Analysis of the application of power-to-gas (P2G) technology in the road transport system of South Africa

Abstract

A shift towards new transport platforms has been proposed to mitigate transport GHG emissions in South Africa. This paper aims to develop a PtG model that simulates the production of alternative fuels for new transport platforms under the recently promulgated South African IRP 2019 energy framework. The study uncovers potential excess electricity of 13.1 TWh, from which 182 kton of hydrogen or 372 kton of methane can be produced from a 3.68 GW electrolyzer. The P2G technology can supply over and above the projected hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) fuel demands and only 19% of the compressed natural gas vehicles (CNGVs) fuel requirements. GHG emissions reductions of 1.64 MtCO2 and 346 kton CO2 can be attainable when the P2G products are utilized in FCVs and CNGVs, respectively. An LCOE of $0.18/kWh and $0.30/kWh can be expected at an electricity price of $0.04/kWh for hydrogen and methane production.