Australia
Utilization and Recycling of End of Life Plastics for Sustainable and Clean Industrial Processes Including the Iron and Steel Industry
Aug 2019
Publication
About 400 million tonnes of plastics are produced per annum worldwide. End-of-life of plastics disposal contaminates the waterways aquifers and limits the landfill areas. Options for recycling plastic wastes include feedstock recycling mechanical /material recycling industrial energy recovery municipal solid waste incineration. Incineration of plastics containing E-Wastes releases noxious odours harmful gases dioxins HBr polybrominated diphenylethers and other hydrocarbons. This study focusses on recycling options in particular feedstock recycling of plastics in high-temperature materials processing for a sustainable solution to the plastic wastes not suitable for recycling. Of the 7% CO2 emissions attributed to the iron and steel industry worldwide ∼30% of the carbon footprint is reduced using the waste plastics compared to other carbon sources in addition to energy savings. Plastics have higher H2 content than the coal. Hydrogen evolved from the plastics acts as the reductant alongside the carbon monoxide. Hydrogen reduction of iron ore in presence of plastics increases the reaction rates due to higher diffusion of H2 compared to CO. Plastic replacement reduces the process temperature by at least 100–200 °C due to the reducing gases (hydrogen) which enhance the energy efficiency of the process. Similarly plastics greatly reduce the emissions in other high carbon footprint process such as magnesia production while contributing to energy.
Thoughts on the Prospects of Renewable Hydrogen
Oct 2020
Publication
In the last two years or so there has been increasing interest in hydrogen as an energy source in Australia and around the world. Notably this is not the first time that hydrogen has caught our collective interest. Most recently the 2000s saw a substantial investment in hydrogen research development and demonstration around the world. Prior to that the oil crises of the 1970s also stimulated significant investment in hydrogen and earlier still the literature on hydrogen was not lacking. And yet the hydrogen economy is still an idea only.<br/>So what if anything might be different this time?<br/>This is an important question that we all need to ask and for which the author can only give two potential answers. First our need to make dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has become more pressing since these previous waves of interest. Second renewable energy is considerably more affordable now than it was before and it has consistently outperformed expectations in terms of cost reductions by even its strongest supporters.<br/>While this dramatic and ongoing reduction in the cost of renewables is very promising our need to achieve substantial GHG emission reductions is the crucial challenge. Moreover meeting this challenge needs to be achieved with as little adverse social and economic impact as possible.<br/>When considering what role hydrogen might play we should first think carefully about the massive scale and complexity of our global energy system and the typical prices of the major energy commodities. This provides insights into what opportunities hydrogen may have. Considering a temperate country with a small population like Australia we see that domestic natural gas and transport fuel markets are comparable to and even larger than the electricity market on an energy basis.
Transferring the Retail of Hydrogen Economy and Missing Safety Assurance
Sep 2019
Publication
Australian regional communities are moving ahead of governments. Enterprising individuals are pushing ahead to find global solutions to local issues that governments (local or state or federal) have abandoned stalled mothballed or failed to resolve. We are faced with a flaw in retail of hydrogen economy as fatal as Walgett running dry or a million fish killed in Murray-Darling. The challenge in Australian regional communities will be to interpret safety assurance requirements in an appropriate manner even in severe economic swings such as drought bushfire or floods. In this context the efficacious cultural embrace by regional communities of three key program elements is essential - Australian Hydrogen Safety Panel Hydrogen Safety Knowledge Tools and Dissemination Hydrogen Safety First Responder Training. What are the odds of no accident in retailing hydrogen for examples to vehicles? Place is everything in regional communities of Australia because in nature (as in the ocean) there is no spin. This paper examines the safety assurance issues associated with the cultural integration of Hydrogen’s three key program elements in a country Australia that is fed-up with government.
Hydrogen Production by Fluidized Bed Reactors: A Quantitative Perspective Using the Supervised Machine Learning Approach
Jul 2021
Publication
The current hydrogen generation technologies especially biomass gasification using fluidized bed reactors (FBRs) were rigorously reviewed. There are involute operational parameters in a fluidized bed gasifier that determine the anticipated outcomes for hydrogen production purposes. However limited reviews are present that link these parametric conditions with the corresponding performances based on experimental data collection. Using the constructed artificial neural networks (ANNs) as the supervised machine learning algorithm for data training the operational parameters from 52 literature reports were utilized to perform both the qualitative and quantitative assessments of the performance such as the hydrogen yield (HY) hydrogen content (HC) and carbon conversion efficiency (CCE). Seven types of operational parameters including the steam-to-biomass ratio (SBR) equivalent ratio (ER) temperature particle size of the feedstock residence time lower heating value (LHV) and carbon content (CC) were closely investigated. Six binary parameters have been identified to be statistically significant to the performance parameters (hydrogen yield (HY)) hydrogen content (HC) and carbon conversion efficiency (CCE) by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimal operational conditions derived from the machine leaning were recommended according to the needs of the outcomes. This review may provide helpful insights for researchers to comprehensively consider the operational conditions in order to achieve high hydrogen production using fluidized bed reactors during biomass gasification.
Decarbonising UK Transport: Implications for Electricity Generation, Land Use and Policy
Dec 2022
Publication
To ensure the UK’s net zero targets are met the transition from conventionally fueled transport to low emission alternatives is necessary. The impact from increased decarbonised electricity generation on ecosystem services (ES) and natural capital (NC) are not currently quantified with decarbonisation required to minimise impacts from climate change. This study aims to project the future electric and hydrogen energy demand between 2020 and 2050 for car bus and train to better understand the land/sea area that would be required to support energy generation. In this work predictions of the geospatial impact of renewable energy (onshore/offshore wind and solar) nuclear and fossil fuels on ES and NC were made considering generation mix number of generation installations and energy density. Results show that electric transport will require ~136599 GWh for all vehicle types analysed in 2050 much less than hydrogen transport at ~425532 GWh. We estimate that to power electric transport at least 1515 km2 will be required for solar 1672 km2 for wind and 5 km2 for nuclear. Hydrogen approximately doubles this requirement. Results provide an approximation of the future demands from the transport sector on land and sea area use indicating that a combined electric and hydrogen network will be needed to accommodate a range of socio-economic requirements. While robust assessments of ES and NC impacts are critical in future policies and planning significant reductions in energy demands through a modal shift to (low emission) public transport will be most effective in ensuring a sustainable transport future.
Innovating Transport Across Australia: Inquiry into Automated Mass Transit
Mar 2019
Publication
Automated and electric mass transit will play a significant role in the connectivity of our cities and regions. But automated mass transit must be placed within the wider context of the optimum transport needs of those cities and regions— transport networks based on shared and multi-modal mobility. Realising the full potential of these networks will require sustained policy development and investment.<br/>This report examines current and future developments in the use of automation and new energy sources in land-based mass transit including rail and road mass transit point-to-point transport using automated vehicles and the role and responsibilities of the Commonwealth in the development of these technologies. It will analyse the opportunities and challenges presented by automation and new energy sources and the role the Australian Government has to play in managing this transport revolution.
Advancing Hydrogen: Learning from 19 Plans to Advance Hydrogen from Across the Globe
Jul 2019
Publication
Hydrogen as the International Energy Agency (IEA 2019) notes has experienced a number of ‘false dawns’ - in the 1970s 1990s and early 2000s - which subsequently faded. However this time there is reason to think that hydrogen will play a substantial role in the global energy system. The most important factor driving this renewed focus is the ability of hydrogen to support deep carbon abatement by assisting in those sectors where abatement with non-carbon electricity has so far proven difficult. Hydrogen can also address poor urban air quality energy security and provides a good means of shifting energy supply between regions and between seasons.
In response to these changed conditions many countries states and even cities have developed hydrogen strategies while various interest groups have developed industry roadmaps which fulfil a similar role.
This report summarises 19 hydrogen strategies and aims to help readers understand how nations regions and industries are thinking about opportunities to become involved in this emerging industry. Its prime purpose is to act as a resource to assist those involved in long-term energy policy planning in Australia including those involved in the development of Australia’s hydrogen strategy
The full report can be read on the Energy Network website at this link here
In response to these changed conditions many countries states and even cities have developed hydrogen strategies while various interest groups have developed industry roadmaps which fulfil a similar role.
This report summarises 19 hydrogen strategies and aims to help readers understand how nations regions and industries are thinking about opportunities to become involved in this emerging industry. Its prime purpose is to act as a resource to assist those involved in long-term energy policy planning in Australia including those involved in the development of Australia’s hydrogen strategy
The full report can be read on the Energy Network website at this link here
Converting Sewage Water into H2 Fuel Gas Using Cu/CuO Nanoporous Photocatalytic Electrodes
Feb 2022
Publication
This work reports on H2 fuel generation from sewage water using Cu/CuO nanoporous (NP) electrodes. This is a novel concept for converting contaminated water into H2 fuel. The preparation of Cu/CuO NP was achieved using a simple thermal combustion process of Cu metallic foil at 550 ◦C for 1 h. The Cu/CuO surface consists of island-like structures with an inter-distance of 100 nm. Each island has a highly porous surface with a pore diameter of about 250 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of monoclinic Cu/CuO NP material with a crystallite size of 89 nm. The prepared Cu/CuO photoelectrode was applied for H2 generation from sewage water achieving an incident to photon conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 14.6%. Further the effects of light intensity and wavelength on the photoelectrode performance were assessed. The current density (Jph) value increased from 2.17 to 4.7 mA·cm−2 upon raising the light power density from 50 to 100 mW·cm−2 . Moreover the enthalpy (∆H*) and entropy (∆S*) values of Cu/CuO electrode were determined as 9.519 KJ mol−1 and 180.4 JK−1 ·mol−1 respectively. The results obtained in the present study are very promising for solving the problem of energy in far regions by converting sewage water to H2 fuel.
