Australia
Recent Developments in Carbon-Based Nanocomposites for Fuel Cell Applications: A Review
Jan 2022
Publication
Carbon-based nanocomposites have developed as the most promising and emerging materials in nanoscience and technology during the last several years. They are microscopic materials that range in size from 1 to 100 nanometers. They may be distinguished from bulk materials by their size shape increased surface-to-volume ratio and unique physical and chemical characteristics. Carbon nanocomposite matrixes are often created by combining more than two distinct solid phase types. The nanocomposites that were constructed exhibit unique properties such as significantly enhanced toughness mechanical strength and thermal/electrochemical conductivity. As a result of these advantages nanocomposites have been used in a variety of applications including catalysts electrochemical sensors biosensors and energy storage devices among others. This study focuses on the usage of several forms of carbon nanomaterials such as carbon aerogels carbon nanofibers graphene carbon nanotubes and fullerenes in the development of hydrogen fuel cells. These fuel cells have been successfully employed in numerous commercial sectors in recent years notably in the car industry due to their cost-effectiveness eco-friendliness and long-cyclic durability. Further; we discuss the principles reaction mechanisms and cyclic stability of the fuel cells and also new strategies and future challenges related to the development of viable fuel cells.
Empowering Hydrogen Storage Properties of Haeckelite Monolayers via Metal Atom Functionalization
Mar 2021
Publication
Using hydrogen as an energy carrier requires new technological solutions for its onboard storage. The exploration of two-dimensional (2D) materials for hydrogen storage technologies has been motivated by their open structures which facilitates fast hydrogen kinetics. Herein the hydrogen storage properties of lightweight metal functionalized r57 haeckelite sheets are studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. H2 molecules are adsorbed on pristine r57 via physisorption. The hydrogen storage capacity of r57 is improved by decorating it with alkali and alkaline-earth metals. In addition the in-plane substitution of r57 carbons with boron atoms (B@r57) both prevents the clustering of metals on the surface of 2D material and increases the hydrogen storage capacity by improving the adsorption thermodynamics of hydrogen molecules. Among the studied compounds B@r57-Li4 with its 10.0 wt% H2 content and 0.16 eV/H2 hydrogen binding energy is a promising candidate for hydrogen storage applications. A further investigation as based on the calculated electron localization functions atomic charges and electronic density of states confirm the electrostatic nature of interactions between the H2 molecules and the protruding metal atoms on 2D haeckelite sheets. All in all this work contributes to a better understanding of pure carbon and B-doped haeckelites for hydrogen storage.
Hydrogen to Support Electricity Systems
Jan 2020
Publication
The Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) engaged GHD Advisory and ACIL Allen to assess the roles opportunities and challenges that hydrogen might play in the future to support Australia’s power systems and to determine whether the relevant electricity system regulatory frameworks are compatible with both enabling an industrial-scale1 hydrogen production capability and the use of hydrogen for power generation.
You can read the full report on the website of the Australian Government at this link
You can read the full report on the website of the Australian Government at this link
Towards a Large-Scale Hydrogen Industry for Australia
Oct 2020
Publication
As nations around the world seek to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in order to mitigate climate change risks there has been a resurgence of interest in the use of hydrogen as a zero-emissions energy carrier. Hydrogen can be produced from diverse feedstocks via a range of low-emissions pathways and has broad potential in the process of decarbonization across the energy transport and industrial sectors.<br/>With an abundance of both renewable and fossil fuel energy resources a comparatively low national energy demand and excellent existing regional resource trading links Australia is well positioned to pursue industrial-scale hydrogen production for both domestic and export purposes. In this paper we present an overview of the progress at the government industry and research levels currently undertaken to enable a large-scale hydrogen industry for Australia.
