Australia
Cautiously Optimistic: Understanding the Australian Public’s Response to the Hydrogen Opportunity
Sep 2019
Publication
The increased activity across the technical world for developing hydrogen has not gone unnoticed at the political level. However there remains a gap in understanding of how the general public will respond to the development of such an emergent industry. Recognising this gap we undertook ten focus groups (N=92) and a nationally representative online survey (N=2785) with the Australian public to better understand their response to hydrogen and the opportunities it presents for export and domestic use. In both focus groups and the national survey when Australians first heard the word hydrogen they were most likely to respond with a neutral response. For example in the survey 81% responded with words such as gas energy water; with only 13% giving negative associations (e.g. bomb explosion Hindenburg); and 3% positive (e.g. clean future). Males were more likely to be supportive of hydrogen than females. Those who answered more knowledge questions correctly were also more supportive. The main benefits associated with the use of hydrogen technologies centred around the environment - reduced greenhouse gas emissions and climate change mitigation potential were key benefits. With safety cost and environmental impacts - particularly concerns around pollution emissions and water use - being the most frequently cited concerns about the production and use of hydrogen. This presentation focuses on Australian attitudes to the developing hydrogen export opportunity and also for domestic use. Implications for industry and policy makers will be discussed in light of these Australians responses.
Sustainability Implications of Using Hydrogen as an Automotive Fuel in Western Australia
Jul 2020
Publication
Hydrogen is regarded as a potential solution to address future energy demands and environmental protection challenges. This study assesses the triple bottom line (TBL) sustainability performance of hydrogen as an automotive fuel for Western Australia (WA) using a life cycle approach. Hydrogen is considered to be produced through water electrolysis. Two scenarios current grid electricity and future renewable-based hydrogen were compared with gasoline as a base case. The results show that locally produced grid electricity-based hydrogen is good for local jobs but exhibits higher environmental impacts and negative economic benefits for consumers when compared to gasoline. After incorporating wind-generated electricity reductions of around 69% and 65% in global warming potential (GWP) and fossil fuel depletion (FFD) respectively were achieved compared to the base case gasoline. The land utilization for the production of hydrogen is not a problem as Western Australia has plenty of land to accommodate renewable energy projects. Water for hydrogen feedstock could be sourced through seawater desalination or from wastewater treatment plants in WA. Hydrogen also performed better than gasoline in terms of human health and conservation of fossil fuel indicators under the renewable energy scenario. Local job creation potential of hydrogen was estimated to be 1.29E-03 man-hours/VKT. It has also been found that the cost of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCV) needs to be similar to that of gasoline vehicles (GV) in order to be comparable with the gasoline life cycle cost per vehicle kilometre travel (VKT).
Supporting Hydrogen Development in Australia Short Film
Jan 2021
Publication
This short film promotes Geoscience Australia's online and publicly accessible hydrogen data products. The film steps through the functionality of GA's Australian Hydrogen Opportunities Tool (AusH2) and describes the upcoming Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool which has been created through a collaborative effort with Monash University.
A Review on Synthesis of Methane as a Pathway for Renewable Energy Storage With a Focus on Solid Oxide Electrolytic Cell-Based Processes
Sep 2020
Publication
Environmental issues related to global warming are constantly pushing the fossil fuel-based energy sector toward an efficient and economically viable utilization of renewable energy. However challenges related to renewable energy call for alternative routes of its conversion to fuels and chemicals by an emerging Power-to-X approach. Methane is one such high-valued fuel that can be produced through renewables-powered electrolytic routes. Such routes employ alkaline electrolyzers proton exchange membrane electrolyzers and solid oxide electrolyzers commonly known as solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). SOECs have the potential to utilize the waste heat generated from exothermic methanation reactions to reduce the expensive electrical energy input required for electrolysis. A further advantage of an SOEC lies in its capacity to co-electrolyze both steam and carbon dioxide as opposed to only water and this inherent capability of an SOEC can be harnessed for in situ synthesis of methane within a single reactor. However the concept of in situ methanation in SOECs is still at a nascent stage and requires significant advancements in SOEC materials particularly in developing a cathode electrocatalyst that demonstrates activity toward both steam electrolysis and methanation reactions. Equally important is the appropriate reactor design along with optimization of cell operating conditions (temperature pressure and applied potential). This review elucidates those developments along with research and development opportunities in this space. Also presented here is an efficiency comparison of different routes of synthetic methane production using SOECs in various modes that is as a source of hydrogen syngas and hydrogen/carbon dioxide mixture and for in situ methane synthesis.
