Short answer
When designing energy systems or supply chains that rely on imported green hydrogen, factor in the projected cost reductions and the evolving competitiveness of different global supply routes, prioritizing liquid hydrogen for long-distance transport in the future.
- Field
- Resource Management
- Source
- International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2025)
- Method
- Techno-economic analysis
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Importing green hydrogen to Germany from Algeria is currently the most cost-effective option, with Chile projected to become highly competitive by 2030 and both routes potentially reaching below 3.5 EUR/kg by 2050. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. Using Techno-economic analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing energy systems or supply chains that rely on imported green hydrogen, factor in the projected cost reductions and the evolving competitiveness of different global supply routes, prioritizing liquid hydrogen for long-distance transport in the future.
Green Hydrogen Import Costs to Germany: Algeria Competitive Now, Chile by 2030, Both by 2050
Importing green hydrogen to Germany from Algeria is currently the most cost-effective option, with Chile projected to become highly competitive by 2030 and both routes potentially reaching below 3.5 EUR/kg by 2050.
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy · 2025
Key Findings
- 01Current Algerian hydrogen import costs are approximately 5.3 EUR/kg H2.
- 02Chilean imports are projected to drop to around 4.8 EUR/kg H2 by 2030, becoming highly competitive.
- 03By 2050, Algerian, Canadian, and Chilean imports are projected to cost approximately 3.4 EUR/kg H2, 4.1 EUR/kg H2, and 3 EUR/kg H2, respectively.
- 04Renewable energy use is a key factor in lowering hydrogen production costs.
- 05Liquid hydrogen is likely to be the preferred form for long-distance imports from Canada and Chile by 2050 due to reduced transportation costs.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing energy systems or supply chains that rely on imported green hydrogen, factor in the projected cost reductions and the evolving competitiveness of different global supply routes, prioritizing liquid hydrogen for long-distance transport in the future.
How to apply
When evaluating potential locations for green hydrogen production or designing import infrastructure, use projected cost data for different regions and consider the long-term viability of various transport methods.
Project actions
- 01When researching materials or energy sources for your design project, look for studies that project future costs and availability.
- 02Consider the entire lifecycle of your chosen resource, including transportation and storage, when assessing its viability.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Utilizes a bespoke tool integrating multiple analytical frameworks.
- +Provides cost projections for multiple future time points.
Limitations
Future cost projections are estimates and can be affected by many unpredictable factors.
Reliability & validity
The study's reliability is supported by the use of a specialized tool and extensive data integration. Validity is enhanced by considering multiple import routes and future projections, though it is inherently limited by the speculative nature of future economic and technological forecasts.
Think critically
How might geopolitical stability in the source countries impact the projected cost and reliability of green hydrogen imports?
Design Principles
"Optimize supply chain design based on projected resource cost evolution and transportation efficiency."
Understanding the evolving cost landscape of green hydrogen imports is crucial for strategic resource planning and investment decisions in the energy sector. This insight informs the development of robust supply chains and supports the transition to sustainable energy sources.
What This Means for Your Design
It's cheaper to get green hydrogen from Algeria right now, but Chile will get cheaper soon. By 2050, all the places we looked at will be much cheaper, and it will be better to ship it as liquid for far away places.
How to use in your project
- 1.This research can inform the selection of energy sources for a design project, justifying choices based on projected cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The techno-economic analysis of green hydrogen imports to Germany highlights significant shifts in cost competitiveness over time. Initially, Algeria presents the most cost-effective import route at approximately 5.3 EUR/kg H2. However, projections indicate that Chile's import costs could decrease to around 4.8 EUR/kg H2 by 2030, becoming highly competitive. By 2050, all analyzed routes, including Canada and Chile, are expected to offer significantly lower costs, with liquid hydrogen emerging as a preferred transport method for distant sources due to reduced transportation expenses. This evolving landscape necessitates a dynamic approach to sourcing and infrastructure planning for hydrogen-dependent designs.
Source
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Techno-economic analysis of hydrogen and green fuels supply scenarios assessing three import routes: Canada, Chile, and Algeria to Germany
journal · 2025
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about green hydrogen import costs to germany: algeria competitive now, chile by 2030, both by 2050?
- When designing energy systems or supply chains that rely on imported green hydrogen, factor in the projected cost reductions and the evolving competitiveness of different global supply routes, prioritizing liquid hydrogen for long-distance transport in the future. Evidence: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2025).
- Why does "Green Hydrogen Import Costs to Germany: Algeria Competitive Now, Chile by 2030, Both by 2050" matter for design?
- Understanding the evolving cost landscape of green hydrogen imports is crucial for strategic resource planning and investment decisions in the energy sector. This insight informs the development of robust supply chains and supports the transition to sustainable energy sources.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing energy systems or supply chains that rely on imported green hydrogen, factor in the projected cost reductions and the evolving competitiveness of different global supply routes, prioritizing liquid hydrogen for long-distance transport in the future.
- What were the main findings?
- Current Algerian hydrogen import costs are approximately 5.3 EUR/kg H2.. Chilean imports are projected to drop to around 4.8 EUR/kg H2 by 2030, becoming highly competitive.. By 2050, Algerian, Canadian, and Chilean imports are projected to cost approximately 3.4 EUR/kg H2, 4.1 EUR/kg H2, and 3 EUR/kg H2, respectively.. Renewable energy use is a key factor in lowering hydrogen production costs.
- What research method was used?
- Techno-economic analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When evaluating potential locations for green hydrogen production or designing import infrastructure, use projected cost data for different regions and consider the long-term viability of various transport methods.
- What are the limitations?
- The analysis relies on projections and future cost reductions, which are subject to technological advancements, policy changes, and market fluctuations. The specific efficiency of the HydrogenPathway Explorer tool and the quality of input data could also influence the results.