Skip to main content

50 to 55 kWh of electricity is required to produce 1 kilogram of hydrogen

The amount of electricity required to produce one kilogram of hydrogen through electrolysis typically ranges from 50 to 55 kWh. This value depends on the efficiency of the electrolyzer used. Modern, highly efficient electrolyzers can produce hydrogen at the lower end of this range, around 50 kWh/kg of hydrogen, while older or less efficient models may require closer to 55 kWh/kg.1

The theoretical minimum amount of electricity required to produce one kilogram of hydrogen through electrolysis is 39.7 kWh/kg based on the enthalpy of hydrogen.2 However, no existing electrolyzers have come close to achieving this rate in field conditions.

Sources:​

Footnotes​

  1. Mehmeti, A., Angelis-Dimakis, A., Arampatzis, G., McPhail, S., & Ulgiati, S. (2018). Life cycle assessment and water footprint of hydrogen production methods: From conventional to emerging technologies. Environments, 5(2).https://doi.org/10.3390/environments5020024 ↩

  2. Aghakhani, A., Haque, N., Saccani, C., Pellegrini, M., & Guzzini, A. (2023). Direct carbon footprint of hydrogen generation via PEM and alkaline electrolysers using various electrical energy sources and considering cell characteristics. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 48(77).https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.04.083 ↩