@article{HeberlHofrichterRanketal., author = {Heberl, Michael and Hofrichter, Andreas and Rank, Daniel and Bauer, Franz and Sterner, Michael}, title = {Influence of plant dimensioning and location on the ecology of PEM electrolysis}, series = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, volume = {167}, journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {0360-3199}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.151039}, pages = {11}, abstract = {PV and wind systems with PEM electrolysis offer great potential for producing hydrogen with low emissions. Our research has identified the ecologically optimal size of PEM in relation to fixed PV/wind capacities. We calculate efficiencies and production volumes for PEM with 240 capacity and site variations. We analyse the global warming potential of all systems and draw conclusions about the optimal system design. The lowest GWP is achieved at the site with the highest full load hours with 1.32 kg CO2-eq/kg H2 (Wind, 28 MW electrolysis) and 4.24 kg CO2-eq/kg H2 (PV, 23 MW electrolysis). We have identified a clear trend: increasing PV/wind full load hours leads to higher ideal PEM capacities. However, there is a significant discrepancy between the ideal economic and ecological capacity. Furthermore, higher electrolysis capacities can achieve lower emissions as they increasingly operate at a more efficient partial load.}, language = {en} }