Hydrogen in the Gas Distribution Networks: A Kickstart Project as an Input into the Development of a National Hydrogen Strategy for Australia
Nov 2019
Publication
The report investigates a kickstart project that allows up to 10% hydrogen into gas distribution networks. It reviews the technical impacts and standards to identify barriers and develop recommendations.
You can see the full report on the Australian Government website here
This report is developed in support of Australia's National Hydrogen Strategy
You can see the full report on the Australian Government website here
This report is developed in support of Australia's National Hydrogen Strategy
Magnesium Based Materials for Hydrogen Based Energy Storage: Past, Present and Future
Jan 2019
Publication
Volodymyr A. Yartys,
Mykhaylo V. Lototskyy,
Etsuo Akiba,
Rene Albert,
V. E. Antonov,
Jose-Ramón Ares,
Marcello Baricco,
Natacha Bourgeois,
Craig Buckley,
José Bellosta von Colbe,
Jean-Claude Crivello,
Fermin Cuevas,
Roman V. Denys,
Martin Dornheim,
Michael Felderhoff,
David M. Grant,
Bjørn Christian Hauback,
Terry D. Humphries,
Isaac Jacob,
Petra E. de Jongh,
Jean-Marc Joubert,
Mikhail A. Kuzovnikov,
Michel Latroche,
Mark Paskevicius,
Luca Pasquini,
L. Popilevsky,
Vladimir M. Skripnyuk,
Eugene I. Rabkin,
M. Veronica Sofianos,
Alastair D. Stuart,
Gavin Walker,
Hui Wang,
Colin Webb,
Min Zhu and
Torben R. Jensen
Magnesium hydride owns the largest share of publications on solid materials for hydrogen storage. The “Magnesium group” of international experts contributing to IEA Task 32 “Hydrogen Based Energy Storage” recently published two review papers presenting the activities of the group focused on magnesium hydride based materials and on Mg based compounds for hydrogen and energy storage. This review article not only overviews the latest activities on both fundamental aspects of Mg-based hydrides and their applications but also presents a historic overview on the topic and outlines projected future developments. Particular attention is paid to the theoretical and experimental studies of Mg-H system at extreme pressures kinetics and thermodynamics of the systems based on MgH2 nanostructuring new Mg-based compounds and novel composites and catalysis in the Mg based H storage systems. Finally thermal energy storage and upscaled H storage systems accommodating MgH2 are presented.
Renewable Hydrogen for the Chemical Industry
Aug 2020
Publication
Hydrogen is often touted as the fuel of the future but hydrogen is already an important feedstock for the chemical industry. This review highlights current means for hydrogen production and use and the importance of progressing R&D along key technologies and policies to drive a cost reduction in renewable hydrogen production and enable the transition of chemical manufacturing toward green hydrogen as a feedstock and fuel. The chemical industry is at the core of what is considered a modern economy. It provides commodities and important materials e.g. fertilizers synthetic textiles and drug precursors supporting economies and more broadly our needs. The chemical sector is to become the major driver for oil production by 2030 as it entirely relies on sufficient oil supply. In this respect renewable hydrogen has an important role to play beyond its use in the transport sector. Hydrogen not only has three times the energy density of natural gas and using hydrogen as a fuel could help decarbonize the entire chemical manufacturing but also the use of green hydrogen as an essential reactant at the basis of many chemical products could facilitate the convergence toward virtuous circles. Enabling the production of green hydrogen at cost could not only enable new opportunities but also strengthen economies through a localized production and use of hydrogen. Herein existing technologies for the production of renewable hydrogen including biomass and water electrolysis and methods for the effective storage of hydrogen are reviewed with an emphasis on the need for mitigation strategies to enable such a transition.
