United Kingdom
Techno-Economic Analysis of Low Carbon Hydrogen Production from Offshore Wind Using Battolyser Technology
Aug 2022
Publication
A battolyser is a combined battery electrolyser in one unit. It is based on flow battery technology and can be adapted to produce hydrogen at a lower efficiency than an electrolyser but without the need for rare and expensive materials. This paper presents a method of determining if a battolyser connected to a wind farm makes economic sense based on stochastic modelling. A range of cost data and operational scenarios are used to establish the impact on the NPV and LCOE of adding a battolyser to a wind farm. The results are compared to adding a battery or an electrolyser to a wind farm. Indications are that it makes economic sense to add a battolyser or battery to a wind farm to use any curtailed wind with calculated LCOE at £56/MWh to £58/MWh and positive NPV over a range of cost scenarios. However electrolysers are still too expensive to make economic sense.
Enhanced Performance and Durability of Low Catalyst Loading PEM Water Electrolyser Based on a Short-side Chain Perfluorosulfonic Ionomer
Sep 2016
Publication
Water electrolysis supplied by renewable energy is the foremost technology for producing ‘‘green” hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles. In addition the ability to rapidly follow an intermittent load makes electrolysis an ideal solution for grid-balancing caused by differences in supply and demand for energy generation and consumption. Membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) designed for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis based on a novel short-side chain (SSC) perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane Aquivion with various cathode and anode noble metal loadings were investigated in terms of both performance and durability. Utilizing a nanosized Ir0.7Ru0.3O solid solution anode catalyst and a supported Pt/C cathode catalyst in combination with the Aquivion membrane gave excellent electrolysis performances exceeding 3.2 A cm-2 at 1.8 V terminal cell voltage ( 80% efficiency) at 90 ºC in the presence of a total catalyst loading of 1.6 mg cm−2. A very small loss of efficiency corresponding to 30 mV voltage increase was recorded at 3 A cm 2 using a total noble metal catalyst loading of less than 0.5 mg cm−2 (compared to the industry standard of 2 mg cm−2). Steady-state durability tests carried out for 1000 h at 1 A cm -2 showed excellent stability for the MEA with total noble metal catalyst loading of 1.6 mg cm−2 (cell voltage increase 5 lV/h). Moderate degradation rate (cell voltage increase 15 lV/h) was recorded for the low loading 0.5 mg cm-2 MEA. Similar stability characteristics were observed in durability tests at 3 A cm−2. These high performance and stability characteristics were attributed to the enhanced proton conductivity and good stability of the novel membrane the optimized structural properties of the the enhanced proton conductivity and good stability of the novel membrane the optimized structural properties of the the enhanced proton conductivity and good stability of the novel membrane the optimized structural properties of the Ir and Ru oxide solid solution and the enrichment of Ir species on the surface for the anodic catalyst.
H21 Phase 2: Personal Protective Equipment
Dec 2020
Publication
This report is a detailed discussion related to safety shoes heat and flame personal protective equipment (PPE) and breathing apparatus (respiratory protective equipment RPE) required for working with natural gas (NG) and hydrogen (H2). This work was undertaken by HSE Science Division (SD) as part of Phase 2a of the H21 project. This report should be read alongside all the other relevant reports generated as part of this project. Recommendations made in this report are focused solely on the provision and use of PPE and should not be considered independently of recommendations made in the other relevant reports.<br/>Understanding the similarities and difference of PPE required for NG and H2 enables a deeper understanding of how the transition from NG to 100% H2 might change the way the gas distribution network is operated and managed.
