Italy
Merging the Green-H2 Production with Carbon Recycling for Stepping Towards the Carbon Cyclic Economy
Jan 2024
Publication
Hydrogen Economy and Cyclic Economy are advocated together with the use of perennial (solar wind hydro geo-power SWHG) and renewable (biomass) energy sources for defossilizing anthropic activities and mitigating climate change. Each option has intrinsic limits that prevent a stand-alone success in reaching the target. Humans have recycled goods (metals water paper and now plastics) to a different extent since very long time. Recycling carbon (which is already performed at the industrial level in the form of CO2 utilization and with recycling paper and plastics) is a key point for the future. The conversion of CO2 into chemicals and materials is carried out since the late 1800s (Solvay process) and is today performed at scale of 230 Mt/y. It is time to implement on a scale of several Gt/y the conversion of CO2 into energy products possibly mimicking Nature which does not use hydrogen. In the short term a few conditions must be met to make operative on a large scale the production of fuels from recycled-C namely the availability of low-cost: i. abundant pure concentrated streams of CO2 ii. non-fossil primary energy sources and iii. non-fossil-hydrogen. The large-scale production of hydrogen by Methane Steam Reforming with CO2 capture (Blue-H2) seems to be a realistic and sustainable solution. Green-H2 could in principle be produced on a large scale through the electrolysis of water powered by perennial primary sources but hurdles such as the availability of materials for the construction of long-living robust electrochemical cells (membranes electrodes) must be abated for a substantial scale-up with respect to existing capacity. The actual political situation makes difficult to rely on external supplies. Supposed that cheap hydrogen will be available its direct use in energy production can be confronted with the indirect use that implies the hydrogenation of CO2 into fuels (E-fuels) an almost ready technology. The two strategies have both pros and cons and can be integrated. E-Fuels can also represent an option for storing the energy of intermittent sources. In the medium-long term the direct co-processing of CO2 and water via co-electrolysis may avoid the production/transport/ use of hydrogen. In the long term coprocessing of CO2 and H2O to fuels via photochemical or photoelectrochemical processes can become a strategic technology.
Monitored Data and Social Perceptions Analysis of Battery Electric and Hydrogen Fuelled Buses in Urban and Suburban Areas
Jul 2023
Publication
Electrification of the transportation sector is one of the main drivers in the decarbonization of energy and mobility systems and it is a way to ensure security of energy supply. Public bus fleets can assist in achieving fast reduction of CO2 emissions. This article provides an analysis of a unique real-world dataset to support decision makers in the decarbonization of public fleets and interlink it with the social acceptance of drivers. Data was collected from 21 fuel cell and electric buses. The tank-to-wheel efficiency results of fuel cell electric buses (FCEB) are much lower than that of battery electric buses (BEB) and there is a higher variation in consumption for BEBs compared to FCEBs. Both technologies permit a strong reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional buses. There is a high level of acceptance of drivers which are likely to support the transition towards zero-emission buses introduced by the management.
Sustainable Fuel Production Using In-situ Hydrogen Supply via Aqueous Phase Reforming: A Techno-economic and Life-cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessment
Jul 2023
Publication
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production is one of the strategies to guarantee an environmental-friendly development of the aviation sector. This work evaluates the technical economic and environmental feasibility of obtaining SAFs by hydrogenation of vegetable oils thanks to in-situ hydrogen production via aqueous phase reforming (APR) of glycerol by-product. The novel implementation of APR would avoid the environmental burden of conventional fossil-derived hydrogen production as well as intermittency and storage issues related to the use of RES-based (renewable energy sources) electrolysers. The conceptual design of a conventional and advanced (APR-aided) biorefinery was performed considering a standard plant capacity equal to 180 ktonne/y of palm oil. For the advanced scenario the feed underwent hydrolysis into glycerol and fatty acids; hence the former was subjected to APR to provide hydrogen which was further used in the hydrotreatment reactor where the fatty acids were deoxygenated. The techno-economic results showed that APR implementation led to a slight increase of the fixed capital investment by 6.6% compared to the conventional one while direct manufacturing costs decreased by 22%. In order to get a 10% internal rate of return the minimum fuel selling price was found equal to 1.84 $/kg which is 17% lower than the one derived from conventional configurations (2.20 $/kg). The life-cycle GHG emission assessment showed that the carbon footprint of the advanced scenario was equal to ca. 12 g CO2/MJSAF i.e. 54% lower than the conventional one (considering an energy-based allocation). The sensitivity analysis pointed out that the cost of the feedstock SAF yield and the chosen plant size are keys parameters for the marketability of this biorefinery while the energy price has a negligible impact; moreover the source of hydrogen has significant consequences on the environmental footprint of the plant. Finally possible uncertainties for both scenarios were undertaken via Monte Carlo simulations.