Tantalum (Oxy)Nitride: Narrow Bandgap Photocatalysts for Solar Hydrogen Generation
Jul 2017
Publication
Photocatalytic water splitting which directly converts solar energy into hydrogen is one of the most desirable solar-energy-conversion approaches. The ultimate target of photocatalysis is to explore efficient and stable photocatalysts for solar water splitting. Tantalum (oxy)nitride-based materials are a class of the most promising photocatalysts for solar water splitting because of their narrow bandgaps and sufficient band energy potentials for water splitting. Tantalum (oxy)nitride-based photocatalysts have experienced intensive exploration and encouraging progress has been achieved over the past years. However the solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency is still very far from its theoretical value. The question of how to better design these materials in order to further improve their water-splitting capability is of interest and importance. This review summarizes the development of tantalum (oxy)nitride-based photocatalysts for solar water spitting. Special interest is paid to important strategies for improving photocatalytic water-splitting efficiency. This paper also proposes future trends to explore in the research area of tantalum-based narrow bandgap photocatalysts for solar water splitting.
Prospective Hydrogen Production Regions of Australia
Oct 2019
Publication
There is significant interest in Australia both federally and at the state level to develop a hydrogen production industry. Australia’s Chief Scientist Alan Finkel recently prepared a briefing paper for the COAG Energy Council outlining a road map for hydrogen. It identifies hydrogen has the potential to be a significant source of export revenue for Australia in future years assist with decarbonising Australia’s economy and could establish Australia as a leader in low emission fuel production.
As part of the ongoing investigations into the hydrogen production potential of Australia Geoscience Australia has been commissioned by the Department of Industry Innovation and Science to develop heat maps that show areas with high potential for future hydrogen production. The study is technology agnostic in that it considers hydrogen production via electrolysis using renewable energy sources and also fossil fuel hydrogen coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS). The heat maps presented in this work are synthesized from the key individual national-scale datasets that are relevant for hydrogen production. In the case of hydrogen from electrolysis renewable energy potential and the availability of water are the most important factors with various infrastructural considerations playing a secondary role. In the case of fossil fuel hydrogen proximity to gas and coal resources water and availability of carbon storage sites are the important parameters that control the heat maps. In this report we present 5 different heat map scenarios reflecting different assumptions in the geospatial analysis and also reflecting to some degree the different projected timeframes for hydrogen production. The first three scenarios pertain to renewable energy and hydrogen There is significant interest in Australia both federally and at the state level to develop a hydrogen production industry. In August 2018 Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel prepared a briefing paper for the COAG Energy Council outlining a road map for hydrogen. It identifies hydrogen has the potential to be a significant source of export revenue for Australia in future years assist with decarbonising Australia’s economy and could establish Australia as a leader in low emission fuel production.
As part of ongoing investigations into the hydrogen production potential of Australia Geoscience Australia has been engaged by the Department of Industry Innovation and Science to develop maps that show areas with high potential for future hydrogen production. The study is technology agnostic but considers only low carbon production processes. It includes hydrogen production via electrolysis using renewable energy sources (referred to as renewable hydrogen) as well as fossil fuel-derived hydrogen coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS) (referred to as CCS hydrogen). The maps presented in this work are synthesized from the key individual national-scale datasets that are relevant for hydrogen production. In the case of hydrogen from electrolysis renewable energy potential (from wind solar and hydro resources) and the availability of water are the most important factors while various infrastructure considerations also play a role. In the case of CCS hydrogen proximity to gas and coal resources water and availability of carbon storage sites are the important parameters that control the spatial distribution of potential hydrogen production. In this report we present five different scenarios that reflect key differences in technologies for hydrogen production and the requirements of those technologies. Using geospatial analysis each scenario is translated into a heat map that shows regional trends in potential for hydrogen production based on access to underpinning resources and existing infrastructure.
