Power-to-X strategies for Smart Energy Regions: a vision for green hydrogen valleys

Abstract

Future energy systems will have to face the challenge of managing surplus electricity from renewable sources. In this context, technologies like electrolyzers could play a key role since they can convert this surplus into hydrogen. The study aims to develop an energy strategy for the Campania region, in Italy, aligning with 2050 European CO2 reduction targets. It utilizes detailed bottom-up modeling and dynamic simulations to propose a scenario emphasizing extensive integration of renewable energy sources, particularly using Power-to-Gas technologies to convert surplus electricity into hydrogen for the transportation sector. This approach leads to abating the significant surplus of around 2.4 TWh/year produced by renewables and enables it to cover about 10% of transport sector consumption by hydrogen, boosting the overall share of renewable energy.