The Economic Impact and Carbon Footprint Dependence of Energy Management Strategies in Hydrogen-Based Microgrids
Sep 2023
Publication
This paper presents an economic impact analysis and carbon footprint study of a hydrogenbased microgrid. The economic impact is evaluated with respect to investment costs operation and maintenance (O&M) costs as well as savings taking into account two different energy management strategies (EMSs): a hydrogen-based priority strategy and a battery-based priority strategy. The research was carried out in a real microgrid located at the University of Huelva in southwestern Spain. The results (which can be extrapolated to microgrids with a similar architecture) show that although both strategies have the same initial investment costs (EUR 52339.78) at the end of the microgrid lifespan the hydrogen-based strategy requires higher replacement costs (EUR 74177.4 vs. 17537.88) and operation and maintenance costs (EUR 35254.03 vs. 34877.08) however it provides better annual savings (EUR 36753.05 vs. 36282.58) and a lower carbon footprint (98.15% vs. 95.73% CO2 savings) than the battery-based strategy. Furthermore in a scenario where CO2 emission prices are increasing the hydrogen-based strategy will bring even higher annual cost savings in the coming years.
Analysis of a Distributed Green Hydrogen Infrastructure Designed to Support the Sustainable Mobility of a Heavy-duty Fleet
Aug 2023
Publication
Clean hydrogen is a key pillar for the net zero economy which can be deployed by consistent utilization on heavy-duty transport. This study investigates a distributed green hydrogen infrastructure (DHI) for heavy-duty transportation consisting of on-site hydrogen production storage compression and refueling systems in Italy. Two options for energy supply are analyzed: grid connection using green energy via Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs) and direct connection to the photovoltaic field respectively. Radiation data are representative of the three main Italian areas namely South (Catania) Center (Roma) and North (Milano). The sensitivity analysis varies the PPA value between 50 V/MWh and 200 V/MWh and the water electrolysis capacity factor between 20% and 100%. The study finds that the LCOH ranges from 7.4 V/kgH2 to 67.8 V/kgH2 for the first option and 5.5 V/kgH2 to 27.5 V/kgH2 for the second option with Southern Italy having the lowest LCOH due to higher solar irradiation. The research shows that a DHI can offer economic and technical benefits for heavy-duty mobility. However the performance is highly influenced by external conditions such as hydrogen demand and electricity prices. This study provides valuable insights into designing and operating a DHI for heavy-duty mobility promoting a carbon-free society.
