Sustainability

Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of Emerging Renewable Hydrogen Policy through an Energy Democracy Lens: The Case of Australia

by Kim Beasy, Stefan Lodewyckx and Fred Gale

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2226; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062226 - 7 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1471

Abstract

As part of reducing carbon emissions, governments across the world are working on measures to transition sectors of the economy away from fossil fuels. The socio-technical regimes being constructed around the energy transition can encourage energy centralisation and constrain actor engagement without proper [...] Read more.

As part of reducing carbon emissions, governments across the world are working on measures to transition sectors of the economy away from fossil fuels. The socio-technical regimes being constructed around the energy transition can encourage energy centralisation and constrain actor engagement without proper policy and planning. The energy transition is liable to have significant impacts across all of society, but less attention has been given to the role of democratic participation and decision-making in the energy system during this time. Using the energy democracy framework developed by Kacper Szulecki, we employ content analysis to investigate how Australia’s renewable hydrogen strategies at the Commonwealth and state levels engage with the broader objective of democratising energy systems. Based on our findings, we recommend ways to support a renewable hydrogen regime in Australia in line with the principles of energy democracy, such as community engagement, built-in participation, popular sovereignty, community-level agency, and civic ownership. This study provides a perspective on the energy transition that is often overlooked, and a reminder to policymakers that the topology of an energy transition can take many forms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition and Hydrogen: Challenges and Opportunities)

24 pages, 3721 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recent and Future Advances in Water Electrolysis for Green Hydrogen Generation: Critical Analysis and Perspectives

by Alessandro Franco and Caterina Giovannini

Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16917; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416917 - 17 Dec 2023

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 13594

Abstract

This paper delves into the pivotal role of water electrolysis (WE) in green hydrogen production, a process utilizing renewable energy sources through electrolysis. The term “green hydrogen” signifies its distinction from conventional “grey” or “brown” hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, emphasizing the importance [...] Read more.

This paper delves into the pivotal role of water electrolysis (WE) in green hydrogen production, a process utilizing renewable energy sources through electrolysis. The term “green hydrogen” signifies its distinction from conventional “grey” or “brown” hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, emphasizing the importance of decarbonization in the hydrogen value chain. WE becomes a linchpin, balancing surplus green energy, stabilizing the grid, and addressing challenges in hard-to-abate sectors like long-haul transport and heavy industries. This paper navigates through electrolysis variants, technological challenges, and the crucial association between electrolytic hydrogen production and renewable energy sources (RESs). Energy consumption aspects are scrutinized, highlighting the need for optimization strategies to enhance efficiency. This paper systematically addresses electrolysis fundamentals, technologies, scaling issues, and the nexus with energy sources. It emphasizes the transformative potential of electrolytic hydrogen in the broader energy landscape, underscoring its role in shaping a sustainable future. Through a systematic analysis, this study bridges the gap between detailed technological insights and the larger energy system context, offering a holistic perspective. This paper concludes by summarizing key findings, showcasing the prospects, challenges, and opportunities associated with hydrogen production via water electrolysis for the energy transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition and Hydrogen: Challenges and Opportunities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Insight into Underground Hydrogen Storage in Italy

by Erika Barison, Federica Donda, Barbara Merson, Yann Le Gallo and Arnaud Réveillère

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6886; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086886 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3593

Abstract

Hydrogen is a key energy carrier that could play a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Hydrogen-related technologies are considered flexible solutions to support the large-scale implementation of intermittent energy supply from renewable sources by using renewable energy to generate [...] Read more.

Hydrogen is a key energy carrier that could play a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Hydrogen-related technologies are considered flexible solutions to support the large-scale implementation of intermittent energy supply from renewable sources by using renewable energy to generate green hydrogen during periods of low demand. Therefore, a short-term increase in demand for hydrogen as an energy carrier and an increase in hydrogen production are expected to drive demand for large-scale storage facilities to ensure continuous availability. Owing to the large potential available storage space, underground hydrogen storage offers a viable solution for the long-term storage of large amounts of energy. This study presents the results of a survey of potential underground hydrogen storage sites in Italy, carried out within the H2020 EU Hystories “Hydrogen Storage In European Subsurface” project. The objective of this work was to clarify the feasibility of the implementation of large-scale storage of green hydrogen in depleted hydrocarbon fields and saline aquifers. By analysing publicly available data, mainly well stratigraphy and logs, we were able to identify onshore and offshore storage sites in Italy. The hydrogen storage capacity in depleted gas fields currently used for natural gas storage was estimated to be around 69.2 TWh. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition and Hydrogen: Challenges and Opportunities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How a Grid Company Could Enter the Hydrogen Industry through a New Business Model: A Case Study in China

by Danlu Xu, Zhoubin Liu, Rui Shan, Haixiao Weng and Haoyu Zhang

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4417; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054417 - 1 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3472

Abstract

The increasing penetration of renewable and distributed resources signals a global boom in energy transition, but traditional grid utilities have yet to share in much of the triumph at the current stage. Higher grid management costs, lower electricity prices, fewer customers, and other [...] Read more.