Three scenarios explore the future potential for renewable hydrogen produced by electrolysis. These demonstrate a high potential for hydrogen production in the future near many Australian coastal areas which is even larger if infrastructure is available to transport renewable power generated from inland areas to the coast. Results also show significant future potential for hydrogen production in inland areas where water is available. The final two scenarios focus on the future potential for CCS hydrogen: a 2030 scenario and a 2050 scenario. A key factor in future CCS hydrogen potential is related to the timeframes for the availability of geological storage resources for CO2.
As part of the ongoing investigations into the hydrogen production potential of Australia Geoscience Australia has been commissioned by the Department of Industry Innovation and Science to develop heat maps that show areas with high potential for future hydrogen production. The study is technology agnostic in that it considers hydrogen production via electrolysis using renewable energy sources and also fossil fuel hydrogen coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS). The heat maps presented in this work are synthesized from the key individual national-scale datasets that are relevant for hydrogen production. In the case of hydrogen from electrolysis renewable energy potential and the availability of water are the most important factors with various infrastructural considerations playing a secondary role. In the case of fossil fuel hydrogen proximity to gas and coal resources water and availability of carbon storage sites are the important parameters that control the heat maps. In this report we present 5 different heat map scenarios reflecting different assumptions in the geospatial analysis and also reflecting to some degree the different projected timeframes for hydrogen production. The first three scenarios pertain to renewable energy and hydrogen There is significant interest in Australia both federally and at the state level to develop a hydrogen production industry. In August 2018 Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel prepared a briefing paper for the COAG Energy Council outlining a road map for hydrogen. It identifies hydrogen has the potential to be a significant source of export revenue for Australia in future years assist with decarbonising Australia’s economy and could establish Australia as a leader in low emission fuel production.
As part of ongoing investigations into the hydrogen production potential of Australia Geoscience Australia has been engaged by the Department of Industry Innovation and Science to develop maps that show areas with high potential for future hydrogen production. The study is technology agnostic but considers only low carbon production processes. It includes hydrogen production via electrolysis using renewable energy sources (referred to as renewable hydrogen) as well as fossil fuel-derived hydrogen coupled with carbon capture and storage (CCS) (referred to as CCS hydrogen). The maps presented in this work are synthesized from the key individual national-scale datasets that are relevant for hydrogen production. In the case of hydrogen from electrolysis renewable energy potential (from wind solar and hydro resources) and the availability of water are the most important factors while various infrastructure considerations also play a role. In the case of CCS hydrogen proximity to gas and coal resources water and availability of carbon storage sites are the important parameters that control the spatial distribution of potential hydrogen production. In this report we present five different scenarios that reflect key differences in technologies for hydrogen production and the requirements of those technologies. Using geospatial analysis each scenario is translated into a heat map that shows regional trends in potential for hydrogen production based on access to underpinning resources and existing infrastructure.
Three scenarios explore the future potential for renewable hydrogen produced by electrolysis. These demonstrate a high potential for hydrogen production in the future near many Australian coastal areas which is even larger if infrastructure is available to transport renewable power generated from inland areas to the coast. Results also show significant future potential for hydrogen production in inland areas where water is available. The final two scenarios focus on the future potential for CCS hydrogen: a 2030 scenario and a 2050 scenario. A key factor in future CCS hydrogen potential is related to the timeframes for the availability of geological storage resources for CO2.
Technology Investment Roadmap- Global Leadership in Low Emissions Technologies
Sep 2020
Publication
Australia’s Technology Investment Roadmap is a strategy to accelerate development and commercialisation of low emissions technologies.
Annual low emissions statements are key milestones of the roadmap process. These statements prioritise low emissions technologies with potential to deliver the strongest economic and emissions reduction outcomes for Australia. They focus government investment on new and emerging technologies.
In this Statement
The first Low Emissions Technology Statement presents a vision of a prosperous Australia recognised as a global low emissions technology leader.
Annual low emissions statements are key milestones of the roadmap process. These statements prioritise low emissions technologies with potential to deliver the strongest economic and emissions reduction outcomes for Australia. They focus government investment on new and emerging technologies.