Clean Energy Futures: An Australian Based Foresight Study
Aug 2022
Publication
Political decarbonisation commitments and outcompeting renewable electricity costs are disrupting energy systems. This foresight study prepares stakeholders for this dynamic reactive change by examining visions that constitute a probable plausible and possible component of future energy systems. Visions were extrapolated through an expert review of energy technologies and Australian case studies. ‘Probable–Abundant’ envisages a high penetration of solar and wind with increased value of balancing services: batteries pumped hydro and transmission. This vision is exemplified by the South Australian grid where variable and distributed sources lead generation. ‘Plausible–Traded’ envisages power and power fuel exports given hydrogen and high-voltage direct-current transmission advances reflected by public and private sector plans to leverage rich natural resources for national and intercontinental exchanges. ‘Possible–Zero’ envisages the application of carbon removal and nuclear technologies in response to the escalating challenge of deep decarbonisation. The Australian critical minerals strategy signals adaptations of high-emission industries to shifting energy resource values. These visions contribute a flexible accessible framework for diverse stakeholders to discuss uncertain energy systems changes and consider issues from new perspectives. Appraisal of preferred futures allows stakeholders to recognise observed changes as positive or negative and may lead to new planning aspirations.
Optimal Battery and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Sizing in Heavy-haul Locomotives
Jul 2023
Publication
Global supply chains must be decarbonised as part of meeting climate targets set by the United Nations and world leaders. Rail networks are vital infrastructure in passenger and freight transport however have not received the same push for decarbonisation as road transport. In this investigation we used real world data from locomotives operating on seven rail corridors to identify optimal battery capacity and hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) power in hybrid systems. We found that the required battery capacity is dependent on both the available regenerative braking energy and on the capacity required to buffer surpluses and deficits from the HFC. The optimal system for each corridor was identified however it was found that one 3.6 MWh battery and 860 kW HFC system could service six of the seven corridors. The optimal systems presented in this work suggest an average of around 5 h of battery storage for the HFC power which is larger than the 2 h previously reported in literature. This may indicate a gap between purely theoretical works that use only route topography and speed and those that employ real world locomotive data.
Investigating the Impact of Economic Uncertainty on Optimal Sizing of Grid-Independent Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems
Aug 2021
Publication
One of the many barriers to decarbonization and decentralization of the energy sector in developing countries is the economic uncertainty. As such this study scrutinizes economics of three grid-independent hybrid renewable-based systems proposed to co-generate electricity and heat for a small-scale load. Accordingly the under-study systems are simulated and optimized with the aid of HOMER Pro software. Here a 20-year average value of discount and inflation rates is deemed a benchmark case. The techno-economic-environmental and reliability results suggest a standalone solar/wind/electrolyzer/hydrogen-based fuel cell integrated with a hydrogen-based boiler system is the best alternative. Moreover to ascertain the impact of economic uncertainty on optimal unit sizing of the nominated model the fluctuations of the nominal discount rate and inflation respectively constitute within the range of 15–20% and 10–26%. The findings of economic uncertainty analysis imply that total net present cost (TNPC) fluctuates around the benchmark value symmetrically between $478704 and $814905. Levelized energy cost varies from an amount 69% less than the benchmark value up to two-fold of that. Furthermore photovoltaic (PV) optimal size starts from a value 23% less than the benchmark case and rises up to 55% more. The corresponding figures for wind turbine (WT) are respectively 21% and 29%. Eventually several practical policies are introduced to cope with economic uncertainty.
A Study on Green Hydrogen-based Isolated Microgrid
Oct 2022
Publication
This paper assesses the techno-economic feasibility of a green hydrogen-based microgrid for a remote Australian island. Hydrogen can be used to provide clean energy in areas where large-scale renewable energy sources are not feasible owing to geography government regulations or regulatory difficulties. This study not only identifies the appropriate component size for a hydrogen-based microgrid but also provides an economic perspective of decarbonising Thursday Island in Torres Straits Queensland Australia. Due to geographical constraints the green hydrogen production system needs to be distinct from the electrical network. This research shows how to produce green hydrogen transport it and generate power at a low cost. The study was performed utilising the HOMER simulation platform to find the least cost solution. The simulation results demonstrate an AU$0.01 reduction in Levelised Cost of Energy compared to the present electricity generation cost which is AU$0.56. The inclusion of a green hydrogen system will potentially minimise CO2 emissions by 99.6% while ensuring almost 100% renewable penetration. The results of this study will also serve as a guide for the placement of hydrogen-based microgrids in similar remote locations around the world where numerous remote energy systems are located close to each other.