The Effect of a Nuclear Baseload in a Zero-carbon Electricity System: An Analysis for the UK
Jan 2023
Publication
This paper explores the effect of having a nuclear baseload in a 100% carbon-free electricity system The study analyses numerous 8 scenarios based on different penetrations of conventional nuclear wind and solar PV power different levels of overgeneration 9 and different combinations between medium and long duration energy stores (hydrogen and compressed air respectively) to 10 determine the configuration that achieves the lowest total cost of electricity (TCoE). 11 At their current cost new baseload nuclear power plants are too expensive. Results indicate the TCoE is minimised when demand 12 is supplied entirely by renewables with no contribution from conventional nuclear. 13 However small modular reactors may achieve costs of ~£60/MWh (1.5x current wind cost) in the future. With such costs 14 supplying ~80% of the country’s electricity demand with nuclear power could minimise the TCoE. In this scenario wind provides 15 the remaining 20% plus a small percentage of overgeneration (~2.5%). Hydrogen in underground caverns provides ~30.5 TWh (81 16 days) of long-duration energy storage while CAES systems provide 2.8 TWh (~8 days) of medium-duration storage. This 17 configuration achieves costs of ~65.8 £/MWh. Batteries (required for short duration imbalances) are not included in the figure. 18 The TCoE achieved will be higher once short duration storage is accounted for.
Industrial Energy Use and Carbon Emissions Reduction in the Chemicals Sector: A UK Perspective
Aug 2017
Publication
The opportunities and challenges to reducing industrial energy demand and carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions in the Chemicals sector are evaluated with a focus on the situation in the United Kingdom (UK) although the lessons learned are applicable across much of the industrialised world. This sector can be characterised as being heterogeneous; embracing a diverse range of products (including advanced materials cleaning fluids composites dyes paints pharmaceuticals plastics and surfactants). It sits on the boundary between energy-intensive (EI) and non-energy-intensive (NEI) industrial sectors. The improvement potential of various technological interventions has been identified in terms of their energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Currently-available best practice technologies (BPTs) will lead to further short-term energy and CO2 emissions savings in chemicals processing but the prospects for the commercial exploitation of innovative technologies by mid-21st century are far more speculative. A set of industrial decarbonisation ‘technology roadmaps’ out to the mid-21st Century are also reported based on various alternative scenarios. These yield low-carbon transition pathways that represent future projections which match short-term and long-term (2050) targets with specific technological solutions to help meet the key energy saving and decarbonisation goals. The roadmaps’ contents were built up on the basis of the improvement potentials associated with various processes employed in the chemicals industry. They help identify the steps needed to be undertaken by developers policy makers and other stakeholders in order to ensure the decarbonisation of the UK chemicals industry. The attainment of significant falls in carbon emissions over this period will depends critically on the adoption of a small number of key technologies [e.g. carbon capture and storage (CCS) energy efficiency techniques and bioenergy] alongside a decarbonisation of the electricity supply.
The Use of Hydrogen to Separate and Recycle Neodymium–iron–boron-type Magnets from Electronic Waste
May 2015
Publication
The rare earth metals have been identified by the European Union and the United States as being at greatest supply risk of all the materials for clean energy technologies. Of particular concern are neodymium and dysprosium both of which are employed in neodymium–iron–boron based magnets. Recycling of magnets based on these materials and contained within obsolete electronic equipment could provide an additional and secure supply. In the present work hydrogen has been employed as a processing agent to decrepitate sintered neodymium–iron–boron based magnets contained within hard disk drives into a demagnetised hydrogenated powder. This powder was then extracted mechanically from the devices with an extraction efficiency of 90 ± 5% and processed further using a combination of sieves and ball bearings to produce a powder containing <330 parts per million of nickel contamination. It is then possible for the extracted powder to be re-processed in a number of ways namely directly by blending and re-sintering to form fully dense magnets by Hydrogenation Disproportionation Desorption Recombination processing to produce an anisotropic coercive powder suitable for bonded magnets by re-melting; or by chemical extraction of the rare earth elements from the alloy. For example it was shown that by the re-sintering route it was possible to recover >90% of the magnetic properties of the starting material with significantly less energy than that employed in primary magnet production. The particular route used will depend upon the magnetic properties required the level of contamination of the extracted material and the compositional variation of the feedstock. The various possibilities have been summarised in a flow diagram.