Comparison of Hydrogen Powertrains with the Battery Powered Electric Vehicle and Investigation of Small-Scale Local Hydrogen Production Using Renewable Energy
Jan 2021
Publication
Climate change is one of the major problems that people face in this century with fossil fuel combustion engines being huge contributors. Currently the battery powered electric vehicle is considered the predecessor while hydrogen vehicles only have an insignificant market share. To evaluate if this is justified different hydrogen power train technologies are analyzed and compared to the battery powered electric vehicle. Even though most research focuses on the hydrogen fuel cells it is shown that despite the lower efficiency the often-neglected hydrogen combustion engine could be the right solution for transitioning away from fossil fuels. This is mainly due to the lower costs and possibility of the use of existing manufacturing infrastructure. To achieve a similar level of refueling comfort as with the battery powered electric vehicle the economic and technological aspects of the local small-scale hydrogen production are being investigated. Due to the low efficiency and high prices for the required components this domestically produced hydrogen cannot compete with hydrogen produced from fossil fuels on a larger scale
Gas Transition: Renewable Hydrogen’s Future in Eastern Australia’s Energy Networks
Jul 2021
Publication
The energy transition for a net-zero future will require deep decarbonisation that hydrogen is uniquely positioned to facilitate. This technoeconomic study considers renewable hydrogen production transmission and storage for energy networks using the National Electricity Market (NEM) region of Eastern Australia as a case study. Plausible growth projections are developed to meet domestic demands for gas out to 2040 based on industry commitments and scalable technology deployment. Analysis using the discounted cash flow technique is performed to determine possible levelised cost figures for key processes out to 2050. Variables include geographic limitations growth rates and capacity factors to minimise abatement costs compared to business-as-usual natural gas forecasts. The study provides an optimistic outlook considering renewable power-to-X opportunities for blending replacement and gas-to-power to show viable pathways for the gas transition to green hydrogen. Blending is achievable with modest (3%) green premiums this decade and substitution for natural gas combustion in the long-term is likely to represent an abatement cost of AUD 18/tCO2-e including transmission and storage.
Lessons Learned from Australian Infrastructure Upgrades
Feb 2020
Publication
This report fulfils Deliverable Five for Research Project 2.1-01 of the Future Fuels CRC. The aims of this project Crystallising lessons learned from major infrastructure upgrades are to provide a report on lessons learned from earlier infrastructure upgrades and fuel transitions and identify tools that can be used to develop consistent messaging around the proposed transition to hydrogen and/or other low-carbon fuels. In both the report and the toolkit there are recommendations on how to apply lessons learned and shape messaging throughout the value chain based on prior infrastructure upgrades.
This report presents three Australian case studies that that are relevant to the development of future fuels: the transition from town gas to natural gas the use of ethanol and LPG as motor fuels and the development of coal seam gas resources. Drawing on published information each case study provides an account of the issues that arose during the upgrade or transition and of the approaches through which industry and government stakeholders managed these issues. From these accounts lessons are identified that can guide stakeholder engagement in future infrastructure upgrades and fuel transitions. The findings from the case studies and academic literature have been used to develop an accompanying draft toolkit for use by FFCRC stakeholders.
The report also distils applicable lessons and frameworks from academic literature about stakeholder analysis megaprojects and the social acceptance of industries and technologies. This report is meant to be used in conjunction with a companion toolkit that provides a framework for making coordinated decisions across the fuel value chain.
You can read the full report on the Future Fuels CRC website here
This report presents three Australian case studies that that are relevant to the development of future fuels: the transition from town gas to natural gas the use of ethanol and LPG as motor fuels and the development of coal seam gas resources. Drawing on published information each case study provides an account of the issues that arose during the upgrade or transition and of the approaches through which industry and government stakeholders managed these issues. From these accounts lessons are identified that can guide stakeholder engagement in future infrastructure upgrades and fuel transitions. The findings from the case studies and academic literature have been used to develop an accompanying draft toolkit for use by FFCRC stakeholders.
The report also distils applicable lessons and frameworks from academic literature about stakeholder analysis megaprojects and the social acceptance of industries and technologies. This report is meant to be used in conjunction with a companion toolkit that provides a framework for making coordinated decisions across the fuel value chain.
You can read the full report on the Future Fuels CRC website here
Recent Advances in Seawater Electrolysis
Jan 2022
Publication
Hydrogen energy as a clean and renewable energy has attracted much attention in recent years. Water electrolysis via the hydrogen evolution reaction at the cathode coupled with the oxygen evolution reaction at the anode is a promising method to produce hydrogen. Given the shortage of freshwater resources on the planet the direct use of seawater as an electrolyte for hydrogen production has become a hot research topic. Direct use of seawater as the electrolyte for water electrolysis can reduce the cost of hydrogen production due to the great abundance and wide availability. In recent years various high-efficiency electrocatalysts have made great progress in seawater splitting and have shown great potential. This review introduces the mechanisms and challenges of seawater splitting and summarizes the recent progress of various electrocatalysts used for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction in seawater electrolysis in recent years. Finally the challenges and future opportunities of seawater electrolysis for hydrogen and oxygen production are presented.
Indicative Analysis of Blending Hydrogen in Gas Networks
May 2020
Publication
Frontier Economics has been engaged by the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy (now Industry Science Energy and Resources) (the Department) to undertake an indicative analysis of the economics of blending hydrogen in Australian natural gas distribution networks. Our analysis is limited to a specific gas distribution network servicing urban areas of Melbourne.
We have investigated the economics of blending hydrogen in a natural gas distribution network by examining a number of energy supply options including options that involve blending hydrogen. While we consider that these cases we have examined are useful for understanding the economics of hydrogen blending at low rates in Victoria and for understanding the factors that are likely to drive the economics of blending at higher rates or in other regions it cannot be assumed that the results we find for the cases we investigate will necessarily apply in other regions or for blending at other rates. This report should be read as an assessment of the specific cases we have investigated and our findings cannot necessarily be extended to other cases (such as other locations or other rates of blending)"
The full report can be found via the website of the Australian government at this link
We have investigated the economics of blending hydrogen in a natural gas distribution network by examining a number of energy supply options including options that involve blending hydrogen. While we consider that these cases we have examined are useful for understanding the economics of hydrogen blending at low rates in Victoria and for understanding the factors that are likely to drive the economics of blending at higher rates or in other regions it cannot be assumed that the results we find for the cases we investigate will necessarily apply in other regions or for blending at other rates. This report should be read as an assessment of the specific cases we have investigated and our findings cannot necessarily be extended to other cases (such as other locations or other rates of blending)"
The full report can be found via the website of the Australian government at this link
H2 Green Hydrogen Discussion Paper: Victorian Hydrogen Investment Program
Nov 2019
Publication
This discussion paper is for stakeholders who would like to shape the development of Victoria’s emerging green hydrogen sector identifying competitive advantages and priority focus areas for industry and the Victorian Government.<br/>The Victorian Government is using this paper to focus on the economic growth and sector development opportunities emerging for a Victorian hydrogen industry powered by renewable energy also known as ‘green’ hydrogen. In addition this paper seeks input from all stakeholders on how where and when the Victorian Government can act to establish a thriving green hydrogen economy.<br/>Although green hydrogen is the only type of hydrogen production within the scope of this discussion paper the development of the VHIP aligns with the policies projects and initiatives which support these other forms of hydrogen production. The VHIP is considering the broad policy landscape and actively coordinating with related hydrogen programs policies and strategies under development including the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council’s National Hydrogen Strategy to ensure a complementary approach. In Victoria there are several programs and strategies in development and underway that have linkages with hydrogen and the VHIP.
The Global Status of CCS 2019: Targeting Climate Change
Dec 2019
Publication
CCS is an emissions reduction technology critical to meeting global climate targets. The Global Status of CCS 2019 documents important milestones for CCS over the past 12 months its status across the world and the key opportunities and challenges it faces. We hope this report will be read and used by governments policy-makers academics media commentators and the millions of people who care about our climate.
Promotion Effect of Proton-conducting Oxide BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3−δ on the Catalytic Activity of Ni Towards Ammonia Synthesis from Hydrogen and Nitrogen
Aug 2018
Publication
In this report for the first time it has been observed that proton-conducting oxide BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3−δ (BZCY) has significant promotion effect on the catalytic activity of Ni towards ammonia synthesis from hydrogen and nitrogen. Renewable hydrogen can be used for ammonia synthesis to save CO2 emission. By investigating the operating parameters of the reaction the optimal conditions for this catalyst were identified. It was found that at 620 °C with a total flow rate of 200 mL min−1 and a H2/N2 mol ratio of 3 an activity of approximately 250 μmol g−1 h−1 can be achieved. This is ten times larger than that for the unpromoted Ni catalyst under the same conditions although the stability of both catalysts in the presence of steam was not good. The specific activity of Ni supported on proton-conducting oxide BZCY is approximately 72 times higher than that of Ni supported on non-proton conductor MgO-CeO2. These promotion effects were suspected to be due to the proton conducting nature of the support. Therefore it is proposed that the use of proton conducting support materials with highly active ammonia synthesis catalysts such as Ru and Fe will provide improved activity of at lower temperatures.
Future Fuels Strategy: Discussion Paper Powering Choice
Feb 2021
Publication
New vehicle technologies and fuels will drive the future of road transport in Australia. Increased availability of battery electric vehicles hydrogen fuel cell vehicles biofuels and associated recharging and refuelling infrastructure will:
- give consumers more choice
- provide productivity emissions reduction fuel security and air quality benefits
Closing the Regulatory Gaps and Advancing Hydrogen Infrastructure Deployment in Australia
Sep 2019
Publication
With downward trends in Australian equipment manufacturing there are increased numbers of overseas designed manufactured and certified hydrogen systems being introduced into Australia. In parallel there are also opportunities for hydrogen and its carriers to be exported to overseas. Certainty of reputable codes and standards is important to meet regulatory requirements and community safety expectations locally and overseas.