The increasing penetration of renewable and distributed resources signals a global boom in energy transition, but traditional grid utilities have yet to share in much of the triumph at the current stage. Higher grid management costs, lower electricity prices, fewer customers, and other challenges have emerged along the path toward renewable energy, but many more opportunities await to be seized. Most importantly, there are insufficient studies on how grid utilities can thrive within the hydrogen economy. Through a case study on the State Grid Corporation of China, we identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of grid utilities within the hydrogen economy. Based on these factors, we recommend that grids integrate hydrogen into the energy-as-a-service model and deliver it to industrial customers who are under decarbonization pressure. We also recommend that grid utilities fund a joint venture with pipeline companies to optimize electricity and hydrogen transmissions simultaneously. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition and Hydrogen: Challenges and Opportunities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 6737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Geographic Information System (GIS) Tool for Hydrogen Value Chain Planning Optimization: Application to Italian Highways

by Alessandro Guzzini, Giovanni Brunaccini, Davide Aloisio, Marco Pellegrini, Cesare Saccani and Francesco Sergi

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2080; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032080 - 21 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3165

Abstract

Optimizing the hydrogen value chain is essential to ensure hydrogen market uptake in replacing traditional fossil fuel energy and to achieve energy system decarbonization in the next years. The design of new plants and infrastructures will be the first step. However, wrong decisions [...] Read more.

Optimizing the hydrogen value chain is essential to ensure hydrogen market uptake in replacing traditional fossil fuel energy and to achieve energy system decarbonization in the next years. The design of new plants and infrastructures will be the first step. However, wrong decisions would result in temporal, economic losses and, in the worst case, failures. Because huge investments are expected, decision makers have to be assisted for its success. Because no tools are available for the optimum design and geographical location of power to gas (P2G) and power to hydrogen (P2H) plants, the geographic information system (GIS) and mathematical optimization approaches were combined into a new tool developed by CNR-ITAE and the University of Bologna in the SuperP2G project, aiming to support the interested stakeholders in the investigation and selection of the optimum size, location, and operations of P2H and P2G industrial plants while minimizing the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). In the present study, the tool has been applied to hydrogen mobility, specifically to investigate the conversion of the existing refuelling stations on Italian highways to hydrogen refuelling stations (HRSs). Middle-term (2030) and long-term (2050) scenarios were investigated. In 2030, a potential demand of between 7000 and 10,000 tons/year was estimated in Italy, increasing to between 32,600 and 72,500 tons/year in 2050. The optimum P2H plant configuration to supply the HRS was calculated in different scenarios. Despite the optimization, even if the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) reduces from 7.0–7.5 €/kg in 2030 to 5.6–6.2 €/kg in 2050, the results demonstrate that the replacement of the traditional fuels, i.e., gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs), will be disadvantaged without incentives or any other economic supporting schemes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition and Hydrogen: Challenges and Opportunities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 1319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Innovative Approach for Energy Transition in China? Chinese National Hydrogen Policies from 2001 to 2020

by Yiqi Yuan and May Tan-Mullins

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1265; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021265 - 9 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3379

Abstract

To accelerate clean energy transition, China has explored the potential of hydrogen as an energy carrier since 2001. Until 2020, 49 national hydrogen policies were enacted. This paper explores the relevance of these policies to the development of the hydrogen industry and energy [...] Read more.

