in the short-medium term for hydrogen implementation in the Ecuadorian energy system.