This paper is a progress report of Hydrogen Mobility Australia’s (HMA) Technical Committee on mapping the regulatory codes and standards (RCS) gaps in Australia and establishing a pathway together with Standards Australia and Commonwealth and State Governments. This paper will discuss the benefits of the pathway covering the areas of:
This paper is a progress report of Hydrogen Mobility Australia’s (HMA) Technical Committee on mapping the regulatory codes and standards (RCS) gaps in Australia and establishing a pathway together with Standards Australia and Commonwealth and State Governments. This paper will discuss the benefits of the pathway covering the areas of:
- Safety – Enable Australia to implement consensual rules to minimise avoidable risks to persons and goods to an acceptable level
- Environment – Ensure protection of the environment from unacceptable damage due to the operation and effects of products processes and services linked to hydrogen
- Elimination of barriers to trade – Provide consistency between international jurisdictions enabling streamlined entry of hydrogen related equipment from overseas
- Upskilling of Australian industry participants – Gain useful learnings from countries more advanced in their progress in implementing ISO standards and hydrogen sector development
A Chicken and Egg Situation: Enhancing Emergency Service Workers' Knowledge of Hydrogen
Sep 2021
Publication
This paper reports on the results of interviews conducted with 21 representatives from emergency services organisations within Australia and New Zealand. With a relative emergent industry such as future fuels a chicken and egg situation does emerge with regards to how much training needs to be in place in advance of large-scale industry development or not. These respondents were employed in a variety of roles being directly involved in research and training of emerging technologies frontline operational managers and other senior roles across the emergency services sector. Participants' responses to a series of questions were able to provide insights into the state of knowledge and training requirements within their organisations in relation to hydrogen and other future fuels. The findings suggest that formal and informal processes currently exist to support the knowledge development and transferal around the adoption of hydrogen and other future fuels. From the interviews it became clear that there are a number of processes that have emerged from the experiences gained through the implementation of rooftop solar PV and battery storage that provide some background context for advancing future fuels information across the sector. Because safety is a critical component for securing a social licence to operate engagement and knowledge sharing with any representatives from across this sector will only help to build confidence in the industry. Similarly because interviewees were very keen to access information they expressed a clear willingness to learn more through more formalised relationships rather than an ad hoc information seeking that has been employed to date. The presentation will identify key recommendations and also highlight the importance of QR Codes in the emergency responder landscape. Implications for industry and policy makers are discussed.
Healthy Power: Reimagining Hospitals as Sustainable Energy Hubs
Oct 2020
Publication
Human health is a key pillar of modern conceptions of sustainability. Humanity pays a considerable price for its dependence on fossil-fueled energy systems which must be addressed for sustainable urban development. Public hospitals are focal points for communities and have an opportunity to lead the transition to renewable energy. We have reimagined the healthcare energy ecosystem with sustainable technologies to transform hospitals into networked clean energy hubs. In this concept design hydrogen is used to couple energy with other on-site medical resource demands and vanadium flow battery technology is used to engage the public with energy systems. This multi-generation system would reduce harmful emissions while providing reliable services tackling the linked issues of human and environmental health.
Modeling of Thermal Performance of a Commercial Alkaline Electrolyzer Supplied with Various Electrical Currents
Nov 2021
Publication
Hydrogen produced by solar and other clean energy sources is an essential alternative to fossil fuels. In this study a commercial alkaline electrolyzer with different cell numbers and electrode areas are simulated for different pressure temperature thermal resistance and electrical current. This alkaline electrolyzer is considered unsteady in simulations and different parameters such as temperature are obtained in terms of time. The obtained results are compared with similar results in the literature and good agreement is observed. Various characteristics of this alkaline electrolyzer as thermoneutral voltage faraday efficiency and cell voltage are calculated and displayed. The outlet heat rate and generated heat rate are obtained as well. The pressure and the temperature in the simulations are between 1 and 100 bar and between 300 and 360 Kelvin respectively. The results show that the equilibrium temperature is reached 2-3 hours after the time when the Alkaline electrolyzer starts to work.
Blending Ammonia into Hydrogen to Enhance Safety through Reduced Burning Velocity
Sep 2019
Publication
Laminar burning velocities (SL) of hydrogen/ammonia mixtures in air at atmospheric pressure were studied experimentally and numerically. The blending of hydrogen with ammonia two fuels that have been proposed as promising carriers for renewable energy causes the laminar flame speed of the mixture SL to decrease significantly. However details of this have not previously available. Systematic measurements were therefore performed for a series of hydrogen/ammonia mixtures with wide ranges of mole fractions of blended ammonia (XNH3) and equivalence ratio using a heat flux method based on heat flux of a flat flame transferred to the burner surface. It was found that the mixture of XNH3 = 40% has a value of SL close to that of methane which is the dominant component of natural gas. Using three chemical kinetic mechanisms available in the literature i.e. the well-known GRI-Mech 3.0 mechanism and two mechanisms recently released SL were also modelled for the cases studied. However the discrepancies between the experimental and numerical results can exceed 50% with the GRI-Mech 3.0 mechanism. Discrepancies were also found between the numerical results obtained with different mechanisms. These results can contribute to an increase in both the safety and efficiency of the coutilization of these two types of emerging renewable fuel and to guiding the development of better kinetic models.
Hydrogen for Renewable Energy Export: Broadening the Concept of Hydrogen Safety
Sep 2019
Publication
Recently we have seen hydrogen (re)emerge as an important component of widespread decarbonisation of energy sectors. From an Australian perspective this brings with it an opportunity to store transport and export renewable energy—either as liquefied hydrogen or in a carrier such as ammonia. The growth of the hydrogen industry to now include the power and transport sectors as well as the notion of hydrogen export has broadened the range of safety considerations required and seen them extend into the realm of the consumer for the first time.<br/>Hydrogen as well as ammonia and other carriers such as methanol are existing industrial chemicals which have established protocols for their handling and use in the chemicals sector. As their use in energy and transport increases especially in the context of widespread domestic use their handling and use by inexperienced people in less-controlled environments expands shifting the risk profiles and management systems required. There is also the potential for novel hydrogen carriers such as methylcyclohexane/toluene to reach commercial viability at industrial scale.<br/>This paper will discuss some of these emerging applications of hydrogen and its carriers and discuss some of the technological innovations under development that may accompany a new energy industry— with some consideration given to their potential risks and the required safety considerations. In addition we will also provide an overview of global activity in this area and how new standards and regulations would need to be developed for the adaption of these technologies in an Australian context.
An Analysis of Emerging Renewable Hydrogen Policy through an Energy Democracy Lens: The Case of Australia
Mar 2024
Publication
As part of reducing carbon emissions governments across the world are working on measures to transition sectors of the economy away from fossil fuels. The socio-technical regimes being constructed around the energy transition can encourage energy centralisation and constrain actor engagement without proper policy and planning. The energy transition is liable to have significant impacts across all of society but less attention has been given to the role of democratic participation and decision-making in the energy system during this time. Using the energy democracy framework developed by Kacper Szulecki we employ content analysis to investigate how Australia’s renewable hydrogen strategies at the Commonwealth and state levels engage with the broader objective of democratising energy systems. Based on our findings we recommend ways to support a renewable hydrogen regime in Australia in line with the principles of energy democracy such as community engagement built-in participation popular sovereignty community-level agency and civic ownership. This study provides a perspective on the energy transition that is often overlooked and a reminder to policymakers that the topology of an energy transition can take many forms.
Open-cathode PEMFC Heat Utilisation to Enhance Hydrogen Supply Rate of Metal Hydride Canisters
Mar 2019
Publication
In this paper the hydrogen supply to an open-cathode PEM fuel cell (FC) by using metal hydride (MH) storage and thermal coupling between these two components are investigated theoretically. One of the challenges in using MH hydrogen storage canisters is their limited hydrogen supply rate as the hydrogen release from MH is an endothermic reaction. Therefore in order to meet the required hydrogen supply rate high amounts of MH should be employed that usually suggests storage of hydrogen to be higher than necessary for the application adding to the size weight and cost of the system. On the other hand the exhaust heat (i.e. that is usually wasted if not utilised for this purpose) from open-cathode FCs is a low-grade heat. However this heat can be transferred to MH canisters through convection to heat them up and increase their hydrogen release rate. A mathematical model is used to simulate the heat transfer between PEMFC exhaust heat and MH storage. This enables the prediction of the required MH for different FC power levels with and without heat supply to the MH storage. A 2.5-kW open-cathode FC is used to measure the exhaust air temperature at different output powers. It was found that in the absence of heat supply from the FC to the MH canisters significantly higher number of MH canisters are required to achieve the required rate of hydrogen supply to the FC for sustained operation (specially at high power outputs). However using the exhaust hot air from the FC to supply heat to the MH storage can reduce the number of the MH canisters required by around 40% to 70% for power output levels ranging from 500 W to 2000 W.
A Review on Underground Hydrogen Storage: Insight into Geological Sites, Influencing Factors and Future Outlook
Dec 2021
Publication
Without remorse fossil fuels have made a huge contribution to global development in all of its forms. However the recent scientific outlooks are currently shifting as more research is targeted towards promoting a carbon-free economy in addition to the use of electric power from renewable sources. While renewable energy sources may be a solution to the anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel they are yet season-dependent faced with major atmospheric drawbacks which when combined with annually varying but steady energy demand results in renewable energy excesses or deficits. Therefore it is essential to devise a long-term storage medium to balance their intermittent demand and supply. Hydrogen (H2) as an energy vector has been suggested as a viable method of achieving the objectives of meeting the increasing global energy demand. However successful implementation of a full-scale H2 economy requires large-scale H2 storage (as H2 is highly compressible). As such storage of H2 in geological formations has been considered as a potential solution where it can be withdrawn again at the larger stage for utilization. Thus in this review we focus on the potential use of geological formations for large-scale underground hydrogen storage (UHS) where both conventional and non-conventional UHS options were examined in depth. Also insights into some of the probable sites and the related examined criteria for selection were highlighted. The hydrodynamics of UHS influencing factors (including solid fluid and solid–fluid interactions) are summarized exclusively. In addition the economics and reaction perspectives inherent to UHS have been examined. The findings of this study show that UHS like other storage systems is still in its infancy. Further research and development are needed to address the significant hurdles and research gaps found particularly in replaceable influencing parameters. As a result this study is a valuable resource for UHS researchers.