In this Statement
The first Low Emissions Technology Statement presents a vision of a prosperous Australia recognised as a global low emissions technology leader.
- priority technologies and economic stretch goals
- Australia’s big technology challenges and opportunities
- Technology Investment Framework
- monitoring transparency and impact evaluation
Technology Investment Roadmap First Low Emissions Technology Statement – 2020 Global Leadership in Low Emissions Technologies
Sep 2020
Publication
Australia’s Technology Investment Roadmap is a strategy to accelerate development and commercialisation of low emissions technologies.
Annual low emissions statements are key milestones of the roadmap process. These statements prioritise low emissions technologies with potential to deliver the strongest economic and emissions reduction outcomes for Australia. They focus government investment on new and emerging technologies.
In this Statement
The first Low Emissions Technology Statement presents a vision of a prosperous Australia recognised as a global low emissions technology leader
Annual low emissions statements are key milestones of the roadmap process. These statements prioritise low emissions technologies with potential to deliver the strongest economic and emissions reduction outcomes for Australia. They focus government investment on new and emerging technologies.
In this Statement
The first Low Emissions Technology Statement presents a vision of a prosperous Australia recognised as a global low emissions technology leader
- priority technologies and economic stretch goals
- Australia’s big technology challenges and opportunities
- Technology Investment Framework
- monitoring transparency and impact evaluation
The Global Status of CCS 2020: Vital to Achieve Net Zero
Dec 2020
Publication
The Global Status of CCS Report 2020 demonstrates the vital role of carbon capture and storage technologies (CCS) in reducing emissions to net-zero by 2050 as well as documenting the current status and important milestones for the technology over the past 12 months.<br/>The report provides detailed information on and analyses of the global CCS facility pipeline international policy perspectives CO2 storage and the CCS legal and regulatory environment.<br/>In addition four regional updates provide further detail about CCS progress across the Americas Europe Asia Pacific and the Gulf Cooperation Council States and a Technology section provides updates on key innovations and applications of CCS.
Hydrogen Diffusion in Coal: Implications for Hydrogen Geo-storage
Oct 2021
Publication
Hypothesis: Hydrogen geo-storage is considered as an option for large scale hydrogen storage in a full-scale hydrogen economy. Among different types of subsurface formations coal seams look to be one of the best suitable options as coal’s micro/nano pore structure can adsorb a huge amount of gas (e.g. hydrogen) which can be withdrawn again once needed. However literature lacks fundamental data regarding H2 diffusion in coal. Experiments: In this study we measured H2 adsorption rate in an Australian anthracite coal sample at isothermal conditions for four different temperatures (20 C 30 C 45 C and 60 C) at equilibrium pressure 13 bar and calculated H2 diffusion coefficient (DH2 ) at each temperature. CO2 adsorption rates were measured for the same sample at similar temperatures and equilibrium pressure for comparison. Findings: Results show that H2 adsorption rate and consequently DH2 increases by temperature. DH2 values are one order of magnitude larger than the equivalent DCO2 values for the whole studied temperature range 20–60 C. DH2 / DCO2 also shows an increasing trend versus temperature. CO2 adsorption capacity at equilibrium pressure is about 5 times higher than that of H2 in all studied temperatures. Both H2 and CO2 adsorption capacities at equilibrium pressure slightly decrease as temperature rises.
Hydrogen for Transport
Oct 2019
Publication
The Australian transport sector is under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions whilst also managing a fuel supply chain that relies heavily on foreign import partners.
Transport in Australia equates to a significant proportion (approximately 18%) of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Due to ongoing population growth these emissions have been steadily rising with the increase of cars on our roads and freight trucks in transit. Coupled with this the transport fuel supply chain is highly reliant on overseas partners – Australia currently imports 90% of its liquid fuel. These two challenges present an interesting dichotomy for the industry incentivising research and development into new technologies that can address one or both of these issues.
Hydrogen is one technology that has the potential to provide a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as well as a more reliable domestic fuel supply. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are an emerging zero-emission alternative for the transport sector which offer a variety of benefits.
