Energy System Transition Research Articles

Low-carbon technology diffusion and economic growth of China: an evolutionary general equilibrium framework

The thorough transition of energy system is required to achieve the Paris Agreement goal. Computable general equilibrium (CGE) models are a common tool for estimating the energy transition pathway and the impact of low-carbon policies on economic growth. However, CGE models encounter challenges on modeling diffusion of new technologies. This study proposed a novel evolutionary dynamic general equilibrium model to capture the nonlinear, path-dependent and S-shaped technology diffusion process, and examined the low-carbon transition pathway of power sector and its impact on economic growth of China. We found that imposing a moderate carbon tax and avoiding the over-reliance on coal-fired power could achieve the near-zero emissions of power sector, avoid the large economic loss and hasten the economic growth in the long term. The evolutionary framework may be useful for developing the next-generation model, particularly for simulating the diffusion of new technologies, and their structural effects on economic dynamics.

Applications of Agent-Based Methods in Multi-Energy Systems—A Systematic Literature Review

The need for a greener and more sustainable energy system evokes a need for more extensive energy system transition research. The penetration of distributed energy resources and Internet of Things technologies facilitate energy system transition towards the next generation of energy system concepts. The next generation of energy system concepts include “integrated energy system”, “multi-energy system”, or “smart energy system”. These concepts reveal that future energy systems can integrate multiple energy carriers with autonomous intelligent decision making. There are noticeable trends in using the agent-based method in research of energy systems, including multi-energy system transition simulation with agent-based modeling (ABM) and multi-energy system management with multi-agent system (MAS) modeling. The need for a comprehensive review of the applications of the agent-based method motivates this review article. Thus, this article aims to systematically review the ABM and MAS applications in multi-energy systems with publications from 2007 to the end of 2021. The articles were sorted into MAS and ABM applications based on the details of agent implementations. MAS application papers in building energy systems, district energy systems, and regional energy systems are reviewed with regard to energy carriers, agent control architecture, optimization algorithms, and agent development environments. ABM application papers in behavior simulation and policy-making are reviewed with regard to the agent decision-making details and model objectives. In addition, the potential future research directions in reinforcement learning implementation and agent control synchronization are highlighted. The review shows that the agent-based method has great potential to contribute to energy transition studies with its plug-and-play ability and distributed decision-making process.

Transmission and Distribution Equipment: Providing Intelligent Maintenance

One of the cornerstones of a reliable transmission and distribution (T&D) grid operation is fully functional components that can operate robustly and with a low outage rate under all specified operating conditions. Dependable maintenance strategies are thus indispensable and are applied by grid operators around the world. One of the present key challenges in many countries with a widely developed T&D grid system is aging components that reach their anticipated end of life. Asset management faces the question of whether the lifetime of components could be prolonged and the replacement could be delayed. For this, the health of the components needs to be assessed and is ideally continuously monitored. In addition to this, the currently ongoing transition of the entire energy system leads to a change and increase of stress on the T&D equipment. The integration of new renewable energy sources on all voltage levels leads to bidirectional power flows and increased variability. The higher demand for electric power not only increases power-flow levels on average, but also in particular, peak flows. The result of this changed and increased stress on the equipment is an accelerated aging component and the need for maintenance strategies to be adopted for this new situation.

Design of low-carbon multi-energy systems in the SecMOD framework by combining MILP optimization and life-cycle assessment

Decarbonizing complex industrial energy systems is an important step to mitigate climate change. Designing the transition of such sector-coupled industrial energy systems to low-carbon designs is challenging since both cost-efficient operation and the reduction of environmental impacts over the whole life cycle need to be considered in the system design. Optimal system designs can be identified using software: Recently, the open-source framework SecMOD was introduced for the linear optimization of multi-energy system models, considering environmental impacts by fully integrating life-cycle assessment. In this work, we extend SecMOD to allow mixed-integer decisions that are vital to model industrial energy systems. Thereby, we provide the first open-source mixed-integer linear program framework with full integration of life-cycle assessment. We use SecMOD to investigate the benefits of a pumped-thermal energy storage system in a sector-coupled industrial energy system and identify trade-offs regarding the system design by comparing the economic and climate optimum.

Going offshore or not: Where to generate hydrogen in future integrated energy systems?

Hydrogen can be key in the energy system transition. We investigate the role of offshore hydrogen generation in a future integrated energy system. By performing energy system optimisation in a model application of the Northern-central European energy system and the North Sea offshore grid towards 2050, we find that offshore hydrogen generation may likely only play a limited role, and that offshore wind energy has higher value when sent to shore in the form of electricity. Forcing all hydrogen generation offshore would lead to increased energy system costs. Under the assumed scenario conditions, which result in deep decarbonisatiton of the energy system towards 2050, hydrogen generation – both onshore and offshore – follows solar PV generation patterns. Combined with hydrogen storage, this is the most cost-effective solution to satisfy future hydrogen demand. Overall, we find that the role of future offshore hydrogen generation should not simply be derived from minimising costs for the offshore sub-system, but by also considering the economic value that such generation would create for the whole integrated energy system. We find as a no-regret option to enable and promote the integration of offshore wind in onshore energy markets via electrical connections.

Role of hydrogen in China's energy transition towards carbon neutrality target: IPAC analysis

China announced its intention to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 in 2020, and there is an urgent need to understand the viability of emission pathways to reach this goal. This study presents the IPAC modelling team's scenario analysis on China's hydrogen utilisation as a key option for carbon neutrality pathways. In contrast to other studies, this study examines the demand for hydrogen as a feedstock and process material in the industrial sector and as a source of energy in the transportation sector in relation to China's energy system transition. The process of manufacturing hydrogen from carbon-free power generation was also analysed. The finding indicates that the demand for hydrogen could reach 52.4 Mt by 2050 and that the hydrogen will come from renewable power generation and nuclear energy, increasing the demand for electricity by 1884.8 TW h. There are several regions in China with abundant renewable energy and low power generation costs, which will make the hydrogen-based industry competitive in these regions after 2035.

A formal model for reliable digital transformation of water distribution networks

The concept of modernizing outdated systems in critical infrastructure through digital transformation has been a widely discussed topic nowadays. Following the transition of energy systems, the attention has now shifted towards digitalizing the water distribution systems. These systems are large-scale but outdated systems that frequently encounter various issues and upgrading them would enable easier to identify issues and provide smoother, more efficient service. However, this process requires cautious planning and guidance to ensure that the generated data is reliable, and the system remains operational during the transition. Hence, the primary objective of this paper is to propose a formal model based on ternary relational semantics that can guide the digital transformation of water distribution networks. The proposed model provides a flexible transformation process while making the system generate reliable data. Additionally, this paper demonstrates the application of the proposed model by developing a proof of concept based on a real-world scenario.

青藏高原牧区家庭能源消费对生态环境和人体健康的影响研究现状与展望

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 青藏高原牧区家庭能源消费对生态环境和人体健康的影响研究现状与展望 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202202190395 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金项目（72174197，41901241，71904189）；第二次青藏高原综合科学考察研究项目（2019QZKK0304） Research status and prospect of household energy consumption impact on eco-environment and human health in the pastoral of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:探究家庭能源消费对生态环境和人体健康的研究是系统推进家庭能源绿色低碳转型和实现联合国2030可持续发展目标的关键。重点综述了目前家庭能源消费、影响因素及其对生态环境和居民健康影响的国际研究现状。目前研究不足主要聚焦在以下两个方面：一方面，影响家庭能源消费因素的贡献率和影响消费行为的驱动机制尚不清晰；另一方面，目前主要针对家庭能源消费或者生态系统或者环境或者居民健康其中的某一方面或者某两个方面开展研究，鲜有研究系统的考虑家庭能源消费对生态环境和人体健康影响的综合研究。基于上述研究现状，结合青藏高原的实际情况，提出未来需要在宏观层面和微观层面加强研究。宏观层面：（1）亟需厘清青藏高原家庭能源与生态环境和人体健康之间的内在联系与驱动机制，形成青藏高原牧区"家庭能源-生态效应-环境效应-健康效应"的理论分析框架；（2）构建模块化的牧区"能源-生态-环境-健康-经济"等多学科交叉的综合评估模型，形成完整的、系统的评估方法。微观层面：（1）迫切开展青藏高原家庭能源消费特征与变化规律的研究；（2）深入开展家庭能源消费特征和变化规律与生态系统的反馈机制与量化研究；（3）加强牧区室内空气污染物浓度测定，丰富高寒地区室内污染物浓度数据以及人群暴露特征及其健康风险的研究。 Abstract:Exploring the household energy consumption and its impacts on eco-environment and human health is essential to promote the green and low-carbon transition of household energy system and achieve the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This paper presents a review on the state of the art for the domestic and international research on the factors that influencing the household energy consumptions and the impacts on eco-environment and residents' health. At present, particular attention should be given to the following two research deficiencies. On one hand, the contribution rate of factors that influencing the household energy consumption and the mechanism that driving the consumption behavior are not well understood; on the other hand, the comprehensive studies that systematically consider the correlations among household energy consumption, ecological environment and human health are still lacking. Based on the research status and the actual situation of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, this paper strengthens the study of household energy consumption and its impact on eco-environment and human health through macro level and micro level. On the macro level, we need to (1) clarify the correlation and driving mechanism between household energy, grassland ecology and human health and form the theoretical framework for analysis in the pastoral region of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau; (2) build a comprehensive modular assessment method around the energy-ecology-environment-health-economy nexus. On the micro -level, we should (1) carry out the research on the characteristics and dynamics changes of household energy consumption on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau; (2) establish and quantify the feedback mechanism between household energy consumption and ecosystem; (3) strengthen the measurement of indoor air pollutant concentration in the pastoral areas and complete the data collection on the exposure characteristics and the associated health risks for the residents living in the alpine areas. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Decarbonization, population disruption and resource inventories in the global energy transition

We develop a novel approach to analysing decarbonisation strategies by linking global resource inventories with demographic systems. Our ‘mine-town systems’ approach establishes an empirical basis for examining the spatial extent of the transition and demographic effects of changing energy systems. The research highlights an urgent need for targeted macro-level planning as global markets see a decline in thermal coal and a ramp up of other mining commodities. Our findings suggest that ramping up energy transition metals (ETM) could be more disruptive to demographic systems than ramping down coal. The data shows asymmetry in the distribution of risks: mine-town systems within the United States are most sensitive to coal phase-out, while systems in Australia and Canada are most sensitive to ETM phase-in. A complete phase-out of coal could disrupt demographic systems with a minimum of 33.5 million people, and another 115.7 million people if all available ETM projects enter production.

Measuring the low-carbon energy transition in Chinese cities

Cities' transition from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption to renewable energy sources-the energy transition-is critical to mitigating climate change impact as cities' energy consumption and CO2 emissions account for two-thirds and over 70% of the world's total, respectively. Given cities' heterogeneity, they need specific low-carbon roadmaps instead of one-size-fits-all approaches. Here, we used an Energy Transition Index (ETI) to characterize the city-level energy transitions from energy system performance and transition readiness dimensions. The ETI scores for 282 cities in China revealed a significant heterogeneity across cities and over time, and the gap between the cities in the top and bottom quartiles was persistent. We estimated that China's energy and carbon intensity could decrease by 34% and 32%, respectively, and that carbon per capita could fall by 17% if each city modestly follows the sustainable development path forged by the best performing cities with similar economic structures.

Scenario analysis of carbon emission trajectory on energy system transition model: A case study of Sichuan Province

Energy transition targets and pathway planning are more important since the declare of carbon peak and carbon neutrality in China. Energy transition is highly relevant with economic and social development, as well as industrial transformation and technological innovation. However, existing studies have rarely conducted energy transition and CO2 emissions analysis from the macro targets of economic development and climate change as well as micro pathway of different sectors. In this study, we propose an energy transition framework to present an energy transition mechanism driven by various impact factors. First, a sectional energy consumption module is presented to analyse energy consumption transition linking economic development, technology progress, and low-carbon policy effect. Then, the energy conversion and supply module is proposed, tracing back energy flows from demand to supply to provide an overview of the energy transition. Subsequently, empirical scenario analysis of Sichuan Province is conducted, followed by whole perspective and targets of energy transition as well as CO2 emission mitigation trajectory. The results indicate that: (1) Sichuan's Carbon peak and carbon neutrality will be achieved in 2028 and 2058 under the Energy Transition Scenario; (2) Clean electrification transition would result in an insufficient renewable power supply for outer-region demand from 2030 to 2050, and Sichuan Province would not be able to meet its carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals if natural gas is added to generate more electricity to ensure the export volume; (3) Energy efficiency improvement, energy mix optimization and the increase of penetration of renewable power can reduce CO2 emission by 13.3 Mt, 87.8 Mt, and 5.4 Mt in 2050 in Energy Transition Scenario. The model extends the modelling methodology of energy-economy-environment system and provides an effective scenario analysis and path selection tool, which can provide a scientific and quantitative reference basis for policy makers in the context of energy regulation and energy network governance and can be applied to the study of energy transition paths in other regions.