Skilling the Green Hydrogen Economy: A Case Study from Australia
Feb 2023
Publication
This paper explores the skills landscape of the emerging green hydrogen industry in Australia drawing on data collected from a study that gathered insights on training gaps from a range of hydrogen industry participants. A total of 41 industry participants completed a survey and 14 of those survey respondents participated in industry consultations. The findings revealed widespread perceptions of training and skilling as being very important to the industry but under-provisioned across the sector. Data were analysed to consider the problem of skilling the green hydrogen industry and the barriers and enablers as perceived by industry stakeholders. In this paper we argue that urgent cross-sector attention needs to be paid to hydrogen industry training and skill development systems in Australia if the promise of green hydrogen as a clean energy source is to be realised.
Nanotechnology Enabled Hydrogen Gas Sensing
Sep 2019
Publication
An important contribution to industry standards and to effective installation of hybrid renewable energy systems is evaluation of hydrogen (H2) monitoring techniques under pilot-scale and/or real-world conditions. We have designed a hybrid system to integrate solar power electrolysis and hydrogen fuel cell components in a DC micro-grid with capacity to evaluate novel nanomaterials for enhanced H2 gas sensing performance. In general enhanced hydrogen sensing performance is evaluated by high sensitivity selectivity and stability as well as low power consumption. Unique properties such as high surface area to volume ratio a large number of surface active sites high specific surface area and reactivity are key attributes of nanomaterials used for gas sensing. These attributes enable sensors to be embedded in Internet-of-Things applications or in mobile systems. With rapid development of hydrogen-based technologies for clean energy applications there remains a requirement for faster accurate and selective H2 sensors with low cost and low power consumption. Operating principles for these sensors include catalytic thermal conductivity electrochemical resistance based optical and acoustic methods. In this paper we review performance of H2 gas sensors based on conductometric devices operating at room temperature up to 200 °C. The focus of this work includes nanostructured metal oxides graphene materials and transition metal dichalcogenides employed as sensing materials.
Materials for Hydrogen-based Energy Storage - Past, Recent Progress and Future Outlook
Dec 2019
Publication
Michael Hirscher,
Volodymyr A. Yartys,
Marcello Baricco,
José Bellosta von Colbe,
Didier Blanchard,
Robert C. Bowman Jr.,
Darren P. Broom,
Craig Buckley,
Fei Chang,
Ping Chen,
Young Whan Cho,
Jean-Claude Crivello,
Fermin Cuevas,
William I. F. David,
Petra E. de Jongh,
Roman V. Denys,
Martin Dornheim,
Michael Felderhoff,
Yaroslav Filinchuk,
George E. Froudakis,
David M. Grant,
Evan MacA. Gray,
Bjørn Christian Hauback,
Teng He,
Terry D. Humphries,
Torben R. Jensen,
Sangryun Kim,
Yoshitsugu Kojima,
Michel Latroche,
Hai-wen Li,
Mykhaylo V. Lototskyy,
Joshua W. Makepeace,
Kasper T. Møller,
Lubna Naheed,
Peter Ngene,
Dag Noreus,
Magnus Moe Nygård,
Shin-ichi Orimo,
Mark Paskevicius,
Luca Pasquini,
Dorthe B. Ravnsbæk,
M. Veronica Sofianos,
Terrence J. Udovic,
Tejs Vegge,
Gavin Walker,
Colin Webb,
Claudia Weidenthaler and
Claudia Zlotea
Globally the accelerating use of renewable energy sources enabled by increased efficiencies and reduced costs and driven by the need to mitigate the effects of climate change has significantly increased research in the areas of renewable energy production storage distribution and end-use. Central to this discussion is the use of hydrogen as a clean efficient energy vector for energy storage. This review by experts of Task 32 “Hydrogen-based Energy Storage” of the International Energy Agency Hydrogen TCP reports on the development over the last 6 years of hydrogen storage materials methods and techniques including electrochemical and thermal storage systems. An overview is given on the background to the various methods the current state of development and the future prospects. The following areas are covered; porous materials liquid hydrogen carriers complex hydrides intermetallic hydrides electro-chemical storage of energy thermal energy storage hydrogen energy systems and an outlook is presented for future prospects and research on hydrogen-based energy storage
Mapping Australia's Hydrogen Future and release of the Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool
Apr 2021
Publication
Hydrogen can be used for a variety of domestic and industrial purposes such as heating and cooking (as a replacement for natural gas) transportation (replacing petrol and diesel) and energy storage (by converting intermittent renewable energy into hydrogen). The key benefit of using hydrogen is that it is a clean fuel that emits only water vapour and heat when combusted.