Available from the Energy Ministers Website link here
Transport in Australia equates to a significant proportion (approximately 18%) of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Due to ongoing population growth these emissions have been steadily rising with the increase of cars on our roads and freight trucks in transit. Coupled with this the transport fuel supply chain is highly reliant on overseas partners – Australia currently imports 90% of its liquid fuel. These two challenges present an interesting dichotomy for the industry incentivising research and development into new technologies that can address one or both of these issues.
Hydrogen is one technology that has the potential to provide a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as well as a more reliable domestic fuel supply. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are an emerging zero-emission alternative for the transport sector which offer a variety of benefits.
Available from the Energy Ministers Website link here
Australian and Global Hydrogen Demand Growth Scenario Analysis
Nov 2019
Publication
Deloitte was commissioned by the National Hydrogen Taskforce established by the COAG Energy Council to undertake an Australian and Global Growth Scenario Analysis. Deloitte analysed the current global hydrogen industry its development and growth potential and how Australia can position itself to best capitalise on the newly forming industry.
To conceptualise the possibilities for Australia Deloitte created scenarios to model the realm of possibilities for Australia out to 2050 focusing on identifying the scope and distribution of economic and environmental costs and benefits from Australian hydrogen industry development. This work will aid in analysing the opportunities and challenges to hydrogen industry development in Australia and the actions needed to overcome barriers to industry growth manage risks and best drive industry development.
The full report is available on the Deloitte website at this link
To conceptualise the possibilities for Australia Deloitte created scenarios to model the realm of possibilities for Australia out to 2050 focusing on identifying the scope and distribution of economic and environmental costs and benefits from Australian hydrogen industry development. This work will aid in analysing the opportunities and challenges to hydrogen industry development in Australia and the actions needed to overcome barriers to industry growth manage risks and best drive industry development.
The full report is available on the Deloitte website at this link
Magneto-Electronic Hydrogen Gas Sensors: A Critical Review
Jan 2022
Publication
Devices enabling early detection of low concentrations of leaking hydrogen and precision measurements in a wide range of hydrogen concentrations in hydrogen storage systems are essential for the mass-production of fuel-cell vehicles and more broadly for the transition to the hydrogen economy. Whereas several competing sensor technologies are potentially suitable for this role ultralow fire-hazard contactless and technically simple magneto-electronic sensors stand apart because they have been able to detect the presence of hydrogen gas in a range of hydrogen concentrations from 0.06% to 100% at atmospheric pressure with the response time approaching the industry gold standard of one second. This new kind of hydrogen sensors is the subject of this review article where we inform academic physics chemistry material science and engineering communities as well as industry researchers about the recent developments in the field of magneto-electronic hydrogen sensors including those based on magneto-optical Kerr effect anomalous Hall effect and Ferromagnetic Resonance with a special focus on Ferromagnetic Resonance (FMR)-based devices. In particular we present the physical foundations of magneto-electronic hydrogen sensors and we critically overview their advantages and disadvantages for applications in the vital areas of the safety of hydrogen-powered cars and hydrogen fuelling stations as well as hydrogen concentration meters including those operating directly inside hydrogen-fuelled fuel cells. We believe that this review will be of interest to a broad readership also facilitating the translation of research results into policy and practice.
Influence of Pressure, Temperature and Organic Surface Concentration on Hydrogen Wettability of Caprock; Implications for Hydrogen Geo-storage
Sep 2021
Publication
Hydrogen (H2) as a cleaner fuel has been suggested as a viable method of achieving the decarbonization objectives and meeting increasing global energy demand. However successful implementation of a full-scale hydrogen economy requires large-scale hydrogen storage (as hydrogen is highly compressible). A potential solution to this challenge is injecting hydrogen into geologic formations from where it can be withdrawn again at later stages for utilization purposes. The geostorage capacity of a porous formation is a function of its wetting characteristics which strongly influence residual saturations fluid flow rate of injection rate of withdrawal and containment security. However literature severely lacks information on hydrogen wettability in realistic geological and caprock formations which contain organic matter (due to the prevailing reducing atmosphere). We therefore measured advancing (θa) and receding (θr) contact angles of mica substrates at various representative thermo-physical conditions (pressures 0.1-25 MPa temperatures 308–343 K and stearic acid concentrations of 10−9 - 10−2 mol/L). The mica exhibited an increasing tendency to become weakly water-wet at higher temperatures lower pressures and very low stearic acid concentration. However it turned intermediate-wet at higher pressures lower temperatures and increasing stearic acid concentrations. The study suggests that the structural H2 trapping capacities in geological formations and sealing potentials of caprock highly depend on the specific thermo-physical condition. Thus this novel data provides a significant advancement in literature and will aid in the implementation of hydrogen geo-storage at an industrial scale.