Hydrogen Energy Demand Growth Prediction and Assessment (2021–2050) Using a System Thinking and System Dynamics Approach
Jan 2022
Publication
Adoption of hydrogen energy as an alternative to fossil fuels could be a major step towards decarbonising and fulfilling the needs of the energy sector. Hydrogen can be an ideal alternative for many fields compared with other alternatives. However there are many potential environmental challenges that are not limited to production and distribution systems but they also focus on how hydrogen is used through fuel cells and combustion pathways. The use of hydrogen has received little attention in research and policy which may explain the widely claimed belief that nothing but water is released as a by-product when hydrogen energy is used. We adopt systems thinking and system dynamics approaches to construct a conceptual model for hydrogen energy with a special focus on the pathways of hydrogen use to assess the potential unintended consequences and possible interventions; to highlight the possible growth of hydrogen energy by 2050. The results indicate that the combustion pathway may increase the risk of the adoption of hydrogen as a combustion fuel as it produces NOx which is a key air pollutant that causes environmental deterioration which may limit the application of a combustion pathway if no intervention is made. The results indicate that the potential range of global hydrogen demand is rising ranging from 73 to 158 Mt in 2030 73 to 300 Mt in 2040 and 73 to 568 Mt in 2050 depending on the scenario presented.
Delivering a Safe, Viable Hydrogen Economy in Australia
Sep 2019
Publication
At Woodside Energy Ltd (Woodside) safety is built into everything we do and progressing hydrogen opportunities is no exception. This paper will present information from the macro level of process safety for hydrogen at a plant level through to the consumer experience. Examples of the benefits of an integrated process safety approach will be used from Woodside’s experience pioneering the liquefied natural gas industry in Australia.<br/>This paper will underscore the reasons why Australia needs to adopt robust safety standards for hydrogen as quickly as possible in order to advance the hydrogen economy across all sectors. Focus areas requiring attention during development of standards and potential mechanisms to close will be proposed. Establishing a hydrogen economy in Australia could lower carbon emissions stabilise power grids increase renewable energy penetration and create jobs. Developing Australian standards that are fully aligned with international standards will facilitate Australia taking a leading role in the global hydrogen economy.
Early Community Engagement with Hydrogen in Australia
Sep 2019
Publication
Community support and acceptance is part of the licence to operate for any industry. The hydrogen industry is no different and we will need to have strong support from the broad community to establish a viable hydrogen economy in Australia.<br/>As Woodside progresses our plans for bulk hydrogen export and associated domestic opportunities stakeholder engagement throughout will be critical to success. This talk will share Woodside’s approach to community engagement and local opportunities and how we plan to draw on more than 30 years’ experience operating liquefied natural gas plants in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.<br/>At this early stage of our hydrogen work we are beginning with the end in mind: engaging the customer. We’ve worked with local Australian businesses to help raise public awareness and interest in hydrogen by producing prototype consumer products. We will share experiences from this work that underscore the value of early engagement with all stakeholders: government regulators industrial and community neighbours and end consumers to enable the hydrogen economy vision for Australia. This paper will present information on community engagement and acceptance of hydrogen in Australia.<br/>This information has come from Woodside Energy Ltd by engaging with small businesses government regulators and the community at large. As we establish community acceptance for hydrogen as an energy carrier in Australia Woodside has been working in parallel to have standards and regulations established for hydrogen in Australia. Through our work with Hydrogen Mobility Australia we are advocating the adoption of ISO standards unless there is a specific geographic or health safety and environment reason not to.
HyP SA – Our safety story
Sep 2019
Publication
Australian Gas Infrastructure Group’s (AGIG’s) vision is to be the leading gas infrastructure business in Australia this means delivering for our customers being a good employer and being sustainably cost efficient. Establishing and developing a hydrogen industry is a key pathway for us to achieve our vision.
In South Australia AGIG is pioneering the introduction of hydrogen into its existing gas distribution networks through the Hydrogen Park South Australia (HyP SA) project. With safety our top priority we would like to give an overview of the safety considerations of our site our network methodology and the development of new safety procedures and culture regarding the production handling and reticulation of a 5% hydrogen blend.
We will cover three themes each having a safety story that is specific to the Australian context and to the project’s success:
The Production Plant and Site
Project site safety known hazards and risk mitigation electrical protection safety procedures lighting and security. Hydrogen storage filling and transportation.
The Network
Securing the network for an isolated safe demonstration footprint. Gas network and hydrogen safety considerations why 5%? Emergency procedures and crew training. New safety regulations blended networks. How does hydrogen perform in a blended gas with respect to leaks? How safe is the existing network and what sensors and controls are we using.
The Home
Introducing blended gas to existing homes. Appliance safety and failure mode analysis. Community engagement and education on a 5% renewable hydrogen gas blend and use in the home
.
We aim to give a comprehensive overview of delivering a safe demonstration network for the HyP SA project in terms of the three main ecosystems that the hydrogen will be present our learnings so far and the development of the safety methodologies that will be applied in the industry in the future.
In South Australia AGIG is pioneering the introduction of hydrogen into its existing gas distribution networks through the Hydrogen Park South Australia (HyP SA) project. With safety our top priority we would like to give an overview of the safety considerations of our site our network methodology and the development of new safety procedures and culture regarding the production handling and reticulation of a 5% hydrogen blend.
We will cover three themes each having a safety story that is specific to the Australian context and to the project’s success:
The Production Plant and Site
Project site safety known hazards and risk mitigation electrical protection safety procedures lighting and security. Hydrogen storage filling and transportation.
The Network
Securing the network for an isolated safe demonstration footprint. Gas network and hydrogen safety considerations why 5%? Emergency procedures and crew training. New safety regulations blended networks. How does hydrogen perform in a blended gas with respect to leaks? How safe is the existing network and what sensors and controls are we using.
The Home
Introducing blended gas to existing homes. Appliance safety and failure mode analysis. Community engagement and education on a 5% renewable hydrogen gas blend and use in the home
.
We aim to give a comprehensive overview of delivering a safe demonstration network for the HyP SA project in terms of the three main ecosystems that the hydrogen will be present our learnings so far and the development of the safety methodologies that will be applied in the industry in the future.
Sustainable Power Supply Solutions for Off-Grid Base Stations
Sep 2015
Publication
The telecommunication sector plays a significant role in shaping the global economy and the way people share information and knowledge. At present the telecommunication sector is liable for its energy consumption and the amount of emissions it emits in the environment. In the context of off-grid telecommunication applications off-grid base stations (BSs) are commonly used due to their ability to provide radio coverage over a wide geographic area. However in the past the off-grid BSs usually relied on emission-intensive power supply solutions such as diesel generators. In this review paper various types of solutions (including in particular the sustainable solutions) for powering BSs are discussed. The key aspects in designing an ideal power supply solution are reviewed and these mainly include the pre-feasibility study and the thermal management of BSs which comprise heating and cooling of the BS shelter/cabinets and BS electronic equipment and power supply components. The sizing and optimization approaches used to design the BSs’ power supply systems as well as the operational and control strategies adopted to manage the power supply systems are also reviewed in this paper.
Communicating Leakage Risk in the Hydrogen Economy: Lessons Already Learned from Geoenergy Industries
Sep 2019
Publication
Hydrogen may play a crucial part in delivering a net zero emissions future. Currently hydrogen production storage transport and utilisation are being explored to scope opportunities and to reduce barriers to market activation. One such barrier could be negative public response to hydrogen technologies. Previous research around socio-technical risks finds that public acceptance issues are particularly challenging for emerging remote technical sensitive uncertain or unfamiliar technologies - such as hydrogen. Thus while the hydrogen value chain could offer a range of potential environmental economic and social benefits each will have perceived risks that could challenge the introduction and subsequent roll-out of hydrogen. These potential issues must be identified and managed so that the hydrogen sector can develop adapt or respond appropriately. Geological storage of hydrogen could present challenges in terms of perceived safety. Valuable lessons can be learned from international research and practice of CO2 and natural gas storage in geological formations (for carbon capture and storage CCS and for power respectively). Here we explore these learnings. We consider the similarities and differences between these technologies and how these may affect perceived risks. We also reflect on lessons for effective communication and community engagement. We draw on this to present potential risks to the perceived safety of - and public acceptability of – the geological storage of hydrogen. One of the key lessons learned from CCS and natural gas storage is that progress is most effective when risk communication and public acceptability is considered from the early stages of technology development.
Autoignition of Hydrogen/Ammonia Blends at Elevated Pressures and Temperatures
Sep 2019
Publication
Hydrogen stored or transported as ammonia has been proposed as a sustainable carbon-free alternative for fossil-fuels in high-temperature industrial processes including power generation. Although ammonia itself is toxic and exhibits both a low flame speed and calorific value it rapidly decomposes to hydrogen in high temperature environments suggesting the potential use in applications which incorporate fuel preheating. In this work the rate of ammonia-to-hydrogen decomposition is initially simulated at elevated temperatures to indicate the proportion of fuel conversion in conditions similar to gas pipelines gas-turbines or furnaces with exhaust-gas recirculation. Following this different proportions of hydrogen and ammonia are numerically simulated in independent zero-dimensional plug-flow-reactors at pressures ranging from atmospheric to 50 MPa and pre-heating temperatures from 600 K to 1600 K. Deflagration of very-lean-to-fuel-rich mixtures was investigated employing air as the oxidant stream. Analyses of these reactors provide estimates of autoignition thresholds of the hydrogen/ammonia blends which are relevant for the safe implementation and operation of hydrogen/ammonia blends or pure ammonia as a fuel source. Further operational considerations are subsequently identified for using ammonia or hydrogen/ammonia blends as a hydrogen fuel carrier by quantifying residual concentrations of hydrogen and ammonia fuel products as well as other toxic emissions within the hot exhaust products.
Assessing the Viability of the ACT Natural Gas Distribution Network for Reuse as a Hydrogen Distribution Network
Sep 2019
Publication
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has legislated and aims to be net zero emissions by 2045. Such ambitious targets have implications for the contribution of hydrogen and its storage in gas distribution networks Therefore we need to understand now the impacts on the gas distribution network of the transition to 100% hydrogen. Assessment of the viability of decarbonising the ACT gas network will be partly based on the cost of reusing the gas network for the safe and reliable distribution of hydrogen. That task requires each element of the natural gas safety management system to be evaluated.
This article describes the construction of a test facility in Canberra Australia used to identify issues raised by 100% hydrogen use in the medium pressure distribution network consisting of nylon and polyethylene (PE) as a means of identifying measures necessary to ensure ongoing validity of the network's regulatory safety case.
Evoenergy (the ACT's gas distribution company) have constructed a Test Facility incorporating an electrolyser a gas supply pressure reduction and mixing skid a replica gas network and a domestic installation with gas appliances. Jointly with Australian National University (ANU) and Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) the Company has commenced a program of “bench testing” initially with 100% hydrogen to identify gaps in the safety case specifically focusing on the materials work practices and safety systems in the ACT.
The facility is designed to assess:
The paper addresses major safety issues relating to the production/storage distribution and consumer end use of hydrogen injected into existing gas distribution networks. The analysis is guided by the Safety Management System. The Hydrogen Testing Facility described in the paper provide tools for evaluation of hydrogen safety matters in the ACT and Australia-wide.
Testing to date has confirmed that polyethylene and nylon pipe and their respective jointing techniques can contain 100% hydrogen at pressures used for the distribution of natural gas. Testing has also confirmed that current installation work practices on polyethylene and nylon pipe and joints are suitable for hydrogen service. This finding is subject to variation attributable to staff training and skill levels and further testing has been programmed as outlined in this paper.
Testing of gas isolation by clamping and simulated repair on the hydrogen network has established that standard natural gas isolation techniques work with 100% hydrogen at natural gas pressures.
This article describes the construction of a test facility in Canberra Australia used to identify issues raised by 100% hydrogen use in the medium pressure distribution network consisting of nylon and polyethylene (PE) as a means of identifying measures necessary to ensure ongoing validity of the network's regulatory safety case.
Evoenergy (the ACT's gas distribution company) have constructed a Test Facility incorporating an electrolyser a gas supply pressure reduction and mixing skid a replica gas network and a domestic installation with gas appliances. Jointly with Australian National University (ANU) and Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) the Company has commenced a program of “bench testing” initially with 100% hydrogen to identify gaps in the safety case specifically focusing on the materials work practices and safety systems in the ACT.
The facility is designed to assess:
- Materials in use including aged network materials and components
- Construction and installation techniques both greenfield and live gas work
- Purging and filling techniques
- Leak detection both underground and above ground
- Emergency response and make safe techniques
- Issues associated with use of hydrogen in light commercial and domestic appliances.
- Technicians and gas fitters on infrastructure installation and management
- Emergency response services on responding to hydrogen related emergencies in a network environment; and
- Manage public perceptions of hydrogen in a network environment.
The paper addresses major safety issues relating to the production/storage distribution and consumer end use of hydrogen injected into existing gas distribution networks. The analysis is guided by the Safety Management System. The Hydrogen Testing Facility described in the paper provide tools for evaluation of hydrogen safety matters in the ACT and Australia-wide.
Testing to date has confirmed that polyethylene and nylon pipe and their respective jointing techniques can contain 100% hydrogen at pressures used for the distribution of natural gas. Testing has also confirmed that current installation work practices on polyethylene and nylon pipe and joints are suitable for hydrogen service. This finding is subject to variation attributable to staff training and skill levels and further testing has been programmed as outlined in this paper.
Testing of gas isolation by clamping and simulated repair on the hydrogen network has established that standard natural gas isolation techniques work with 100% hydrogen at natural gas pressures.
Complex Metal Hydrides for Hydrogen, Thermal and Electrochemical Energy Storage
Oct 2017
Publication
Hydrogen has a very diverse chemistry and reacts with most other elements to form compounds which have fascinating structures compositions and properties. Complex metal hydrides are a rapidly expanding class of materials approaching multi-functionality in particular within the energy storage field. This review illustrates that complex metal hydrides may store hydrogen in the solid state act as novel battery materials both as electrolytes and electrode materials or store solar heat in a more efficient manner as compared to traditional heat storage materials. Furthermore it is highlighted how complex metal hydrides may act in an integrated setup with a fuel cell. This review focuses on the unique properties of light element complex metal hydrides mainly based on boron nitrogen and aluminum e.g. metal borohydrides and metal alanates. Our hope is that this review can provide new inspiration to solve the great challenge of our time: efficient conversion and large-scale storage of renewable energy.
A Comparative Technoeconomic Analysis of Renewable Hydrogen Production Using Solar Energy
May 2016
Publication
A technoeconomic analysis of photoelectrochemical (PEC) and photovoltaic-electrolytic (PV-E) solar-hydrogen production of 10 000 kg H2 day−1 (3.65 kilotons per year) was performed to assess the economics of each technology and to provide a basis for comparison between these technologies as well as within the broader energy landscape. Two PEC systems differentiated primarily by the extent of solar concentration (unconcentrated and 10× concentrated) and two PV-E systems differentiated by the degree of grid connectivity (unconnected and grid supplemented) were analyzed. In each case a base-case system that used established designs and materials was compared to prospective systems that might be envisioned and developed in the future with the goal of achieving substantially lower overall system costs. With identical overall plant efficiencies of 9.8% the unconcentrated PEC and non-grid connected PV-E system base-case capital expenses for the rated capacity of 3.65 kilotons H2 per year were $205 MM ($293 per m2 of solar collection area (mS−2) $14.7 WH2P−1) and $260 MM ($371 mS−2 $18.8 WH2P−1) respectively. The untaxed plant-gate levelized costs for the hydrogen product (LCH) were $11.4 kg−1 and $12.1 kg−1 for the base-case PEC and PV-E systems respectively. The 10× concentrated PEC base-case system capital cost was $160 MM ($428 mS−2 $11.5 WH2P−1) and for an efficiency of 20% the LCH was $9.2 kg−1. Likewise the grid supplemented base-case PV-E system capital cost was $66 MM ($441 mS−2 $11.5 WH2P−1) and with solar-to-hydrogen and grid electrolysis system efficiencies of 9.8% and 61% respectively the LCH was $6.1 kg−1. As a benchmark a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) based grid-connected electrolysis system was analyzed. Assuming a system efficiency of 61% and a grid electricity cost of $0.07 kWh−1 the LCH was $5.5 kg−1. A sensitivity analysis indicated that relative to the base-case increases in the system efficiency could effect the greatest cost reductions for all systems due to the areal dependencies of many of the components. The balance-of-systems (BoS) costs were the largest factor in differentiating the PEC and PV-E systems. No single or combination of technical advancements based on currently demonstrated technology can provide sufficient cost reductions to allow solar hydrogen to directly compete on a levelized cost basis with hydrogen produced from fossil energy. Specifically a cost of CO2 greater than ∼$800 (ton CO2)−1 was estimated to be necessary for base-case PEC hydrogen to reach price parity with hydrogen derived from steam reforming of methane priced at $12 GJ−1 ($1.39 (kg H2)−1). A comparison with low CO2 and CO2-neutral energy sources indicated that base-case PEC hydrogen is not currently cost-competitive with electrolysis using electricity supplied by nuclear power or from fossil-fuels in conjunction with carbon capture and storage. Solar electricity production and storage using either batteries or PEC hydrogen technologies are currently an order of magnitude greater in cost than electricity prices with no clear advantage to either battery or hydrogen storage as of yet. Significant advances in PEC technology performance and system cost reductions are necessary to enable cost-effective PEC-derived solar hydrogen for use in scalable grid-storage applications as well as for use as a chemical feedstock precursor to CO2-neutral high energy-density transportation fuels. Hence such applications are an opportunity for foundational research to contribute to the development of disruptive approaches to solar fuels generation systems that can offer higher performance at much lower cost than is provided by current embodiments of solar fuels generators. Efforts to directly reduce CO2 photoelectrochemically or electrochemically could potentially produce products with higher value than hydrogen but many as yet unmet challenges include catalytic efficiency and selectivity and CO2 mass transport rates and feedstock cost. Major breakthroughs are required to obtain viable economic costs for solar hydrogen production but the barriers to achieve cost-competitiveness with existing large-scale thermochemical processes for CO2 reduction are even greater.
Towards Climate Resilient Urban Energy Systems: A Review
Jun 2020
Publication
Climate change and increased urban population are two major concerns for society. Moving towards more sustainable energy solutions in the urban context by integrating renewable energy technologies supports decarbonizing the energy sector and climate change mitigation. A successful transition also needs adequate consideration of climate change including extreme events to ensure the reliable performance of energy systems in the long run. This review provides an overview of and insight into the progress achieved in the energy sector to adapt to climate change focusing on the climate resilience of urban energy systems. The state-of-the-art methodology to assess impacts of climate change including extreme events and uncertainties on the design and performance of energy systems is described and discussed. Climate resilience is an emerging concept that is increasingly used to represent the durability and stable performance of energy systems against extreme climate events. However it has not yet been adequately explored and widely used as its definition has not been clearly articulated and assessment is mostly based on qualitative aspects. This study reveals that a major limitation in the state-of-the-art is the inadequacy of climate change adaptation approaches in designing and preparing urban energy systems to satisfactorily address plausible extreme climate events. Furthermore the complexity of the climate and energy models and the mismatch between their temporal and spatial resolutions are the major limitations in linking these models. Therefore few studies have focused on the design and operation of urban energy infrastructure in terms of climate resilience. Considering the occurrence of extreme climate events and increasing demand for implementing climate adaptation strategies the study highlights the importance of improving energy system models to consider future climate variations including extreme events to identify climate resilient energy transition pathways.
