Work out hydrogen production energy instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Hydrogen's lower heating value is 33.33 kWh per kilogram, so an ideal electrolyser would use that much electricity. Real systems at 60-70% efficiency consume 48-55 kWh per kilogram including balance of plant. Water demand is about 9 kg stoichiometrically, and 10-15 litres in practice including purification losses.
Energy requirement
Electricity (kWh) = hydrogen mass x 33.33 / system efficiency
Specific consumption
kWh per kg = 33.33 / efficiency
Hydrogen is highly flammable with a very wide explosive range and requires specific safety design for detection, ventilation and materials compatibility.
At 50 kWh per kilogram, every unit of currency per kilowatt-hour adds 50 to the cost of a kilogram. Electricity is typically 60-80% of green hydrogen production cost.
Yes, and it makes efficiency look better — 39.4 kWh/kg rather than 33.33. Always state which basis is used, because the difference is 18%.