Between Hope And Hype: A Hydrogen Vision For The UK
Mar 2021
Publication
There is a growing conversation around the role that hydrogen can play in the future of the UK and how to best harness its potential to secure jobs show climate leadership promote industrial competitiveness and drive innovation. The Government’s ‘Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution’ included hydrogen as one of its ten actions targeting 5GW of ‘low carbon’ hydrogen production by 2030. Britain is thus joining the EU US Japan Germany and a host of other countries seeking to be part of the hydrogen economy of the future.<br/><br/>A focus on clean green hydrogen within targeted sectors and hubs can support multiple Government goals – including demonstrating climate leadership reducing regional inequalities through the ‘levelling up’ agenda and ensuring a green and cost-effective recovery from the coronavirus pandemic which prioritises jobs and skills. A strategic hydrogen vision must be honest and recognise where green hydrogen does not present the optimal pathway for decarbonisation – for instance where alternative solutions are already readily available for roll-out are more efficient and cost-effective. A clear example is hydrogen use for heating where it is estimated to require around 30 times more offshore wind farm capacity than currently available to produce enough green hydrogen to replace all gas boilers as well as adding costs for consumers.<br/><br/>This paper considers the offer of hydrogen for key Government priorities – including an inclusive and resilient economic recovery from the pandemic demonstrating climate leadership and delivering for all of society across the UK. It assesses existing evidence and considers the risks and opportunities and how they might inform a strategic vision for the UK. Ahead of the forthcoming Hydrogen Strategy it sets expectations for Government and outlines key recommendations.
Progress and Challenges on the Thermal Management of Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Technologies: Fuel Cells, Electrolysers, and Supercapacitors
Oct 2021
Publication
It is now well established that electrochemical systems can optimally perform only within a narrow range of temperature. Exposure to temperatures outside this range adversely affects the performance and lifetime of these systems. As a result thermal management is an essential consideration during the design and operation of electrochemical equipment and can heavily influence the success of electrochemical energy technologies. Recently significant attempts have been placed on the maturity of cooling technologies for electrochemical devices. Nonetheless the existing reviews on the subject have been primarily focused on battery cooling. Conversely heat transfer in other electrochemical systems commonly used for energy conversion and storage has not been subjected to critical reviews. To address this issue the current study gives an overview of the progress and challenges on the thermal management of different electrochemical energy devices including fuel cells electrolysers and supercapacitors. The physicochemical mechanisms of heat generation in these electrochemical devices are discussed in-depth. Physics of the heat transfer techniques currently employed for temperature control are then exposed and some directions for future studies are provided.
Uncomfortable Home Truths - Why Britain Urgently Needs a Low Carbon Heat Strategy Future Gas Series Part 3
Nov 2019
Publication
UK homes are primarily heated by fossil fuels and contribute 13% of UK’s carbon footprint (equivalent to all the UK’s 38.4m cars). The report says this is incompatible with UK climate legislation targeting net-zero economy by 2050. New polling finds that consumers are open to cleaner greener ways to heat their homes into the future but that they are “still in the dark about smarter greener heating solutions and lack access to independent advice to help them make better decisions for their homes pockets and the planet”.<br/><br/>The report – Uncomfortable Home Truths: why Britain urgently needs a low carbon heat strategy – says a bold new national roadmap is needed by 2020 which puts consumers and households at the heart of a revolution in green heat innovation. It recommends the creation of an Olympic-style delivery body to catalyse and coordinate regional innovation and local leadership tailored to different parts of the UK and the nation’s diverse housing stock.<br/><br/>This report is the third in the Future Gas Series which has explored the opportunities and challenges associated with using low carbon gas in the energy system and is backed by cross-party parliamentary co-Chairs
How to Decarbonise the UKs Freight Sector by 2050
Dec 2020
Publication
To achieve the UK’s net zero target vehicles including heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) will need to be entirely decarbonised. The UK government has announced that it plans to phase out the sale of all new cars and vans with engines between 2030 and 2035. It has also announced its intention to consult on a similar phase-out for diesel-powered heavy-goods vehicles (HGVs). This study analyses policies and technologies which can contribute to the decarbonisation of the UK's inland freight sector.
It comprises an emissions modelling exercise and a cost analysis for total cost of ownership (TCO) of long-haul trucks. The study shows that for urban and regional deliveries battery electric trucks offer the best option to decarbonise. It also shows that battery electric trucks and those using an overhead catenary infrastructure are likely to be the most cost-effective pathway to decarbonise long-haul trucks by 2050 but that renewable hydrogen could also be an option.
