Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

kushal1509 t1_iye8t7y wrote

From 2010 to 2020 solar has seen a 80% drop in its prices. I think it's very likely we will see another 50% drop from 2020 to 2030 (not 2050).

23

perrochon t1_iyehs9d wrote

Sure. Hydrogen is one use for cheap electricity. It's also wasteful.

For almost all cases it's much better to use cheap solar electricity directly (cars, trucks, heating, industry) instead of making, storing, transporting, burning hydrogen.

6

mobrocket t1_iyethyc wrote

Until we get better battery capacity, hydrogen is a good alternative for "green" energy.

I think a multi source approach is great

7

yourSAS OP t1_iye5oj4 wrote

Speaking at the annual energy event of KPMG, Enrich 2022, Mathur said the decline in solar prices will help produce green hydrogen at reduced costs.

In the last five years, the cost of solar electricity has dropped by almost 30 percent which has also contributed to the reduced cost of hydrogen, he added.

“In areas which have good solar insulation, we will start seeing solar hydrogen becoming competitive with gas-based hydrogen even now,” Mathur said regarding the implications of a reduction in solar prices.

Manufacturers of electrolysers are now looking at much larger scales which has brought down costs with far lower risks. Therefore, hydrogen is being produced from electrolysis of water at far lower costs.

He expects solar prices to fall approximately 30 percent by 2030

2

FuturologyBot t1_iyea328 wrote

The following submission statement was provided by /u/yourSAS:

Speaking at the annual energy event of KPMG, Enrich 2022, Mathur said the decline in solar prices will help produce green hydrogen at reduced costs.

In the last five years, the cost of solar electricity has dropped by almost 30 percent which has also contributed to the reduced cost of hydrogen, he added.

“In areas which have good solar insulation, we will start seeing solar hydrogen becoming competitive with gas-based hydrogen even now,” Mathur said regarding the implications of a reduction in solar prices.

Manufacturers of electrolysers are now looking at much larger scales which has brought down costs with far lower risks. Therefore, hydrogen is being produced from electrolysis of water at far lower costs.

He expects solar prices to fall approximately 30 percent by 2030

Please reply to OP's comment here: https://old.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/z8znmq/solar_power_prices_expected_to_decline_50_by_2050/iye5oj4/

1

hmspain t1_iye75z9 wrote

Betting on cheaper electricity to make hydrogen cost effective is a very long shot. One could easily make an argument that solar will be more expensive in 2030.

−5

kushal1509 t1_iye8asa wrote

>One could easily make an argument that solar will be more expensive in 2030.

Please make that "easy" argument.

11

robotzor t1_iye9jvp wrote

The easy argument is that the demand curve is going to sharply angle upward as a function of solar infra prices dropping vs utility prices increasing bring solar into reach for more people. Then it is a battle of supply & demand not only on manufacture but also skilled labor able to do it who are all already swamped with work today.

4

hmspain t1_iye9ii2 wrote

Supply and demand. As the cost of electricity increases, the counter (solar) will increase to match. Remember when x2 was the expected price for solar $k per kW? Now it's hard to find quotes under 3x.

The cost of electricity is increasing. I don't see that trend changing by 2030. We are already seeing prices like $0.65/kWh in San Diego. Prices like that used to be found only in Hawaii.

−1

jppianoguy t1_iyearvy wrote

Are you talking about the cost for residential solar?

3