ANALYSIS OF THE LOCAL HYDROGEN PRODUCTION POTENTIAL IN PORTUGAL AND INJECTION IN THE GAS GRID

Resumo

This study examines the potential for local hydrogen production in mainland Portugal by evaluating the availability and accessibility of key resources, including renewable electricity and water. The methodology involves the aggregation and mapping of data related to the national gas grid, including consumption by municipality and key network points, alongside renewable electricity generation and water availability. The study identifies areas with greater suitability for hydrogen production near injection points into the gas network. Results show that renewable electricity production in Portugal is mainly concentrated in the southern region for solar energy, the north for hydropower, and the north and central interior for wind energy. Regarding wind power, Portugal currently has 6.2 GW of installed onshore capacity, with a national target of 12.4 GW by 2030. Offshore wind is still limited to 25 MW installed but holds significant potential, with a national goal of 2 GW by 2030. The analysis of water availability reveals that the northern and central regions present favorable conditions for hydrogen production due to higher annual runoff water depth and lower hydric stress, as indicated by the Water Exploitation Index (WEI). Conversely, the southern region faces significant hydric pressure, limiting its suitability for large-scale hydrogen production. Still, the southern region has the most potential for solar energy production. This spatial analysis allows for a pre-assessment of the practical viability of deploying hydrogen production facilities in Portugal, contributing to strategic planning for integrating renewable gases into the national gas grid.