Link to Document Download on Transport & Environment website
It comprises an emissions modelling exercise and a cost analysis for total cost of ownership (TCO) of long-haul trucks. The study shows that for urban and regional deliveries battery electric trucks offer the best option to decarbonise. It also shows that battery electric trucks and those using an overhead catenary infrastructure are likely to be the most cost-effective pathway to decarbonise long-haul trucks by 2050 but that renewable hydrogen could also be an option.
Link to Document Download on Transport & Environment website
Cold Hydrogen Blowdown Release: An Inter-comparison Study
Sep 2021
Publication
Hydrogen dispersion in stagnant environment resulting from blowdown of a vessel storing the gas at cryogenic temperature is simulated using different CFD codes and modelling strategies. The simulations are based on the DISCHA experiments that were carried out by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Pro-Science (PS). The selected test for the current study involves hydrogen release from a 2.815 dm3 volume tank with an initial pressure of 200 barg and temperature 80 K. During the release the hydrogen pressure in the tank gradually decreased. A total of about 139 gr hydrogen is released through a 4 mm diameter. The temperature time series and the temperature decay rate of the minimum value predicted by the different codes are compared with each other and with the experimentally measured ones. Recommendations for future experimental setup and for modeling approaches for similar releases are provided based on the present analysis. The work is carried out within the EU-funded project PRESLHY.
Are Scenarios of Hydrogen Vehicle Adoption Optimistic? A Comparison with Historical Analogies
Nov 2015
Publication
There is a large literature exploring possible hydrogen futures using various modelling and scenario approaches. This paper compares the rates of transition depicted in that literature with a set of historical analogies. These analogies are cases in which alternative-fuelled vehicles have penetrated vehicle markets. The paper suggests that the literature has tended to be optimistic about the possible rate at which hydrogen vehicles might replace oil-based transportation. The paper compares 11 historical adoptions of alternative fuel vehicles with 24 scenarios from 20 studies that depict possible hydrogen futures. All but one of the hydrogen scenarios show vehicle adoption faster than has occurred for hybrid electric vehicles in Japan the most successful market for hybrids. Several scenarios depict hydrogen transitions occurring at a rate faster than has occurred in any of the historic examples. The paper concludes that scenarios of alternative vehicle adoption should include more pessimistic scenarios alongside optimistic ones.
Hydrogen Blending and the Gas Commercial Framework - Report on Conclusions of NIA study
Sep 2020
Publication
Blending hydrogen into the gas grid could be an important stepping stone during the transition to a sustainable net zero system. In particular it may: provide a significant and reliable source of demand for hydrogen producers supporting the investment case for hydrogen; provide learnings and incremental change towards what could potentially become a 100% hydrogen grid; and immediately decarbonise a portion of the gas flowing through the grid. Technical questions relating to hydrogen blending are being taken forward by the industry (e.g. through the HyDeploy project in relation to the maximum potential blend of hydrogen that can be accommodated without end user appliances needing to be altered or replaced). But if blending is to take place changes to commercial arrangements will be necessary as today these assume a relatively uniform gas quality. In particular the commercial framework will need to ensure that limits on the percentage of hydrogen that can safely be blended (currently expected to be around 20% by volume) are not exceeded. We have been commissioned by Cadent to undertake a Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) project to identify the changes required to the gas commercial framework that will enable hydrogen blending in the GB gas grid and to set out a roadmap for how these can be delivered. This report sets out our recommendations.
HyDeploy2: Network Information and Maps
Jun 2021
Publication
Winlaton site was chosen as the site for the HyDeploy 2 North East trial as it was seen as the site that offered a high degree of variability with regards materials on the network size of network and statistical representation of housing. The Winlaton trial network is an estate of the wider Winlaton gas network situated in Blaydon near Gateshead. The Winlaton trial network has been isolated from the wider Winlaton gas network where it was previously supplied from and will be supplied with the blended gas from NGN’s Low Thornley gas depot with the installation of a brand-new pressure regulating district governor.<br/>The data contained within this report outlines the expected seasonal gas demand on the Winlaton trial network and the associated leakage and repair history for the network. No unusual repairs or leakage behaviour has been observed on this network. A DSEAR assessment has been conducted on the governor station ensuring ATEX compliance. The network isolation and reinforcement requirements are also given in this report highlighting the necessary actions to isolate the trial network from the wider Winlaton gas network. The NGN Safety Case outlines the risks associated with the operation of a gas grid and the ALARP mitigations developed to minimise them and what response is necessary in case such risks are realised. The existing safety case will be amended to account for the infrastructural operational and commercial changes associated with the HyDeploy 2 project. The report also contains a detailed register of all the assets on the Winlaton trial network this data set was used to inform the scientific research programme and specifically to allow an assessment to be carried out with regards to the operability of the existing and newly installed assets on the Winlaton trial network with respect to the blended gas.<br/>Click on supplement tab to view the other documents from this report
The Implications of Ambitious Decarbonisation of Heat and Road Transport for Britain’s Net Zero Carbon Energy Systems
Oct 2021
Publication
Decarbonisation of heating and road transport are regarded as necessary but very challenging steps on the pathway to net zero carbon emissions. Assessing the most efficient routes to decarbonise these sectors requires an integrated view of energy and road transport systems. Here we describe how a national gas and electricity transmission network model was extended to represent multiple local energy systems and coupled with a national energy demand and road transport model. The integrated models were applied to assess a range of technologies and policies for heating and transport where the UK’s 2050 net zero carbon emissions target is met. Overall annual primary energy use is projected to reduce by between 25% and 50% by 2050 compared to 2015 due to ambitious efficiency improvements within homes and vehicles. However both annual and peak electricity demands in 2050 are more than double compared with 2015. Managed electric vehicle charging could save 14TWh/year in gas-fired power generation at peak times and associated emissions whilst vehicle-to-grid services could provide 10GW of electricity supply during peak hours. Together managed vehicle charging and vehicle-to-grid supplies could result in a 16% reduction in total annual energy costs. The provision of fast public charging facilities could reduce peak electricity demand by 17GW and save an estimated £650 million annually. Although using hydrogen for heating and transport spreads the hydrogen network costs between homeowners and motorists it is still estimated to be more costly overall compared to an all-electric scenario. Bio-energy electricity generation plants with carbon capture and storage are required to drive overall energy system emissions to net zero utilisation of which is lowest when heating is electrified and road transport consists of a mix of electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. The analysis demonstrates the need for an integrated systems approach to energy and transport policies and for coordination between national and local governments.
On the Climate Impacts of Blue Hydrogen Production
Nov 2021
Publication
Natural gas based hydrogen production with carbon capture and storage is referred to as blue hydrogen. If substantial amounts of CO2 from natural gas reforming are captured and permanently stored such hydrogen could be a low-carbon energy carrier. However recent research raises questions about the effective climate impacts of blue hydrogen from a life cycle perspective. Our analysis sheds light on the relevant issues and provides a balanced perspective on the impacts on climate change associated with blue hydrogen. We show that such impacts may indeed vary over large ranges and depend on only a few key parameters: the methane emission rate of the natural gas supply chain the CO2 removal rate at the hydrogen production plant and the global warming metric applied. State-of-the-art reforming with high CO2 capture rates combined with natural gas supply featuring low methane emissions does indeed allow for substantial reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to both conventional natural gas reforming and direct combustion of natural gas. Under such conditions blue hydrogen is compatible with low-carbon economies and exhibits climate change impacts at the upper end of the range of those caused by hydrogen production from renewable-based electricity. However neither current blue nor green hydrogen production pathways render fully “net-zero” hydrogen without additional CO2 removal.