Recent Progress in Ammonia Fuel Cells and their Potential Applications
Nov 2020
Publication
Conventional technologies are largely powered by fossil fuel exploitation and have ultimately led to extensive environmental concerns. Hydrogen is an excellent carbon-free energy carrier but its storage and long-distance transportation remain big challenges. Ammonia however is a promising indirect hydrogen storage medium that has well-established storage and transportation links to make it an accessible fuel source. Moreover the notion of ‘green ammonia’ synthesised from renewable energy sources is an emerging topic that may open significant markets and provide a pathway to decarbonise a variety of applications reliant on fossil fuels. Herein a comparative study based on the chosen design working principles advantages and disadvantages of direct ammonia fuel cells is summarised. This work aims to review the most recent advances in ammonia fuel cells and demonstrates how close this technology type is to integration with future applications. At present several challenges such as material selection NOx formation CO2 tolerance limited power densities and long term stability must still be overcome and are also addressed within the contents of this review.
Electric and Hydrogen Buses: Shifting from Conventionally Fuelled Cars in the UK
May 2020
Publication
For the UK to meet their national target of net zero emissions as part of the central Paris Agreement target further emphasis needs to be placed on decarbonizing public transport and moving away from personal transport (conventionally fuelled vehicles (CFVs) and electric vehicles (EVs)). Electric buses (EBs) and hydrogen buses (HBs) have the potential to fulfil requirements if powered from low carbon renewable energy sources.
A comparison of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from conventionally fuelled buses (CFB) EBs and HBs between 2017 and 2050 under four National Grid electricity scenarios was conducted. In addition emissions per person at different vehicle capacity levels (100% 75% 50% and 25%) were projected for CFBs HBs EBs and personal transport assuming a maximum of 80 passengers per bus and four per personal vehicle.
Results indicated that CFVs produced 30 g CO2km−1 per person compared to 16.3 g CO2 km−1 per person by CFBs by 2050. At 100% capacity under the two-degree scenario CFB emissions were 36 times higher than EBs 9 times higher than HBs and 12 times higher than EVs in 2050. Cumulative emissions under all electricity scenarios remained lower for EBs and HBs.
Policy makers need to focus on encouraging a modal shift from personal transport towards sustainable public transport primarily EBs as the lowest level emitting vehicle type. Simple electrification of personal vehicles will not meet the required targets. Simultaneously CFBs need to be replaced with EBs and HBs if the UK is going to meet emission targets.
A comparison of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from conventionally fuelled buses (CFB) EBs and HBs between 2017 and 2050 under four National Grid electricity scenarios was conducted. In addition emissions per person at different vehicle capacity levels (100% 75% 50% and 25%) were projected for CFBs HBs EBs and personal transport assuming a maximum of 80 passengers per bus and four per personal vehicle.
Results indicated that CFVs produced 30 g CO2km−1 per person compared to 16.3 g CO2 km−1 per person by CFBs by 2050. At 100% capacity under the two-degree scenario CFB emissions were 36 times higher than EBs 9 times higher than HBs and 12 times higher than EVs in 2050. Cumulative emissions under all electricity scenarios remained lower for EBs and HBs.
Policy makers need to focus on encouraging a modal shift from personal transport towards sustainable public transport primarily EBs as the lowest level emitting vehicle type. Simple electrification of personal vehicles will not meet the required targets. Simultaneously CFBs need to be replaced with EBs and HBs if the UK is going to meet emission targets.
Electrocatalyst Derived from NiCu–MOF Arrays on Graphene Oxide Modified Carbon Cloth for Water Splitting
Apr 2022
Publication
Electrocatalysts are capable of transforming water into hydrogen oxygen and therefore into energy in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. However the limitations in the research of high performance catalysts act as an obstructer in the development of using water as green energy. Here we report on a delicate method to prepare novel bimetallic metal organic framework derived electrocatalysts (C–NiCu–BDC–GO–CC) using graphene oxide (GO) modified carbon cloth as a 3D flexible and conductive substrate. The resultant electrocatalyst C–NiCu–BDC– GO–CC exhibited very low electron transfer resistance which benefited from its extremely thin 3D sponge-like morphology. Furthermore it showed excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity achieving 10 mA/cm2 at a low overpotential of 390 mV in 1 M KOH electrolyte with a remarkable durability of 10 h.
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.
Synergistic Hybrid Marine Renewable Energy Harvest System
Mar 2024
Publication
This paper proposes a novel hybrid marine renewable energy-harvesting system to increase energy production reduce levelized costs of energy and promote renewable marine energy. Firstly various marine renewable energy resources and state-of-art technologies for energy exploitation and storage were reviewed. The site selection criteria for each energy-harvesting approach were identified and a scoring matrix for site selection was proposed to screen suitable locations for the hybrid system. The Triton Knoll wind farm was used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the scoring matrix. An integrated energy system was designed and FE modeling was performed to assess the effects of additional energy devices on the structural stability of the main wind turbine structure. It has been proven that the additional energy structures have a negligible influence on foundation/structure deflection.
Hydrogen Impacts on Downstream Installation and Appliances
Nov 2019
Publication
The report analyses the technical impacts to end-users of natural gas in Australian distribution networks when up to 10% hydrogen (by volume) is mixed with natural gas.
The full report can be found at this link.
The full report can be found at this link.
Hydrogen Storage in Depleted Gas Reservoirs: A Comprehensive Review
Nov 2022
Publication
Hydrogen future depends on large-scale storage which can be provided by geological formations (such as caverns aquifers and depleted oil and gas reservoirs) to handle demand and supply changes a typical hysteresis of most renewable energy sources. Amongst them depleted natural gas reservoirs are the most cost-effective and secure solutions due to their wide geographic distribution proven surface facilities and less ambiguous site evaluation. They also require less cushion gas as the native residual gases serve as a buffer for pressure maintenance during storage. However there is a lack of thorough understanding of this technology. This work aims to provide a comprehensive insight and technical outlook into hydrogen storage in depleted gas reservoirs. It briefly discusses the operating and potential facilities case studies and the thermophysical and petrophysical properties of storage and withdrawal capacity gas immobilization and efficient gas containment. Furthermore a comparative approach to hydrogen methane and carbon dioxide with respect to well integrity during gas storage has been highlighted. A summary of the key findings challenges and prospects has also been reported. Based on the review hydrodynamics geochemical and microbial factors are the subsurface’s principal promoters of hydrogen losses. The injection strategy reservoir features quality and operational parameters significantly impact gas storage in depleted reservoirs. Future works (experimental and simulation) were recommended to focus on the hydrodynamics and geomechanics aspects related to migration mixing and dispersion for improved recovery. Overall this review provides a streamlined insight into hydrogen storage in depleted gas reservoirs.
Regulatory Mapping for Future Fuels
May 2020
Publication
Australia’s gas infrastructure is currently subject to regulations that were designed for a natural-gas only network system. Future Fuels CRC has released a full report and database of regulations to share exactly how Australia’s current gas regulations can be modernised to enable hydrogen biomethane and other potential future fuels.
This research thoroughly assessed Australia’s current regulatory framework to identify the regulations that will require modernisation to facilitate the use of future fuels within Australia’s energy networks and align them with the goals of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy. This study builds on the initial work completed as part of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy and creates a comprehensive regulatory map of relevant legislation across the natural gas production and supply chain which may be impacted by the addition of future fuels such as hydrogen and biomethane.
The research was delivered by RMIT University of Sydney and GPA Engineering supported by our industry and government participants APA APGA ATCO AusNet Services ENA Energy Safe Victoria Jemena and the South Australian Government.
The study’s report summarises the key issues and the direction of possible solutions. The study also created a database that holds details of legislation by state and territory as well as Commonwealth legislation and applicable Australian standards. The database is designed to be readily updated as these regulations continue to evolve.
The Australian energy industry and regulators benefit from this study by ensuring that any regulatory changes required for future fuels are identified early so that appropriate regulatory changes can be initiated and delivered. These changes will enable the many highly-regulated pilot projects happening across Australia to expand and develop under a modernised and effective regulatory environment.
You can find the full report on the Future Fuels CRC website here
This research thoroughly assessed Australia’s current regulatory framework to identify the regulations that will require modernisation to facilitate the use of future fuels within Australia’s energy networks and align them with the goals of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy. This study builds on the initial work completed as part of Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy and creates a comprehensive regulatory map of relevant legislation across the natural gas production and supply chain which may be impacted by the addition of future fuels such as hydrogen and biomethane.
The research was delivered by RMIT University of Sydney and GPA Engineering supported by our industry and government participants APA APGA ATCO AusNet Services ENA Energy Safe Victoria Jemena and the South Australian Government.
The study’s report summarises the key issues and the direction of possible solutions. The study also created a database that holds details of legislation by state and territory as well as Commonwealth legislation and applicable Australian standards. The database is designed to be readily updated as these regulations continue to evolve.
The Australian energy industry and regulators benefit from this study by ensuring that any regulatory changes required for future fuels are identified early so that appropriate regulatory changes can be initiated and delivered. These changes will enable the many highly-regulated pilot projects happening across Australia to expand and develop under a modernised and effective regulatory environment.
You can find the full report on the Future Fuels CRC website here
Developing Community Trust in Hydrogen
Oct 2019
Publication
The report documents current knowledge of the social issues surrounding hydrogen projects. It reviews leading practice stakeholder engagement and communication strategies and findings from focus groups and research activities across Australia.
The full report can be found at this link.
The full report can be found at this link.
