HYDROGEN OPPORTUNITIES IN SAUDI ARABIA.

Abstract

A source of hydrogen is the methane in the well-head gas from the oil fields of Saudi Arabia. 2. 5 billion cubic feet per day are available and it is possible to design a plant using one billion cubic feet per day with a production of 8700 tons of liquefied hydrogen. Three alternative methods are examined: the LNG route, the methanol route and the direct manufacture and liquefaction in Saudi Arabia. These methods are described in detail, costs are developed and the processes are evaluated by economic indicators for profitability. While both methanol and direct liquefaction are of about equal economic attractiveness, the latter is recommended for Saudi Arabia.