To accelerate clean energy transition, China has explored the potential of hydrogen as an energy carrier since 2001. Until 2020, 49 national hydrogen policies were enacted. This paper explores the relevance of these policies to the development of the hydrogen industry and energy transition in China. We examine the reasons, impacts, and challenges of Chinese national hydrogen policies through the conceptual framework of Thomas Dye’s policy analysis method and the European Training Foundation’s policy analysis guide. This research provides an ex-post analysis for previous policies and an ex-ante analysis for future options. We argue that the energy supply revolution and energy technology revolution highlight the importance of hydrogen development in China. Particularly, the pressure of the automobile industry transition leads to experimentation concerning the application of hydrogen in the transportation sector. This paper also reveals that hydrogen policy development coincides with an increase in resource input and has positive spill over effects. Furthermore, we note that two challenges have impeded progress: a lack of regulations for the industry threshold and holistic planning. To address these challenges, the Chinese government can design a national hydrogen roadmap and work closely with other countries through the Belt and Road Initiative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition and Hydrogen: Challenges and Opportunities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Techno-Economic Evaluation of Hydrogen Production via Gasification of Vacuum Residue Integrated with Dry Methane Reforming

by Fayez Nasir Al-Rowaili, Siddig S. Khalafalla, Aqil Jamal, Dhaffer S. Al-Yami, Umer Zahid and Eid M. Al-Mutairi

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13588; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132413588 - 9 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2429

Abstract

The continuous rise of global carbon emissions demands the utilization of fossil fuels in a sustainable way. Owing to various forms of emissions, our environment conditions might be affected, necessitating more focus of scientists and researchers to upgrade oil processing to more efficient [...] Read more.

The continuous rise of global carbon emissions demands the utilization of fossil fuels in a sustainable way. Owing to various forms of emissions, our environment conditions might be affected, necessitating more focus of scientists and researchers to upgrade oil processing to more efficient manner. Gasification is a potential technology that can convert fossil fuels to produce clean and environmentally friendly hydrogen fuel in an economical manner. Therefore, this study analyzed and examined it critically. In this study, two different routes for the produc-tion of high-purity hydrogen from vacuum residue while minimizing the carbon emissions were proposed. The first route (Case I) studied the gasification of heavy vacuum residue (VR) in series with dry methane reforming (DMR). The second route studied the gasification of VR in parallel integration with DMR (Case II). After investigating both processes, a brief comparison was made between the two routes of hydrogen production in terms of their CO₂ emissions, en-ergy efficiency, energy consumption, and environmental and economic impacts. In this study, the two vacuum-residue-to-hydrogen (VRTH) processes were simulated using Aspen Plus for a hydrogen production capacity of 50 t/h with 99.9 wt.% purity. The results showed that Case II offered a process energy efficiency of 57.8%, which was slightly higher than that of Case I. The unit cost of the hydrogen product for Case II was USD 15.95 per metric ton of hydrogen, which was almost 9% lower than that of Case I. In terms of the environmental analysis, both cases had comparably low carbon emissions of around 8.3 kg of CO₂/kg of hydrogen produced; with such high purity, the hydrogen could be used for production of other products further downstream or for industrial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition and Hydrogen: Challenges and Opportunities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 3015 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of the Effects of Fossil Fuels and the Need for a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Policy in Malaysia

by Muhammad Asyraf Azni, Rasyikah Md Khalid, Umi Azmah Hasran and Siti Kartom Kamarudin

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4033; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054033 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 9485

Abstract

The world has relied on fossil fuel energy for a long time, producing many adverse effects. Long-term fossil fuel dependency has increased carbon emissions and accelerated climate change. In addition, fossil fuels are also depleting and will soon be very costly. Moreover, the [...] Read more.

The world has relied on fossil fuel energy for a long time, producing many adverse effects. Long-term fossil fuel dependency has increased carbon emissions and accelerated climate change. In addition, fossil fuels are also depleting and will soon be very costly. Moreover, the expensive national electricity grid has yet to reach rural areas and will be cut off in inundation areas. As such, alternative and carbon-free hydrogen fuel cell energy is highly recommended as it solves these problems. The reviews find that (i) compared to renewable energy such as solar, biomass, and hydropower, a fuel cell does not require expensive transmission through an energy grid and is carbon-free, and hence, it is a faster agent to decelerate climate change; (ii) fuel cell technologies have reached an optimum level due to the high-efficiency production of energy, and they are environmentally friendly; (iii) the absence of a policy on hydrogen fuel cells will hinder investment from private companies as they are not adequately regulated. It is thus recommended that countries embarking on hydrogen fuel cell development have a specific policy in place to allow the government to fund and regulate hydrogen fuel cells in the energy generation mix. This is essential as it provides the basis for alternative energy governance, development, and management of a country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Transition and Hydrogen: Challenges and Opportunities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Energy Transition and Hydrogen: Challenges and Opportunities

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI