Low-carbon Hydrogen Research Articles

Global future role of power CCUS technologies

CCUS technologies are essential for meeting global temperature targets because of their ability to decarbonize hard to abate sectors and provide negative emissions when paired with bioenergy. In the power sector the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS) foresees an average global CCUS build rate of 16 GW/year from 2020 to 2040. However, current deployment rates languish far below this level, as there are currently only two operational power CCUS plants with a combined capacity of 355 MW. Both are retrofitted coal plants, but most future climate models require a diverse CCUS portfolio consisting of coal/gas CCUS plants, bioenergy with CCS (BECCS) and using CCUS in a hydrogen power generation chain. This study is commissioned by IEAGHG and aims to understand the evolving future roles of different CCUS technologies in various power markets and policy measures which can overcome current barriers to deployment. The UK, USA, People’s Republic of China (China) and Australia are selected as model power markets as they represent some of the leading countries in the CCUS space. First, a techno-economic analysis is undertaken which compares the economic feasibility of CCUS options with counterfactual technologies (nuclear, unabated gas/coal, battery storage) under different operational modes (baseload, mid-merit, peaking generation) for each country. Later, a literature review is undertaken to determine policy recommendations which may overcome deployment barriers for post-combustion CCUS, BECCS, power generation through hydrogen, CCUS retrofits and flexible CCUS operations. Finally, the existing CCUS policy support in each of the four countries is reviewed along with region specific recommendations to make CCUS technologies more viable in each country. It is found that globally BECCS, gas CCUS and hydrogen are viable options for baseload, mid-merit and peaking generation, respectively. Hydrogen power generation is the lowest cost low-carbon option for flexible backup generation for sustained periods (>8 hours) of high demand, complimenting batteries which are cheaper for shorter periods. However, peaking hydrogen would require a higher support mechanism in the USA and Australia compared to other regions due to relatively more expensive hydrogen costs. Gas CCUS is likely to be one of the most economic mid-merit and baseload technologies, even in regions without domestic gas resources due to its lower costs than alternatives. BECCS is expected to be a strategic technology for climate targets due to the associated negative emissions, thus it is expected to be deployed in all regions to a certain extent, even if it is not the lowest-cost CCUS option. China is the only region where coal CCUS is competitive with other CCUS technologies at high load factors and hydrogen power is very cost-effective irrespective of operational mode. The two main reasons for this divergent result for China are the low-cost domestic coal availability and the opportunity for cheap hydrogen production through coal gasification with CCS. Economic constraints relating to high upfront capital investment requirement and lack of mechanisms to recover high operational expenses are found to be the two major barriers to CCUS deployment. Capital challenges can be alleviated by tax credits, public procurement, grants, concessional loans, direct equity investment, progressive financing, international financing institutions and export credit agencies. Operational expenses can be addressed through policies such as feed-in-tariffs, contract for differences, emission performance standards, CCUS obligations with tradable CCUS certificates or additional revenues from CO2 utilization. Each country is likely to use some combination of these policies to incentivize capture plants, while the transport & storage part of the supply chain may be handled by dedicated companies that are publicly owned or supported through regulated models. The above measures must be supplemented by specific policies that focus on different CCUS applications. Retrofits would benefit from imposing retrofit readiness criteria to all new plants, while BECCS would require recognition of negative emissions and establishing strong biomass sustainability criteria. Developing appropriate business models for the low-carbon hydrogen supply-chain would be vital for deploying hydrogen power. Lastly, flexible CCUS is extremely understudied for policy purposes and new policies, such as flexible contract for differences, must be developed and tested to encourage peaking plant operation. The four countries studied have varying levels of regulatory and policy support for CCUS, but all must improve their financial incentives through adopting some of the measures proposed above. Regulatory improvements, such as fossil fuel phase-out plans, CCUS readiness requirements and limiting post-closure liabilities of CO2 storage companies are some of the common recommendations for each country. Additionally, each country may improve on their existing schemes, policies and use their existing financial institutions more efficiently to incentivize mass deployment of CCUS technologies at levels consistent with global climate models.

Efficiency evaluation of a sustainable hydrogen production scheme based on super efficiency SBM model

The hydrogen production transition from coal to renewable energy is key to realize low-carbon in the whole hydrogen energy system. To accelerate the transition, this study proposes a sustainable hydrogen production scheme combining coal-based hydrogen production with renewable hydrogen production. Specifically, the excess alkalinity generated by water electrolysis can capture the CO2 from coal-based hydrogen production. Additionally, the oxygen generated by water electrolysis can be provided for coal-based hydrogen production. Different from previous studies, we use the super efficiency SBM model with undesirable outputs to calculate the efficiency of coal-based hydrogen production, renewable hydrogen production and the integrated scheme. Results show that the efficiency of the integrated scheme with the reasonable configuration is 2.01. And it has the highest efficiency ranking, followed by coal-based hydrogen production and hydrogen production from wind energy, which are 1.07 and 0.84, respectively. On the other hand, the hydrogen production from solar energy is 0.32, which has the lowest ranking. Therefore, the integrated scheme can provide the low-carbon hydrogen by the inexpensive cost. Popularizing the integrated scheme should promote the large-scale of renewable hydrogen production, thereby guiding the green transformation of hydrogen production.

Optimising the role of solar PV in Qatar’s power sector

Qatari policymakers must balance domestic energy needs with the economic imperative to maximise hydrocarbon exports. We have modelled the optimal evolution of Qatar’s electricity system over the next few decades, with the goal of quantifying the potential for solar energy (and other low-carbon technologies) in the grid. Our results show that there is scope for up to 60,000 GWh per year of electricity production from solar PV by the 2040s, complemented by investments in grid-scale intra-day battery storage and cross-border transmission capacity. Adding renewables to the grid not only reduces the carbon footprint of Qatari consumers, but also frees up more hydrocarbons for export, particularly low-carbon hydrogen derived from steam reforming of natural gas (with CCS), for which Japan may be a prime consumer.

Process analysis of solar steam reforming of methane for producing low-carbon hydrogen.

Regarding the trend of hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine development, hydrogen fuel is undisputedly the next generation renewable and sustainable energy carrier. The steam reforming of methane (SRM) is a field-proven technology for efficient hydrogen production. However, producing low-carbon hydrogen is the most technical challenge related to available hydrogen production technologies. This paper investigated the process analysis of SRM for low-carbon hydrogen production using concentrated solar energy as a heat source. Analysis of the solar SRM is carried out considering the reformate gas and their influencing factors. The operating temperature of 200–1000 °C and the pressure of 1.02–30 bar were considered when the mass ratio of steam-to-methane in feed gas was varied from 1.0 to 4.0. It was found that the composition of reformate gas, hydrogen yield, methane and steam conversion rate, the thermal efficiency of reforming reactor, and volume flow of reformate gas are significantly affected by the operating parameters including temperature, pressure, and the mass ratio of feed gas. Carbon content in the yield of hydrogen produced can be limited by considering the water–gas shift reaction in the SRM process. Besides, the centralized tower type solar concentrating system is selected as the heat source of the SRM process. The effect of solar radiation on the operation performance of the solar SRM process was analyzed. Direct normal irradiation is a key factor affecting the operating performance of the solar SRM process.

Influence of ignition timing on performance and emission characteristics of an SI engine fueled with equi-volume blend of methanol and gasoline

ABSTRACT In the present investigation, experiments were conducted in wide open throttle condition (WOT) for different speed ranging from 1400 rpm to 1800 rpm at an interval of 200 on a single-cylinder four-stroke port-injected; spark-ignition engine. The engine fueled with equi-volume blend of methanol/gasoline was tested for different ignition timing and its effects on engine characteristics. The experiment results shown, retardation of ignition timing to 14⁰ BTDC exhibits excellent results compared to 24⁰ BTDC ignition timing. The results obtained show a good agreement of improvisation observed with M50 fuel in terms of BTE and BSEC at a speed of 1600 rpm when compared to gasoline fuel. The optimal ignition timing attributes to good combustion efficiency with increasing cylinder pressure and heat release rate. However, low carbon–hydrogen ratio and oxygen content in methanol aids to reduced NOx, HC, and CO emissions by 50%, 35%, and 40%, respectively. The small increase of 10% in CO2 emission is observed; this is due to retardation of ignition time, which allows the M50 fuel to absorb sufficient energy and achieve complete combustion.

Production of biohydrogen from gasification of waste fuels: Pilot plant results and deployment prospects

Hydrogen is seen as a key element of the future energy mix because it does not generate greenhouse gas emissions at the point of use. Understanding the technologies that can generate low carbon hydrogen is essential in planning the development of future gas networks and energy generation via fuel cells. One promising approach is hydrogen production by gasification of waste, referred to as biohydrogen. This paper summarises work undertaken to design a commercial Waste-to-Hydrogen (WtH2) plant, which includes an assessment of future markets for hydrogen, the identification of an appropriate scale for the plants, and development of specifications for process design and output streams. An experimental programme was undertaken to demonstrate bioH2 production from refuse derived fuel (RDF) at pilot scale and provided experimental data to underpin commercial designs. On this basis, a reference design for small commercial plants was developed for bioH2 production for heating and transport utilisation. A preliminary carbon assessment shows that carbon savings for biohydrogen in a commercial scale are more than four times greater than alternative technologies.

Reduction of halocarbons to hydrocarbons by NADH models and NADH

The reduction of halocarbons by NADH models and NADH under ambient conditions is reported as a new type of reactivity pointing towards a hitherto unknown disruptive pathway for NADH/NADPH-dependent processes. The reaction was studied with the omnipresent pesticide DDT, the inhalation anesthetic halothane, and several simple halocarbons. The halide–hydride exchange represents a biochemical equivalent for the reduction of halocarbons by traditional synthetic reagents like silanes (R3Si–H) and stannanes (R3Sn–H). High precision thermochemical calculations (CBS-QB3) reveal the carbon–hydrogen bond dissociation energy of NADH (70.8 kcal·mol−1) to be lower than that of stannane (SnH4: 78.1 kcal·mol−1), approaching that of the elusive plumbane (PbH4: 68.9 kcal·mol−1). The ready synthetic accessibility of NADH models, their low carbon–hydrogen bond dissociation energy, and their dehalogenation activity in the presence of air and moisture recommend these compounds as substitutes for the air-sensitive or toxic metal hydrides currently employed in synthesis.

Hydrogen market penetration feasibility assessment: Mobility and natural gas markets in the US, Europe, China and Japan

Making it possible to bridge between different sectors thanks to its versatility, hydrogen is a promising enabler for a multi-sectorial decarbonisation. The remaining question is how feasible it is to substitute the current carbonized technologies already prevailing in the markets by new low-carbon hydrogen systems that can be more expensive today and by which timeframe hydrogen can reach the required competitiveness.The market entry feasibility in the transport and natural gas sectors is assessed for USA, Europe, Japan, and China, and for different timeframes (up to 2040). According to the results, the most promising market in the four regions is hydrogen for mobility. This market even presents a potential room for taxation in the medium term. In contrast, blending with natural gas struggles to reach competitiveness. Both industrial and political efforts are required in the two markets in order to lower the costs and prepare a suitable market penetration environment.

Low Carbon Hydrogen Production with (V)PSA for H2/CO2 Purification

Low Carbon Hydrogen Production with (V)PSA for H2/CO2 Purification

Role of electricity interconnections and impact of the geographical scale on the French potential of producing hydrogen via electricity surplus by 2035

Renewable development can be leveraged through a variety of energy carriers. The aim of this paper is to assess the potential of producing low-carbon hydrogen from electricity surplus considering the French case for the timeframe of 2035. The analysis is conducted on a regional basis, in order to investigate the potential locations for electrolyser placements. To do so, it builds on an assessment of the land and ocean eligibility to identify a precise geographic distribution of the renewable energies (photovoltaics, and onshore and offshore wind) across France. The surplus energy is assessed regionally using a dispatch model showing that little energy is actually available to produce hydrogen when only considering the renewable curtailments. Using the nuclear available energy allows to enhance the hydrogen production potential while respecting the low carbon footprint criteria.

IEA perspectives on the global energy landscape

The global energy landscape continues to be in a state of flux and understanding the ongoing shifts in markets, technology and policy—and the impact of this interplay on the energy sector—has never been more critical. Each year, the IEA’s World Energy Outlook provides updated and comprehensive quantitative modelling and analysis on the evolution of the global energy system, incorporating the latest data and market developments. Amb Paul Simons will outline the key findings of the most recent edition of the World Energy Outlook, including the outlook for global oil and gas markets, and explain their implications for energy security, sustainability and growth. He will also cover recent developments and future prospects for a range of low-carbon technologies, including renewables, nuclear power, hydrogen and CCUS, that will be needed to speed up global clean energy transitions. To view the video, click the link on the right.

Hydrogen production from bio-oil: A thermodynamic analysis of sorption-enhanced chemical looping steam reforming

The steam reforming of pyrolysis bio-oil is one proposed route to low carbon hydrogen production, which may be enhanced by combination with advanced steam reforming techniques. The advanced reforming of bio-oil is investigated via a thermodynamic analysis based on the minimisation of Gibbs Energy. Conventional steam reforming (C-SR) is assessed alongside sorption-enhanced steam reforming (SE-SR), chemical looping steam reforming (CLSR) and sorption-enhanced chemical looping steam reforming (SE-CLSR). The selected CO2 sorbent is CaO(s) and oxygen transfer material (OTM) is Ni/NiO. PEFB bio-oil is modelled as a surrogate mixture and two common model compounds, acetic acid and furfural, are also considered. A process comparison highlights the advantages of sorption-enhancement and chemical looping, including improved purity and yield, and reductions in carbon deposition and process net energy balance.The operating regime of SE-CLSR is evaluated in order to assess the impact of S/C ratio, NiO/C ratio, CaO/C ratio and temperature. Autothermal operation can be achieved for S/C ratios between 1 and 3. In autothermal operation at 30 bar, S/C ratio of 2 gives a yield of 11.8 wt%, and hydrogen purity of 96.9 mol%. Alternatively, if autothermal operation is not a priority, the yield can be improved by reducing the quantity of OTM. The thermodynamic analysis highlights the role of advanced reforming techniques in enhancing the potential of bio-oil as a source of hydrogen.