A Multi-objective MILP Model for the Design and Operation of Future Integrated Multi-vector Energy Networks Capturing Detailed Spatio-temporal Dependencies
Dec 2017
Publication
A multi-objective optimisation model based on mixed integer linear programming is presented that can simultaneously determine the design and operation of any integrated multi-vector energy networks. It can answer variants of the following questions: What is the most effective way in terms of cost value/profit and/or emissions of designing and operating the integrated multi-vector energy networks that utilise a variety of primary energy sources to deliver different energy services such as heat electricity and mobility given the availability of primary resources and the levels of demands and their distribution across space and time? When to invest in technologies where to locate them; what resources should be used where when and how to convert them to the energy services required; how to transport the resources and manage inventory? Scenarios for Great Britain were examined involving different primary energy sources such as natural gas biomass and wind power in order to satisfy demands for heat electricity and mobility via various energy vectors such as electricity natural gas hydrogen and syngas. Different objectives were considered such as minimising cost maximising profit minimising emissions and maximising renewable energy production subject to the availability of suitable land for biomass and wind turbines as well as the maximum local production and import rates for natural gas. Results suggest that if significant mobility demands are met by hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles then hydrogen is the preferred energy vector over natural gas for satisfying heat demands. If natural gas is not used and energy can only be generated from wind power and biomass electricity and syngas are the preferred energy carriers for satisfying electricity and heat demands.
Development of Water Electrolysis in the European Union
Feb 2014
Publication
In view of the recent interest in the transformation of renewable energy into a new energy vector that did not produce by combustion greenhouse gases emissions the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) commissioned this report to a consultancy to get a better understanding of the industrial perspectives of water electrolysis in Europe. and the role that public support has in that evolution.
Future Heat Series Part 2 - Policy for Heat
Oct 2015
Publication
Policy for Heat: Transforming the System urges Government to implement an ambitious long-term decarbonisation strategy for the heat sector before it’s too late in new inquiry report. The report builds on the work of Part 1 in the Future Heat Series which compared recent decarbonisation pathways and analyses to identify and highlight key policy mechanisms and transitions that are needed in order to decarbonise heat for buildings by 2050. Chaired by Shadow Energy Minister Jonathan Reynolds MP and Conservative MP Rebecca Pow (and also previous MP and member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee Dan Byles MP until he stood down at the General Election) the report is written by cross-party think tank group Carbon Connect. The report was published in Parliament at a cross-party debate on Wednesday 14th October. Sponsored by Energy & Utilities Alliance (EUA) and the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) the report is the second in a cross-party and independent inquiry series.
HyDeploy: Demonstrating Non-destructive Carbon Savings Through Hydrogen Blending
Aug 2021
Publication
The project has successfully developed the safety case and delivered a hydrogen blend via the gas network into customers’ homes. The demonstration of safety for the specific network was based on robust evidence and clear operational procedures. Alongside the enabling safety case the HyDeploy project has demonstrated the first steps of hydrogen deployment are safe technically feasible and non-disruptive both for the network and domestic users.
The key outcomes of the HyDeploy project were:
The key outcomes of the HyDeploy project were:
- Successful achievement of the first regulatory approval from the HSE to operate a live gas network above the current hydrogen limit of 0.1 vol%. The approval allowed blending up to 20 vol%.
- Development of the technical and procedural precedents to generate evidence for review by the HSE which have informed subsequent safety case submissions through HyDeploy2 and the wider hydrogen safety case industry.
- The design fabrication installation and operation of the UK’s first hydrogen grid entry unit.
- Integration of novel hydrogen production and blending technologies to create the first hydrogen delivery system based on electrolytic generation into a live gas grid.
- Safe delivery of the UK’s first hydrogen blend trial to 100 homes and 30 faculty buildings. The trial delivered over 42000 cubic metres of hydrogen and abated over 27 tonnes of CO2.
- Collaboration with appliance and equipment providers to build a robust evidence base to demonstrate equipment suitability.
- Evidencing the suitability of hydrogen blends with domestic appliances as well as larger commercial appliances including catering equipment and boilers up to 600 kW.
- Evidencing the suitability of hydrogen blends with medium and low-pressure distribution systems relating to key performance metrics such as: pressure control; odour intensity and uniform gas compositions.
- Promotion of supply chain innovation through facilitating trials to develop gas detection and analysis technologies.
- Establishing a robust social science evidence base to understand the attitudes and experience of consumers actually using hydrogen blends.
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