To support implementation of the National Hydrogen Strategy Geoscience Australia in collaboration with Monash University are releasing the Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool (HEFT). HEFT is a free online tool designed to support decision making by policymakers and investors on the location of new infrastructure and development of hydrogen hubs in Australia. It considers both hydrogen produced from renewable energy and from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage.
This seminar demonstrates HEFT’s capabilities its potential to attract worldwide investment into Australia’s hydrogen industry and what’s up next for hydrogen at Geoscience Australia.
You can use the Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool (HEFT) on the Website of the Australian government at the link here
To support implementation of the National Hydrogen Strategy Geoscience Australia in collaboration with Monash University are releasing the Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool (HEFT). HEFT is a free online tool designed to support decision making by policymakers and investors on the location of new infrastructure and development of hydrogen hubs in Australia. It considers both hydrogen produced from renewable energy and from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage.
This seminar demonstrates HEFT’s capabilities its potential to attract worldwide investment into Australia’s hydrogen industry and what’s up next for hydrogen at Geoscience Australia.
You can use the Hydrogen Economic Fairways Tool (HEFT) on the Website of the Australian government at the link here
Decarbonization of Australia’s Energy System: Integrated Modelling of the Transformation of Electricity, Transportation, and Industrial Sectors
Jul 2020
Publication
To achieve the Paris Agreement’s long-term temperature goal current energy systems must be transformed. Australia represents an interesting case for energy system transformation modelling: with a power system dominated by fossil fuels and specifically with a heavy coal component there is at the same time a vast potential for expansion and use of renewables. We used the multi-sectoral Australian Energy Modelling System (AUSeMOSYS) to perform an integrated analysis of implications for the electricity transport and selected industry sectors to the mid-century. The state-level resolution allows representation of regional discrepancies in renewable supply and the quantification of inter-regional grid extensions necessary for the physical integration of variable renewables. We investigated the impacts of different CO2 budgets and selected key factors on energy system transformation. Results indicate that coal-fired generation has to be phased out completely by 2030 and a fully renewable electricity supply achieved in the 2030s according to the cost-optimal pathway implied by the 1.5 °C Paris Agreement-compatible carbon budget. Wind and solar PV can play a dominant role in decarbonizing Australia’s energy system with continuous growth of demand due to the strong electrification of linked energy sectors.
A Flexible Analytical Model for Operational Investigation of Solar Hydrogen Plants
Nov 2021
Publication
Hydrogen will become a dominant energy carrier in the future and the efficiency and lifetime cost of its production through water electrolysis is a major research focus. Alongside efforts to offer optimum solutions through plant design and sizing it is also necessary to develop a flexible virtualised replica of renewable hydrogen plants that not only models compatibility with the “plug-and-play” nature of many facilities but that also identifies key elements for optimisation of system operation. This study presents a model for a renewable hydrogen production plant based on real-time historical and present-day datasets of PV connected to a virtualised grid-connected AC microgrid comprising different technologies of batteries electrolysers and fuel cells. Mathematical models for each technology were developed from chemical and physical metrics of the plant. The virtualised replica is the first step toward the implementation of a digital twin of the system and accurate validation of the system behaviour when updated with real-time data. As a case study a solar hydrogen pilot plant consisting of a 60 kW Solar PV a 40 kW PEM electrolyser a 15 kW LIB battery and a 5 kW PEM fuel cell were simulated and analysed. Two effective operational factors on the plant's performance are defined: (i) electrolyser power settings to determine appropriate hydrogen production over twilight periods and/or overnight and (ii) a user-defined minimum threshold for battery state of charge to prevent charge depletion overnight if the electrolyser load is higher than its capacity. The objective of this modelling is to maximise hydrogen yield while both loss of power supply probability (LPSP) and microgrid excess power are minimised. This analysis determined: (i) a hydrogen yield of 38e39% from solar DC energy to hydrogen energy produced (ii) an LPSP <2.6 104 and (iii) < 2% renewable energy lost to the grid as excess electricity for the case study.