Methane decomposition over Ni/carbon catalysts prepared by selective gasification of coal char

Catalytic methane decomposition (CMD) can pave the route for co-production of COx free hydrogen and valuable carbon materials, and it is considered as a potential promising strategy to develop eco-friendly and low-carbon hydrogen economy. However, there are still some challenges for utilization of traditional metal and/or carbon catalysts. In this work, relatively dispersed and efficient Ni/carbon catalysts were handily prepared for CMD by selective steam gasification of coal char with addition of nickel and/or cerium compositions. Carbothermal reduction during the gasification process could enable in-situ formation of Ni0 crystallites and facilitate the gasification efficiency and thus achieving co-production of hydrogen-rich gas and Ni/carbon hybrids with large surface areas (217–265 m2/g). When the Ni/carbon hybrids as the selective gasification residues were used for CMD, high and stable methane conversion (up to about 90% at 850 °C) can be obtained in the 600-min CMD reaction, thanks to the relatively dispersed and active Ni0 crystallites, large surface area of the porous carbon support and formation and growth of the fibrous carbon deposits.

Handy synthesis of robust Ni/carbon catalysts for methane decomposition by selective gasification of pine sawdust

Hydrogen is a clean fuel and potential alternative for fossil fuels, and many efforts have been devoted to low-carbon hydrogen production. Highly dispersed and robust Ni/carbon catalysts can be handily prepared in situ for catalytic methane decomposition (CMD) by selective steam gasification of pine sawdust. Effect of the gasification conditions (temperature, mass ratio of PS:Ni, steam flow rate and gasification reaction time) was investigated on the nickel species, activity and stability of the Ni/carbon catalyst in CMD. Besides hydrogen-rich gas released from the gasification process, co-production of hydrogen and carbon fibers can be obtained on the optimized catalyst with high and stable methane conversion (up to higher than 90% at 850 °C) in the 600-min CMD reaction. The implementation of such selective biomass gasification and CMD could be one promising approach towards process intensification for highly cost-effective hydrogen production, and enables it possible to yield a high metal efficiency as well.

SDK supplies low-carbon hydrogen made from used plastics to hotel's fuel cell.

SDK supplies low-carbon hydrogen made from used plastics to hotel's fuel cell.

Optimal operation of a photovoltaic generation-powered hydrogen production system at a hydrogen refueling station

As the popularity of fuel cell vehicles continues to rise in the global market, production and supply of low-carbon hydrogen are important to mitigate CO2 emissions. We propose a design for a hydrogen refueling station with a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEM-EL)-based electrolysis system (EL-System) and photovoltaic generation (PV) to supply low-carbon hydrogen. Hydrogen is produced by the EL-System using electricity from PV and the power grid. The system was formulated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model to allow analysis of optimal operational strategies. Case studies with different objective functions, CO2 emission targets, and capacity utilization of the EL-System were evaluated. Efficiency characteristics of the EL-System were obtained through measurements. The optimized operational strategies were evaluated with reference to three evaluation indices: CO2 emissions, capacity utilization, and operational cost of the system. The results were as follows: 1) Regardless of the objective function, the EL-System generally operated in highest efficiency state, and optimal operation depended on the efficiency characteristics of the EL-System; 2) mitigation of CO2 emissions and increase in capacity utilization of the EL-System required trade-offs; and 3) increased capacity utilization of the EL-System showed two opposing effects on hydrogen retail price.

Editorial

Green hydrogen is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the hydrogen sector, and is also particularly significant in making the case for clean energy technologies such as fuel cells that can use sustainably produced, zero- or low-carbon hydrogen.

UK government in £20m boost to develop hydrogen economy

The UK government has announced £20 million (US$26.7 million) in new funding to investigate the development of low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen for industry, buildings and transport, and help create hundreds of jobs in ‘clean’ industries.

HyNet project in UK plans ‘green’ gas for industry, home heating

Cadent, the UK's largest natural gas distribution network, has published a new report on its HyNet project in the North West of England, which aims to switch from depending on methane-rich natural gas to greater use of low-carbon hydrogen to power local industry and heat 2 million homes. The £900 million (US$1.2 billion) project is anticipated to bring a potential economic windfall for the region, including at least 5000 new jobs.

Japan plans low-carbon hydrogen supply chain initiative in Aichi

The Aichi Low-carbon Hydrogen Supply Chain Promotion Association in Japan, which includes the Aichi prefectural government, several major companies operating in the region, and municipal authorities, has recently launched the Chita City and Toyota City Renewable Energy-use Low-carbon Hydrogen Project, as a first step towards realising its 2030 Vision.