Comprehensive evaluation of renewable energy development level based on game theory and TOPSIS

In the context of the transition of global energy system to a net-zero future, the development of renewable energy has become an important measure for all countries to promote energy transformation. In this paper, the evaluation of the level of renewable energy development for countries is studied. Firstly, a comprehensive evaluation index system is constructed from four dimensions: renewable energy supply, market demand, social benefits and carbon emission. Then, Canada, the United States, Brazil and other countries are selected as evaluation objects, and the data on renewable energy development for those countries are collected from Statistical Review of World Energy 2020, Renewable Energy Statistics 2020 and relevant websites. After processing and analyzing a large number of data, the evaluation data set of renewable energy development level is obtained. Next, a comprehensive evaluation method based on game theory combination weighting and TOPSIS is proposed, and based on the established data set, the ranking of the level of renewable energy development is achieved. The Mean Absolute Error method is used to compare the ranking accuracy of different evaluation methods for renewable energy development level, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method. At the end of paper, some suggestions to promote the development of renewable energy are proposed from improving energy utilization efficiency, perfecting the renewable energy distribution system, optimizing the industrial structure and other measures.

Failure modes analysis and reliability enhancement of wind turbines

AbstractThe transition of the global energy system to affordable, reliable and clean sources is an important target of several international climate change accords and conferences such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Conferences of parties (COP), Kyoto protocol and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The wind power is at the heart of these energy systems transformation and climate change mitigation. Indeed, the global capacity of wind turbines has seen tremendous growth, especially, during the past two decades which has made wind energy the fastest growing renewable source in the world. Nevertheless, the problem of premature failures and low‐reliability level of wind turbines have been increasingly noticed. This paper presents a new systematic analytical approach for failure modes and reliability analysis of wind turbines. The approach is a combination of three aspects which are qualitative and quantitative analysis using the fault tree method, reliability assessment as well as lifetime estimation and enhancement. Firstly, the various failure modes are presented. Then, mathematical modeling and reliability evaluation have been developed and simulated. Afterward, the actions that can be considered to improve the reliability and, consequently, the lifetime of wind turbines have been presented and analyzed. The results of the developed approach revealed that major reliability improvements, failure rate reduction and lifetime extension can be achieved, leading to a better return on investment, reduced maintenance as well as a safer and more reliable clean energy production.

Energy system transition pathways to meet the global electricity demand for ambitious climate targets and cost competitiveness

This study presents a novel energy system modelling approach for the analysis and comparison of global energy transition pathways for the decarbonisation of the electricity sector. The results of the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the Teske/DLR scenarios are each reproduced. Additionally, five new energy transition trajectories, called LUT, are presented. The research examines the feasibility of each scenario across nine major regions in 5-year intervals, from 2015 to 2050, under a uniform modelling environment with identical technical and financial assumptions. The main differences between the energy transition paths are identified across: (1) the average electricity generation costs; (2) energy diversity; (3) system flexibility; (4) energy security; and, (5) transition dynamics. All LUT and Teske/DLR scenarios are transitioned to zero CO2 emissions and a 100% renewable energy system by 2050 at the latest. Results reveal that the LUT scenarios are the least-cost pathways, while the Teske/DLR scenarios are centred around energy diversity with slightly higher LCOE of around 10–20%. The IEA shares similarities with the Teske/DLR scenarios in terms of energy diversity yet depends on the continued use of fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage, and nuclear power. The IEA scenario based on current governmental policies presents a worst-case situation regarding CO2 emissions reduction, climate change and overall system costs.