Global Status of CCS 2021: CCS Accelerating to Net Zero
Oct 2021
Publication
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) continues to make significant progress around the world against a backdrop of greater climate action from countries and private companies. The Global Status of CCS 2021 demonstrates the critical role of CCS as nations and industry accelerate to net-zero.<br/>The report provides detailed analyses of the global project pipeline international policy finance and emerging trends. In addition four regional overviews highlight the rapid development of CCS across North America Asia Pacific Europe and nearby regions and the Gulf Cooperation Council states.
Hydrogen for Transport Prospective Australian Use Cases
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.
You can read the full report on the Aurecon Australasia website at this link
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.
You can read the full report on the Aurecon Australasia website at this link
Energetics of LOHC: Structure-Property Relationships from Network of Thermochemical Experiments and in Silico Methods
Feb 2021
Publication
The storage of hydrogen is the key technology for a sustainable future. We developed an in silico procedure which is based on the combination of experimental and quantum-chemical methods. This method was used to evaluate energetic parameters for hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactions of various pyrazine derivatives as a seminal liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) that are involved in the hydrogen storage technologies. With this in silico tool the tempo of the reliable search for suitable LOHC candidates will accelerate dramatically leading to the design and development of efficient materials for various niche applications.
Australians’ Considerations for Use of Hydrogen in the Transport Sector
Sep 2019
Publication
Hydrogen fuel cells power a range of vehicles including cars buses trucks forklifts and even trains. As fuel cell electric vehicles emit no carbon emissions and only produce water vapor as a by-product they present an attractive option for countries who are experiencing high pollution from transport. This paper presents the findings of ten focus groups and a subset of a national survey which focused specifically on use of hydrogen in the transport sector (N=948). When discussing hydrogen transport options Australian focus group participants felt that rolling out hydrogen fuel cell buses as a first step for fuel cell electric vehicle deployment would be a good way to increase familiarity with the technology. Deploying hydrogen public transport vehicles before personal vehicles was thought to be a positive way to demonstrate the safe use of hydrogen and build confidence in the technology. At the same time it was felt it would allow any issues to be ironed out before the roll out of large-scale infrastructure on a to support domestic use. Long haul trucks were also perceived to be a good idea however safety issues were raised in the focus groups when discussing these vehicles. Survey respondents also expressed positive support for the use of hydrogen fuel cell buses and long-haul trucks. They reported being happy to be a passenger in a fuel cell bus. Safety and environmental benefits remained paramount with cost considerations being the third most important issue. Respondents supportive of hydrogen technologies were most likely to report purchasing a hydrogen vehicle over other options
Australian Hydrogen Hubs Study
Nov 2019
Publication
Arup have conducted interviews with targeted industry and government stakeholders to gather data and perspectives to support the development of this study. Arup have also utilised private and publicly available data sources building on recent work undertaken by Geoscience Australia and Deloitte and the comprehensive stakeholder engagement process to inform our research. This study considers the supply chain and infrastructure requirements to support the development of export and domestic hubs. The study aims to provide a succinct “Hydrogen Hubs” report for presentation to the hydrogen working group.
The hydrogen supply chain infrastructure required to produce hydrogen for export and domestic hubs was identified along with feedback from the stakeholder engagement process. These infrastructure requirements can be used to determine the factors for assessing export and domestic hub opportunities. Hydrogen production pathways transportation mechanisms and uses were also further evaluated to identify how hubs can be used to balance supply and demand of hydrogen.
A preliminary list of current or anticipated locations has been developed through desktop research Arup project knowledge and the stakeholder consultation process. Over 30 potential hydrogen export locations have been identified in Australia through desktop research and the stakeholder survey and consultation process. In addition to establishing export hubs the creation of domestic demand hubs will be essential to the development of an Australian hydrogen economy. It is for this reason that a list of criteria has been developed for stakeholders to consider in the siting and design of hydrogen hubs. The key considerations explored are based on demand supply chain infrastructure and investment and policy areas.
