The possibilities of implementing a “hydrogen transition” in the local energy sector of the Arctic are considered based on the application of the concepts of environmentally friendly technologies and socio-technological transit according to the criterion of profit maximization. The relevance of the work is due to the reform of the electric power industry, which implies a phased transition to a competitive market model, when each manufacturer will be interested in maximizing its own profit and independently determine the volume of production of electrical and thermal energy based on modern technologies. An analysis of foreign experience in creating autonomous hybrid power systems was carried out. The article discusses the possibilities of using hydrogen produced from natural gas in fuel cells in decentralized electricity and heat supply systems. The conditions for the competitiveness of the new technology in comparison with centralized systems and decentralized ones based on mini-CHP with gas turbine or gas piston engines have been determined. It has been shown that fuel cell systems using natural gas as fuel are not energy-saving technologies, but can reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the environment. Massive use of fuel cells in decentralized energy supply systems is possible only if their cost is reduced to less than $100/kW.
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