Abstract
This paper compares the relative cost of long-distance, large-scale energy transmission by electricity, gaseous, and liquid carriers (e-fuels). The results indicate that the cost of electrical transmission per delivered MWh can be up to eight times higher than for hydrogen pipelines, about eleven times higher than for natural gas pipelines, and twenty to fifty times higher than for liquid fuels pipelines. These differences generally hold for shorter distances as well. The higher cost of electrical transmission is primarily because of lower carrying capacity (MW per line) of electrical transmission lines compared to the energy carrying capacity of the pipelines for gaseous and liquid fuels. The differences in the cost of transmission are important but often unrecognized and should be considered as a significant cost component in the analysis of various renewable energy production, distribution, and utilization scenarios.
Highlights
The modern economy critically depends on moving large amounts of energy over long distances
The results indicate that the cost of electrical transmission per delivered MWh can be up to eight times higher than for hydrogen pipelines, about eleven times higher than for natural gas pipelines, and twenty to fifty times higher than for liquid fuels pipelines
While liquid fuels consumed in small internal combustion engines generally provide only $25% efficiency, fuel cells running on hydrogen can produce 60% efficiency, whereas electric motors can provide nearly 100% efficiency (Fuel Cell Fact Sheet – FCTO, 2015)
Summary
The modern economy critically depends on moving large amounts of energy over long distances. Most cities consume much more than 1 GW of power and the idea of covering city centers or suburbs with solar panels is impractical for many reasons Another option for large-scale renewable power production would be to locate large remote energy farms outside of densely populated urban areas. This is a tenable and renewable option for large urban and industrial areas where energy demand may be too high for local solar power installations This approach has challenges, such as that most concentrated wind and solar resources in the United States are available in the Great Plains and Southwest regions, whereas regions of the country having the highest populations, and greatest energy demand, are located on the East and West Coasts
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