Energy System Transition in the Context of NDC and Mitigation Strategies in Tunisia

The evolution of the Tunisian energy system in the next few decades will highly depend on the implementation of its Nationally Determined Contribution by 2030 and its potential long-term low-emission strategies. This study analyses the technology, emissions, energy systems and economic impacts of meeting Tunisia’s NDC targets (conditional and unconditional) and long-term transition pathways compatible with the Paris Agreement. Different climate policy targets and settings are explored using a detailed energy system model (MENA-EDS) that integrates detailed representations of energy demand and supply and their complex linkages through energy pricing. The analysis shows that in order to meet its NDC targets for 2030, current climate policies in Tunisia need substantial strengthening, based on the massive uptake of renewable energy technologies (especially solar PV and wind) and a reduction of oil and gas use. Long-term low-emission transitions leading to emission reductions of about 80% from baseline levels in 2050 is based on the further expansion of renewable energy within and beyond the electricity sector; the increased electrification of energy end-uses (especially through the uptake of electric vehicles in transport); accelerated energy efficiency improvements in transport, industries and buildings; and the emergence of low-carbon fuels. The study provides insights into the challenges to achieve the deep decarbonization of the Tunisian economy but also into the opportunities from energy sector-restructuring, including reduced energy import dependence and increased low-carbon investment.

Energy transition determinants in the European Union: threshold effects.

The World Economic Forum (2018) has introduced a comprehensive proxy for the Energy Transition Index (ETI), which includes two main sub-indices; the energy System Performance Index (SPI) and Transition Readiness (TRI). The first sub-index measures the current state of the energy system, and the latter indicates future transition(s). Any factor that can move these two levers in a positive direction will eventually lead to improved energy transitions. Various factors affect the energy transition. Since the ETI is a comprehensive index that includes socio-economic, governance structures, and political dimensions of the energy transition, it is expected to be impacted by globalization and economic complexity. The present study seeks to answer whether the impact of globalization and economic complexity on both energy transition sub-indicators is in the same direction. Also, do the effects of these two variables vary at different levels of energy transition and its sub-indices? For this purpose, we implement a fixed-effect panel threshold model for data from the European Union. The results demonstrate that (overall) globalization significantly influences the ETI and its sub-indices at all levels. The economic complexity in all three regimes reduces TRI (at 90% or 95% confidence intervals). Nevertheless, it harms the SPI and ETI if they exceed the threshold.

Extinction strain rates of premixed ammonia/hydrogen/nitrogen-air counterflow flames

Chemical energy vectors will play a crucial role in the transition of the global energy system, due to their essential advantages in storing energy in form of gaseous, liquid, or solid fuels. Ammonia (NH3) has been identified as a highly promising candidate, as it is carbon-free, can be stored at moderate pressures, and already has a developed distribution infrastructure. As a fuel NH3 has poor combustion properties that can be improved by the addition of hydrogen, which can be obtained energy-efficiently by partially cracking ammonia into hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2) prior to the combustion process. The resulting NH3/H2/N2 blend leads to significantly improved flame stability and resilience to strain-induced blow-out, despite similar laminar flame properties compared to equivalent methane/air flames. This study reports the first measurements of extinction strain rates, measured using the premixed twin-flame configuration in a laminar opposed jet burner, for two NH3/H2/N2 blends over a range of equivalence ratios. Local strain rates are measured using particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) and are related to the inflow conditions, such that the local strain rate at the extinction point can be approximated. The results are compared with 1D-simulations using three recent kinetic mechanisms for ammonia oxidation. By relating the extinction strain rates to laminar flame properties of the unstretched flame, a comparison of the extinction behaviour of CH4 and NH3/H2/N2 blends can be made. For lean mixtures, NH3/H2/N2-air flames show a significant higher extinction resistance in comparison to CH4/air. In addition, a strong non-linear dependence between the resistance to extinction and equivalence ratio for NH3/H2/N2 blends is observed.

Shades of Green: Modelling Differences in Thought and Action among Electric Utility Regime Actors in the Energy System Transition

There is wide variability in how organizations approach sustainability and the energy system transition toward using more renewables. In the electric power industry, while some distribution utilities have leaned into the transition, others have taken a more conservative approach. Grounded in an institutional resource-based perspective, this multi-level study examines key intra-firm, firm, and individual leadership factors that impact an organization’s commitment to renewables. Sustainability orientation in the power industry is assessed as the percent of renewable energy in a utility’s fuel mix compared with their expressed commitment to renewables and energy efficiency within planning documents. Through computer-aided text analysis, characteristics of 170 electric utilities in the United States were analyzed to predict sustainability orientation. Results indicate that rurality, deregulation, and the entrepreneurial orientation of a utility, as expressed within their Integrated Resource Plans, explain a significant amount of variability in the sustainability orientation of electric utilities.