Shielded Hydrogen Passivation – A Novel Method for Introducing Hydrogen into Silicon
Sep 2017
Publication
This paper reports a new approach for exposing materials including solar cell structures to atomic hydrogen. This method is dubbed Shielded Hydrogen Passivation (SHP) and has a number of unique features offering high levels of atomic hydrogen at low temperature whilst inducing no damage. SHP uses a thin metallic layer in this work palladium between a hydrogen generating plasma and the sample which shields the silicon sample from damaging UV and energetic ions while releasing low energy neutral atomic hydrogen onto the sample. In this paper the importance of the preparation of the metallic shield either to remove a native oxide or to contaminate intentionally the surface are shown to be potential methods for increasing the amount of atomic hydrogen released. Excellent damage free surface passivation of thin oxides is observed by combining SHP and corona discharge obtaining minority carrier lifetimes of 2.2 ms and J0 values below 5.47 fA/cm2. This opens up a number of exciting opportunities for the passivation of advanced cell architectures such as passivated contacts and heterojunctions.
National Hydrogen Roadmap: Pathways to an Economically Sustainable Hydrogen Industry in Australia
Apr 2021
Publication
The National Hydrogen Roadmap provides a blueprint for the development of a hydrogen industry in Australia.
Recently there has been a considerable amount of work undertaken (both globally and domestically) seeking to quantify the economic opportunities associated with hydrogen. The National Hydrogen Roadmap takes that analysis a step further by focusing on how those opportunities can be realised.
National Hydrogen Roadmap
The National Hydrogen Roadmap provides a blueprint for the development of a hydrogen industry in Australia.
The primary objective of the Roadmap is to provide a blueprint for the development of a hydrogen industry in Australia. With a number of activities already underway it is designed to help inform the next series of investment amongst various stakeholder groups (e.g. industry government and research) so that the industry can continue to scale in a coordinated manner.
Pathways to an economically sustainable industry
The low emissions hydrogen value chain now consists of a series of mature technologies. While there is considerable scope for further R&D this level of maturity has meant that the narrative has shifted from one of technology development to market activation.
Barriers to market activation stem from a lack of supporting infrastructure and/or the cost of hydrogen supply. However both barriers can be overcome via a series of strategic investments along the value chain from both the private and public sector.
The report shows that while government assistance is needed to kick-start the industry it can become economically sustainable thereafter. This is demonstrated by first assessing the target price of hydrogen needed for it be competitive with other energy carriers and feedstocks. Second the assessment considers the current state of the industry namely the cost and maturity of the underpinning technologies and infrastructure. It then identifies the material cost drivers and consequently the key priorities and areas for investment needed to make hydrogen competitive in each of the identified markets.
The opportunity for hydrogen to compete favourably on a cost basis in local applications such as transport and remote area power systems is within reach based on potential cost reductions to 2025. Further the development of a hydrogen export industry represents a significant opportunity for Australia and a potential 'game changer' for the local industry and the broader energy sector due to associated increases in scale."
You can read the full report on the CSIRO website at this link
Recently there has been a considerable amount of work undertaken (both globally and domestically) seeking to quantify the economic opportunities associated with hydrogen. The National Hydrogen Roadmap takes that analysis a step further by focusing on how those opportunities can be realised.
National Hydrogen Roadmap
The National Hydrogen Roadmap provides a blueprint for the development of a hydrogen industry in Australia.
The primary objective of the Roadmap is to provide a blueprint for the development of a hydrogen industry in Australia. With a number of activities already underway it is designed to help inform the next series of investment amongst various stakeholder groups (e.g. industry government and research) so that the industry can continue to scale in a coordinated manner.
Pathways to an economically sustainable industry
The low emissions hydrogen value chain now consists of a series of mature technologies. While there is considerable scope for further R&D this level of maturity has meant that the narrative has shifted from one of technology development to market activation.
Barriers to market activation stem from a lack of supporting infrastructure and/or the cost of hydrogen supply. However both barriers can be overcome via a series of strategic investments along the value chain from both the private and public sector.
The report shows that while government assistance is needed to kick-start the industry it can become economically sustainable thereafter. This is demonstrated by first assessing the target price of hydrogen needed for it be competitive with other energy carriers and feedstocks. Second the assessment considers the current state of the industry namely the cost and maturity of the underpinning technologies and infrastructure. It then identifies the material cost drivers and consequently the key priorities and areas for investment needed to make hydrogen competitive in each of the identified markets.
The opportunity for hydrogen to compete favourably on a cost basis in local applications such as transport and remote area power systems is within reach based on potential cost reductions to 2025. Further the development of a hydrogen export industry represents a significant opportunity for Australia and a potential 'game changer' for the local industry and the broader energy sector due to associated increases in scale."
You can read the full report on the CSIRO website at this link
Shipping the Sunshine: An Open-source Model for Costing Renewable Hydrogen Transport from Australia
Apr 2022
Publication
Green hydrogen (H2) is emerging as a future clean energy carrier. While there exists significant analysis on global renewable (and non-renewable) hydrogen generation costs analysis of its transportation costs irrespective of production method is still limited. Complexities include the different forms in which hydrogen can be transported the limited experience to date in shipping some of these carrier forms the trade routes potentially involved and the possible use of different shipping fuels. Herein we present an open-source model developed to assist stakeholders in assessing the costs of shipping various forms of hydrogen over different routes. It includes hydrogen transport in the forms of liquid hydrogen (LH2) ammonia liquified natural gas (LNG) methanol and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs). It considers both fixed and variable costs including port fees possible canal usage charges fuel costs ship capital and operating costs boil-off losses and possible environmental taxes among many others. The model is applied to the Rotterdam-Australia route as a case study revealing ammonia ($0.56/kgH2) and methanol ($0.68/kgH2) as the least expensive hydrogen derivatives to transport followed by liquified natural gas ($1.07/kgH2) liquid organic hydrogen carriers ($1.37/kgH2) and liquid hydrogen ($2.09/kgH2). While reducing the transportation distance led to lower shipping costs we note that the merit order of assumed underlying shipping costs remain unchanged. We also explore the impact of using hydrogen (or the hydrogen carrier) as a low/zero carbon emission fuel for the ships which led to lowering of costs for liquified natural gas ($0.88/kgH2) a similar cost for liquid hydrogen ($2.19/kgH2) and significant increases for the remainder. Given our model is open-sourced it can be adapted globally and updated to match the changing cost dynamics of the emerging green hydrogen market.
Cross-regional Drivers for CCUS Deployment
Jul 2020
Publication
CO2 capture utilization and storage (CCUS) is recognized as a uniquely important option in global efforts to control anthropogenic greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions. Despite significant progress globally in advancing the maturity of the various component technologies and their assembly into full-chain demonstrations a gap remains on the path to widespread deployment in many countries. In this paper we focus on the importance of business models adapted to the unique technical features and sociopolitical drivers in different regions as a necessary component of commercial scale-up and how lessons might be shared across borders. We identify three archetypes for CCUS development—resource recovery green growth and low-carbon grids—each with different near-term issues that if addressed will enhance the prospect of successful commercial deployment. These archetypes provide a framing mechanism that can help to translate experience in one region or context to other locations by clarifying the most important technical issues and policy requirements. Going forward the archetype framework also provides guidance on how different regions can converge on the most effective use of CCUS as part of global deep-decarbonization efforts over the long term.
Room Temperature Metal Hydrides for Stationary and Heat Storage Applications: A Review
Apr 2021
Publication
Hydrogen has been long known to provide a solution toward clean energy systems. With this notion many efforts have been made to find new ways of storing hydrogen. As a result decades of studies has led to a wide range of hydrides that can store hydrogen in a solid form. Applications of these solid-state hydrides are well-suited to stationary applications. However the main challenge arises in making the selection of the Metal Hydrides (MH) that are best suited to meet application requirements. Herein we discuss the current state-of-art in controlling the properties of room temperature (RT) hydrides suitable for stationary application and their long term behavior in addition to initial activation their limitations and emerging trends to design better storage materials. The hydrogen storage properties and synthesis methods to alter the properties of these MH are discussed including the emerging approach of high-entropy alloys. In addition the integration of intermetallic hydrides in vessels their operation with fuel cells and their use as thermal storage is reviewed.
Carbon Capture and Storage in the USA: The Role of US Innovation Leadership in Climate-technology Commercialization
Nov 2019
Publication
To limit global warming and mitigate climate change the global economy needs to decarbonize and reduce emissions to net-zero by mid-century. The asymmetries of the global energy system necessitate the deployment of a suite of decarbonization technologies and an all-of-the-above approach to deliver the steep CO2 -emissions reductions necessary. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies that capture CO2 from industrial and power-plant point sources as well as the ambient air and store them underground are largely seen as needed to address both the flow of emissions being released and the stock of CO2 already in the atmosphere. Despite the pressing need to commercialize the technologies their large-scale deployment has been slow. Initial deployment however could lead to near-term cost reduction and technology proliferation and lowering of the overall system cost of decarbonization. As of November 2019 more than half of global large-scale CCS facilities are in the USA thanks to a history of sustained government support for the technologies. Recently the USA has seen a raft of new developments on the policy and project side signalling a reinvigorated push to commercialize the technology. Analysing these recent developments using a policy-priorities framework for CCS commercialization developed by the Global CCS Institute the paper assesses the USA’s position to lead large-scale deployment of CCS technologies to commercialization. It concludes that the USA is in a prime position due to the political economic characteristics of its energy economy resource wealth and innovation-driven manufacturing sector.
The Role of Hydrogen on the Behavior of Intergranular Cracks in Bicrystalline α-Fe Nanowires
Jan 2021
Publication
Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) has been extensively studied in bulk materials. However little is known about the role of H on the plastic deformation and fracture mechanisms of nanoscale materials such as nanowires. In this study molecular dynamics simulations are employed to study the influence of H segregation on the behavior of intergranular cracks in bicrystalline α-Fe nanowires. The results demonstrate that segregated H atoms have weak embrittling effects on the predicted ductile cracks along the GBs but favor the cleavage process of intergranular cracks in the theoretically brittle directions. Furthermore it is revealed that cyclic loading can promote the H accumulation into the GB region ahead of the crack tip and overcome crack trapping thus inducing a ductile-to-brittle transformation. This information will deepen our understanding on the experimentally-observed H-assisted brittle cleavage failure and have implications for designing new nanocrystalline materials with high resistance to HE.