Advances in Reforming and Partial Oxidation of Hydrocarbons for Hydrogen Production and Fuel Cell Applications
May 2019
Publication
One of the most attractive routes for the production of hydrogen or syngas for use in fuel cell applications is the reforming and partial oxidation of hydrocarbons. The use of hydrocarbons in high temperature fuel cells is achieved through either external or internal reforming. Reforming and partial oxidation catalysis to convert hydrocarbons to hydrogen rich syngas plays an important role in fuel processing technology. The current research in the area of reforming and partial oxidation of methane methanol and ethanol includes catalysts for reforming and oxidation methods of catalyst synthesis and the effective utilization of fuel for both external and internal reforming processes. In this paper the recent progress in these areas of research is reviewed along with the reforming of liquid hydrocarbons from this an overview of the current best performing catalysts for the reforming and partial oxidizing of hydrocarbons for hydrogen production is summarized.
Enhanced Hydrogen Storage of Alanates: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives
Feb 2021
Publication
The global energy crisis and environmental pollution have caused great concern. Hydrogen is a renewable and environmentally friendly source of energy and has potential to be a major alternative energy carrier in the future. Due to its high capacity and relatively low cost of raw materials alanate has been considered as one of the most promising candidates for hydrogen storage. Among them LiAlH4 and NaAlH4 as two representative metal alanates have attracted extensive attention. Unfortunately the high desorption temperature and sluggish kinetics restrict its practical application. In this paper the basic physical and chemical properties as well as the hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reaction mechanism of LiAlH4 and NaAlH4 are briefly reviewed. The recent progress on strategic optimizations toward tuning the thermodynamics and kinetics of the alanate including nanoscaling doping catalysts and compositing modification are emphatically discussed. Finally the coming challenges and the development prospects are also proposed in this review.
100% Renewable Energy in Japan
Feb 2022
Publication
Low-cost solar photovoltaics and wind offer a reliable and affordable pathway to deep decarbonization of energy which accounts for three quarters of global emissions. However large-scale deployment of solar photovoltaics and wind requires space and may be challenging for countries with dense population and high per capita energy consumption. This study investigates the future role of renewable energy in Japan as a case study. A 40-year hourly energy balance model is presented of a hypothetical 100% renewable Japanese electricity system using representative demand data and historical meteorological data. Pumped hydro energy storage high voltage interconnection and dispatchable capacity (existing hydro and biomass and hydrogen energy produced from curtailed electricity) are included to balance variable generation and demand. Differential evolution is used to find the least-cost solution under various constraints. This study shows that Japan has 14 times more solar and offshore wind resources than needed to supply 100% renewable electricity and vast capacity for off-river pumped hydro energy storage. Assuming significant cost reductions of solar photovoltaics and offshore wind towards global norms in the coming decades driven by large-scale deployment locally and global convergence of renewable generation costs the levelized cost of electricity is found to be US$86/Megawatt-hour for a solar-dominated system and US$110/Megawatt-hour for a wind-dominated system. These costs can be compared with 2020 average system prices on the spot market in Japan of US$102/Megawatt-hour. Cost of balancing 100% renewable electricity in Japan ranges between US$20–27/Megawatt-hour for a range of scenarios. In summary Japan can be self-sufficient for electricity supply at competitive costs provided that the barriers to the mass deployment of solar photovoltaics and offshore wind in Japan are overcome.
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