Green hydrogen utilization in Northern Sweden is a key driver of the industrial decarbonization revolution, with the iron and steel industry at the forefront of achieving fossil-free production. The region's strategic location, where the iron and steel industry is already established, makes it an ideal area to scale up green hydrogen projects. However, assessing the techno-economic feasibility of this transition requires a comprehensive evaluation of land availability and suitability through geospatial analysis. This study presents a site suitability map for green hydrogen projects in Norrbotten County, aimed at supporting hydrogen demand in the iron and steel industry. Using a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Analysis with the Analytical Hierarchy Process, the study evaluates factors such as proximity to resources, renewable potential, grid infrastructure, transportation networks, and land-use restrictions. A zonal analysis is conducted to refine the suitability map based on proximity to key demand points. The results indicate that while Norrbotten offers abundant resources such as land, water, and renewable energy potential, land-use restrictions may hinder large-scale project development. The analysis identifies 22 zones with 30% suitability for development, with key regions in Jokkmok and Gallivare counties showing high potential. However, regions near iron ore mines have lower suitability due to regulatory, environmental, and infrastructure constraints. Further on-site investigations are needed to validate these findings. The study’s framework can be adapted for global application, with implications for other industrial sectors beyond iron and steel.
Gargi et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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