Prefeasibility Study On Utilization Of Waste Heat From PEM Electrolysis In 40MW PEM Plant In Kristinestad, Finland.

Abstract

This research investigates the potential of utilizing low temperature waste heat from a 40 MW PEM electrolyser for integration into Finland’s district heating networks. As hydrogen production scales up in the transition toward green energy, its associated thermal byproduct presents an under explored opportunity for improving overall energy system efficiency.

The objective of the study explore the quantity and quality of waste heat produced, suitable recovery and utilization technologies, and the economic feasibility of integrating this heat into district heating systems.

A technical and economic assessment was conducted using modeling approaches, supported by literature data and a prefeasibility case study based on a planned PEM electrolyser installation in Kristinestad, Finland.

Results indicate that approximately 20–30% of input energy is released as usable low-grade heat, well-matched to 4th Generation District Heating systems. With optimized heat exchanger setups and minimal conversion losses, system efficiency can exceed 90% when heat is recovered effectively. The Levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) was found to be as low as 3.35 €/kg, and the Levelized cost of heat (LCOh) ranged from 3.72 €/MWh (existing networks) to 49.69 €/MWh (new piping). These results demonstrate strong economic and technical viability, particularly when leveraging existing infrastructure.

The study concludes that waste heat recovery from electrolysis offers a cost-effective path to enhance district heating sustainability and recommends further dynamic modeling and pilot implementations.