A life-cycle cost model for power-to-fuel technologies, including production, storage, transportation, and refueling processes, was developed to evaluate four types of power-to-fuel options: proton exchange membrane electrolysis hydrogen, single-step methanol synthesis, two-step methanol synthesis, and ammonia synthesis. The study compares cost sensitivity factors (scale, reaction efficiency, and electricity price) based on unit calorific value costs. Results indicate that electricity price significantly affects overall costs, with two-step methanol synthesis being the most cost-effective. Single-step methanol synthesis has the highest life-cycle cost due to efficiency and electricity price limitations, but it becomes the cheapest when efficiency reaches 80% and electricity price drops to 0.05 CNY/kWh. The impact of transport distance on storage and transport costs for methanol and ammonia showed they are significantly lower than hydrogen, suggesting methanol and ammonia can serve as effective hydrogen carriers, reducing costs and improving safety.

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