Profitability and the use of flexible CO2 capture and storage (CCS) in the transition to decarbonized electricity systems

• Fossil power with CCS will need to operate flexibly to ensure grid stability. • The profitability potential of flexible CCS is assessed in four national markets. • We show how a fraction of power plants can be profitable in each market. • This suggests a possible role for existing fossil plants in grid decarbonization. As the share of variable renewable energy (VRE) generation in a system increases, services such dispatchable “firm power” will be vital to ensure system reliability. Fossil power plants with CO 2 capture and storage (CCS) can be a source of firm power, but they must be operated in a flexible manner to support grid stability. This paper considers the use of CCS to pivot the role of at least some existing fossil plants towards providing firm power in decarbonized grids. We present an analysis of the profitability potential of CCS-equipped power plants in electricity markets in US, UK, Australia and China. Conventional wisdom holds that CCS must be operated in a baseload manner to be economically viable; we demonstrate that the flexibly-operated power plants with CCS are not generally profitable today, but can become profitable in cases with a proper combination of market incentives and cost reductions in capture technology; we highlight the possibility of retrofitting older plants with mostly depreciated capital for operation a “second life” peaker mode to retain investment flexibility during an energy system transition as an intriguing option requiring further study. Flexible operation offers less value in China's electricity markets due to more rigid pricing structures, but a plausible path towards profitable CCS-firm power exists for lower cost power plants in some regions of the country. The results presented here imply a strong potential for the profitable operation of CCS retrofitted to amortized assets, acting in a market-compatible way in synergy with greater integration of renewable energy to the power grid, whilst contributing to overall grid stability. As price volatility is likely to increase with increased penetration of VRE, the trend of these results are likely to become more pronounced with the passage of time.

Implementation of Formic Acid as a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC): Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment of Formic Acid Produced via CO2 Utilization

To meet the global climate goals agreed upon regarding the Paris Agreement, governments and institutions around the world are investigating various technologies to reduce carbon emissions and achieve a net-negative energy system. To this end, integrated solutions that incorporate carbon utilization processes, as well as promote the transition of the fossil fuel-based energy system to carbon-free systems, such as the hydrogen economy, are required. One of the possible pathways is to utilize CO2 as the base chemical for producing a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC), using CO2 as a mediating chemical for delivering H2 to the site of usage since gaseous and liquid H2 retain transportation and storage problems. Formic acid is a probable candidate considering its high volumetric H2 capacity and low toxicity. While previous studies have shown that formic acid is less competitive as an LOHC candidate compared to other chemicals, such as methanol or toluene, the results were based on out-of-date process schemes. Recently, advances have been made in the formic acid production and dehydrogenation processes, and an analysis regarding the recent process configurations could deem formic acid as a feasible option for LOHC. In this study, the potential for using formic acid as an LOHC is evaluated, with respect to the state-of-the-art formic acid production schemes, including the use of heterogeneous catalysts during thermocatalytic and electrochemical formic acid production from CO2. Assuming a hydrogen distribution system using formic acid as the LOHC, each of the production, transportation, dehydrogenation, and CO2 recycle sections are separately modeled and evaluated by means of techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA). Realistic scenarios for hydrogen distribution are established considering the different transportation and CO2 recovery options; then, the separate scenarios are compared to the results of a liquefied hydrogen distribution scenario. TEA results showed that, while the LOHC system incorporating the thermocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid is more expensive than liquefied H2 distribution, the electrochemical CO2 reduction to formic acid system reduces the H2 distribution cost by 12%. Breakdown of the cost compositions revealed that reduction of steam usage for thermocatalytic processes in the future can make the LOHC system based on thermocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid to be competitive with liquefied H2 distribution if the production cost could be reduced by 23% and 32%, according to the dehydrogenation mode selected. Using formic acid as a LOHC was shown to be less competitive compared to liquefied H2 delivery in terms of LCA, but producing formic acid via electrochemical CO2 reduction was shown to retain the lowest global warming potential among the considered options.