Based on these considerations a list of criteria were developed to assess the viability of export and domestic hydrogen hubs. Criteria relevant to assessing the suitability of export and domestic hubs include:
A framework that includes the assessment criteria has been developed to aid decision making rather than recommending specific locations that would be most appropriate for a hub. This is because there are so many dynamic factors that go into selecting a location of a hydrogen hub that it is not appropriate to be overly prescriptive or prevent stakeholders from selecting the best location themselves or from the market making decisions based on its own research and knowledge. The developed framework rather provides information and support to enable these decision-making processes.
The hydrogen supply chain infrastructure required to produce hydrogen for export and domestic hubs was identified along with feedback from the stakeholder engagement process. These infrastructure requirements can be used to determine the factors for assessing export and domestic hub opportunities. Hydrogen production pathways transportation mechanisms and uses were also further evaluated to identify how hubs can be used to balance supply and demand of hydrogen.
A preliminary list of current or anticipated locations has been developed through desktop research Arup project knowledge and the stakeholder consultation process. Over 30 potential hydrogen export locations have been identified in Australia through desktop research and the stakeholder survey and consultation process. In addition to establishing export hubs the creation of domestic demand hubs will be essential to the development of an Australian hydrogen economy. It is for this reason that a list of criteria has been developed for stakeholders to consider in the siting and design of hydrogen hubs. The key considerations explored are based on demand supply chain infrastructure and investment and policy areas.
Based on these considerations a list of criteria were developed to assess the viability of export and domestic hydrogen hubs. Criteria relevant to assessing the suitability of export and domestic hubs include:
- Health and safety provisions;
- Environmental considerations;
- Economic and social considerations;
- Land availability with appropriate zoning and buffer distances & ownership (new terminals storage solar PV industries etc.);•
- Availability of gas pipeline infrastructure;
- Availability of electricity grid connectivity backup energy supply or co-location of renewables;
- Road & rail infrastructure (site access);
- Community and environmental concerns and weather. Social licence consideration;
- Berths (berthing depth ship storage loading facilities existing LNG and/or petroleum infrastructure etc.);
- Port potential (current capacity & occupancy expandability & scalability);
- Availability of or potential for skilled workers (construction & operation);
- Availability of or potential for water (recycled & desalinated);
- Opportunity for co-location with industrial ammonia production and future industrial opportunities;
- Interest (projects priority ports state development areas politics etc.);
- Shipping distance to target market (Japan & South Korea);
- Availability of demand-based infrastructure (i.e. refuelling stations).
A framework that includes the assessment criteria has been developed to aid decision making rather than recommending specific locations that would be most appropriate for a hub. This is because there are so many dynamic factors that go into selecting a location of a hydrogen hub that it is not appropriate to be overly prescriptive or prevent stakeholders from selecting the best location themselves or from the market making decisions based on its own research and knowledge. The developed framework rather provides information and support to enable these decision-making processes.
Stand-Alone Microgrid with 100% Renewable Energy: A Case Study with Hybrid Solar PV-Battery-Hydrogen
Mar 2020
Publication
A 100% renewable energy-based stand-alone microgrid system can be developed by robust energy storage systems to stabilize the variable and intermittent renewable energy resources. Hydrogen as an energy carrier and energy storage medium has gained enormous interest globally in recent years. Its use in stand-alone or off-grid microgrids for both the urban and rural communities has commenced recently in some locations. Therefore this research evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of renewable energy-based systems using hydrogen as energy storage for a stand-alone/off-grid microgrid. Three case scenarios in a microgrid environment were identified and investigated in order to select an optimum solution for a remote community by considering the energy balance and techno-economic optimization. The “HOMER Pro” energy modelling and simulating software was used to compare the energy balance economics and environmental impact amongst the proposed scenarios. The simulation results showed that the hydrogen-battery hybrid energy storage system is the most cost-effective scenario though all developed scenarios are technically possible and economically comparable in the long run while each has different merits and challenges. It has been shown that the proposed hybrid energy systems have significant potentialities in electrifying remote communities with low energy generation costs as well as a contribution to the reduction of their carbon footprint and to ameliorating the energy crisis to achieve a sustainable future.
No more items...