A Critical Study of Stationary Energy Storage Policies in Australia in an International Context: The Role of Hydrogen and Battery Technologies
Aug 2016
Publication
This paper provides a critical study of current Australian and leading international policies aimed at supporting electrical energy storage for stationary power applications with a focus on battery and hydrogen storage technologies. It demonstrates that global leaders such as Germany and the U.S. are actively taking steps to support energy storage technologies through policy and regulatory change. This is principally to integrate increasing amounts of intermittent renewable energy (wind and solar) that will be required to meet high renewable energy targets. The relevance of this to the Australian energy market is that whilst it is unique it does have aspects in common with the energy markets of these global leaders. This includes regions of high concentrations of intermittent renewable energy (Texas and California) and high penetration rates of residential solar photovoltaics (PV) (Germany). Therefore Australian policy makers have a good opportunity to observe what is working in an international context to support energy storage. These learnings can then be used to help shape future policy directions and guide Australia along the path to a sustainable energy future.
Hybrid Water Electrolysis: A New Sustainable Avenue for Energy-Saving Hydrogen Production
Oct 2021
Publication
Developing renewable energy-driven water splitting for sustainable hydrogen production plays a key role in achieving the carbon neutrality goal. Nevertheless the efficiency of traditional pure water electrolysis is severely hampered by the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) due to its sluggish kinetics. In this context replacing OER with thermodynamically more favorable oxidation reactions to produce hydrogen via hybrid water electrolysis becomes an energy-saving hydrogen production scheme. Here the recent advances in hybrid water electrolysis are critically reviewed. First the fundamentals of electrochemical oxidation of typical organic molecules such as urea hydrazine and biomass are presented. Then the recent achievements in electrocatalysts for hybrid water electrolysis are introduced with an emphasis on outlining catalyst design strategies and the correlation between catalyst structure and performance. Finally future perspectives in this field for a sustainable hydrogen economy are proposed.
Australia's National Hydrogen Strategy
Nov 2019
Publication
Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy sets a vision for a clean innovative safe and competitive hydrogen industry that benefits all Australians. It aims to position our industry as a major player by 2030.<br/>The strategy outlines an adaptive approach that equips Australia to scale up quickly as the hydrogen market grows. It includes a set of nationally coordinated actions involving governments industry and the community.
Designing Optimal Integrated Electricity Supply Configurations for Renewable hydrogen Generation in Australia
Jun 2021
Publication
The high variability and intermittency of wind and solar farms raise questions of how to operate electrolyzers reliably economically and sustainably using pre-dominantly or exclusively variable renewables. To address these questions we develop a comprehensive cost framework that extends to include factors such as performance degradation efficiency financing rates and indirect costs to assess the economics of 10 MW scale alkaline and proton-exchange membrane electrolyzers to generate hydrogen. Our scenario analysis explores a range of operational configurations considering (i) current and projected wholesale electricity market data from the Australian National Electricity Market (ii) existing so-lar/wind farm generation curves and (iii) electrolyzer capital costs/performance to determine costs of H2production in the near (2020–2040) and long term(2030–2050). Furthermore we analyze dedicated off-grid integrated electro-lyzer plants as an alternate operating scenario suggesting oversizing renewable nameplate capacity with respect to the electrolyzer to enhance operational capacity factors and achieving more economical electrolyzer operation.
Where Does Hydrogen Fit in a Sustainable Energy Economy?
Jul 2012
Publication
Where does hydrogen fit into a global sustainable energy strategy for the 21st century as we face the enormous challenges of irreversible climate change and uncertain oil supply? This fundamental question is addressed by sketching a sustainable energy strategy that is based predominantly on renewable energy inputs and energy efficiency with hydrogen playing a crucial and substantial role. But this role is not an ex -distributed hydrogen production storage and distribution centres relying on local renewable energy sources and feedstocks would be created to avoid the need for an expensive long-distance hydrogen pipeline system. There would thus be complementary use of electricity and hydrogen as energy vectors. Importantly bulk hydrogen storage would provide the strategic energy reserve to guarantee national and global energy security in a world relying increasingly on renewable energy; and longer-term seasonal storage on electricity grids relying mainly on renewables. In the transport sector a 'horses for courses' approach is proposed in which hydrogen fuel cell vehicles would be used in road and rail vehicles requiring a range comparable to today's petrol and diesel vehicles and in coastal and international shipping while liquid hydrogen would probably have to be used in air transport. Plug-in battery electric vehicles would be reserved for shorter-trips. Energy-economic-environmental modelling is recommended as the next step to quantify the net benefits of the overall strategy outlined.
Concepts for Improving Hydrogen Storage in Nanoporous Materials
Feb 2019
Publication
Hydrogen storage in nanoporous materials has been attracting a great deal of attention in recent years as high gravimetric H2 capacities exceeding 10 wt% in some cases can be achieved at 77 K using materials with particularly high surface areas. However volumetric capacities at low temperatures and both gravimetric and volumetric capacities at ambient temperature need to be improved before such adsorbents become practically viable. This article therefore discusses approaches to increasing the gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen storage capacities of nanoporous materials and maximizing the usable capacity of a material between the upper storage and delivery pressures. In addition recent advances in machine learning and data science provide an opportunity to apply this technology to the search for new materials for hydrogen storage. The large number of possible component combinations and substitutions in various porous materials including Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is ideally suited to a machine learning approach; so this is also discussed together with some new material types that could prove useful in the future for hydrogen storage applications.
Application of Hydrides in Hydrogen Storage and Compression: Achievements, Outlook and Perspectives
Feb 2019
Publication
José Bellosta von Colbe,
Jose-Ramón Ares,
Jussara Barale,
Marcello Baricco,
Craig Buckley,
Giovanni Capurso,
Noris Gallandat,
David M. Grant,
Matylda N. Guzik,
Isaac Jacob,
Emil H. Jensen,
Julian Jepsen,
Thomas Klassen,
Mykhaylo V. Lototskyy,
Kandavel Manickam,
Amelia Montone,
Julian Puszkiel,
Martin Dornheim,
Sabrina Sartori,
Drew Sheppard,
Alastair D. Stuart,
Gavin Walker,
Colin Webb,
Heena Yang,
Volodymyr A. Yartys,
Andreas Züttel and
Torben R. Jensen
Metal hydrides are known as a potential efficient low-risk option for high-density hydrogen storage since the late 1970s. In this paper the present status and the future perspectives of the use of metal hydrides for hydrogen storage are discussed. Since the early 1990s interstitial metal hydrides are known as base materials for Ni – metal hydride rechargeable batteries. For hydrogen storage metal hydride systems have been developed in the 2010s [1] for use in emergency or backup power units i. e. for stationary applications.<br/>With the development and completion of the first submarines of the U212 A series by HDW (now Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems) in 2003 and its export class U214 in 2004 the use of metal hydrides for hydrogen storage in mobile applications has been established with new application fields coming into focus.<br/>In the last decades a huge number of new intermetallic and partially covalent hydrogen absorbing compounds has been identified and partly more partly less extensively characterized.<br/>In addition based on the thermodynamic properties of metal hydrides this class of materials gives the opportunity to develop a new hydrogen compression technology. They allow the direct conversion from thermal energy into the compression of hydrogen gas without the need of any moving parts. Such compressors have been developed and are nowadays commercially available for pressures up to 200 bar. Metal hydride based compressors for higher pressures are under development. Moreover storage systems consisting of the combination of metal hydrides and high-pressure vessels have been proposed as a realistic solution for on-board hydrogen storage on fuel cell vehicles.<br/>In the frame of the “Hydrogen Storage Systems for Mobile and Stationary Applications” Group in the International Energy Agency (IEA) Hydrogen Task 32 “Hydrogen-based energy storage” different compounds have been and will be scaled-up in the near future and tested in the range of 500 g to several hundred kg for use in hydrogen storage applications.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): The Way Forward
Mar 2018
Publication
Mai Bui,
Claire S. Adjiman,
André Bardow,
Edward J. Anthony,
Andy Boston,
Solomon Brown,
Paul Fennell,
Sabine Fuss,
Amparo Galindo,
Leigh A. Hackett,
Jason P. Hallett,
Howard J. Herzog,
George Jackson,
Jasmin Kemper,
Samuel Krevor,
Geoffrey C. Maitland,
Michael Matuszewski,
Ian Metcalfe,
Camille Petit,
Graeme Puxty,
Jeffrey Reimer,
David M. Reiner,
Edward S. Rubin,
Stuart A. Scott,
Nilay Shah,
Berend Smit,
J. P. Martin Trusler,
Paul Webley,
Jennifer Wilcox and
Niall Mac Dowell
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is broadly recognised as having the potential to play a key role in meeting climate change targets delivering low carbon heat and power decarbonising industry and more recently its ability to facilitate the net removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. However despite this broad consensus and its technical maturity CCS has not yet been deployed on a scale commensurate with the ambitions articulated a decade ago. Thus in this paper we review the current state-of-the-art of CO2 capture transport utilisation and storage from a multi-scale perspective moving from the global to molecular scales. In light of the COP21 commitments to limit warming to less than 2 °C we extend the remit of this study to include the key negative emissions technologies (NETs) of bioenergy with CCS (BECCS) and direct air capture (DAC). Cognisant of the non-technical barriers to deploying CCS we reflect on recent experience from the UK's CCS commercialisation programme and consider the commercial and political barriers to the large-scale deployment of CCS. In all areas we focus on identifying and clearly articulating the key research challenges that could usefully be addressed in the coming decade.
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.
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