An Exploration of Safety Measures in Hydrogen Refueling Stations: Delving into Hydrogen Equipment and Technical Performance
Feb 2024
Publication
The present paper offers a thorough examination of the safety measures enforced at hydrogen filling stations emphasizing their crucial significance in the wider endeavor to advocate for hydrogen as a sustainable and reliable substitute for conventional fuels. The analysis reveals a wide range of crucial safety aspects in hydrogen refueling stations including regulated hydrogen dispensing leak detection accurate hydrogen flow measurement emergency shutdown systems fire-suppression mechanisms hydrogen distribution and pressure management and appropriate hydrogen storage and cooling for secure refueling operations. The paper therefore explores several aspects including the sophisticated architecture of hydrogen dispensers reliable leak-detection systems emergency shut-off mechanisms and the implementation of fire-suppression tactics. Furthermore it emphasizes that the safety and effectiveness of hydrogen filling stations are closely connected to the accuracy in the creation and upkeep of hydrogen dispensers. It highlights the need for materials and systems that can endure severe circumstances of elevated pressure and temperature while maintaining safety. The use of sophisticated leak-detection technology is crucial for rapidly detecting and reducing possible threats therefore improving the overall safety of these facilities. Moreover the research elucidates the complexities of emergency shut-off systems and fire-suppression tactics. These components are crucial not just for promptly managing hazards but also for maintaining the station’s structural soundness in unanticipated circumstances. In addition the study provides observations about recent technical progress in the industry. These advances effectively tackle current safety obstacles and provide the foundation for future breakthroughs in hydrogen fueling infrastructure. The integration of cutting-edge technology and materials together with the development of upgraded safety measures suggests a positive trajectory towards improved efficiency dependability and safety in hydrogen refueling stations.
Optimal RES Integration for Matching the Italian Hydrogen Strategy Requirements
Oct 2023
Publication
In light of the Italian Hydrogen Roadmap goals the 2030 national RES installation targets need to be redefined. This work aims to propose a more appropriate RES installation deployment on national scale by matching the electrolysers capacity and the green hydrogen production goals. The adopted approach envisages the power-to-gas value chain priority for the green hydrogen production as a means of balancing system. Thus the 2030 Italian energy system has been modelled and several RES installation scenarios have been simulated via EnergyPLAN software. The simulation outputs have been integrated with a breakdown model for the overgeneration RES share detection in compliance with the PV dispatching priority of the Italian system. Therefore the best installation solutions have been detected via multi-objective optimization model based on the green hydrogen production additional installation cost critical energy excess along with the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH). Higher wind technology installations provide more competitive energy and hydrogen costs. The most suitable scenarios show that the optimal LCOH and hydrogen production values respectively equal to 3.6 €/kg and 223 ktonH2 arise from additional PV/wind installations of 35 GW on top of the national targets.
A Review of Electrolyzer-based Systems Providing Grid Ancillary Service: Current Status, Market, Challenges and Future Directions
Feb 2024
Publication
Concerns related to climate change have shifted global attention towards advanced sustainable and decarbonized energy systems. While renewable resources such as wind and solar energy offer environmentally friendly alternatives their inherent variability and intermittency present significant challenges to grid stability and reliability. The integration of renewable energy sources requires innovative solutions to effectively balance supply and demand in the electricity grid. This review explores the critical role of electrolyzer systems in addressing these challenges by providing ancillary services to modern electricity grids. Electrolyzers traditionally used only for hydrogen production have now emerged as versatile tools capable of responding quickly to grid load variations. They can consume electricity during excess periods or when integrated with fuel cells generate electricity during peak demand contributing to grid stability. Therefore electrolyzer systems can fulfill the dual function of producing hydrogen for the end-user and offering grid balancing services ensuring greater economic feasibility. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive view of the electrolyzer systems’ role in the provision of ancillary services including frequency control voltage control congestion management and black start. The technical aspects market projects challenges and future prospects of using electrolyzers to provide ancillary services in modern energy systems are explored.
Hydrogen Combustion: Features and Barriers to Its Exploitation in the Energy Transition
Oct 2023
Publication
The aim of this article is to review hydrogen combustion applications within the energy transition framework. Hydrogen blends are also included from the well-known hydrogen enriched natural gas (HENG) to the hydrogen and ammonia blends whose chemical kinetics is still not clearly defined. Hydrogen and hydrogen blends combustion characteristics will be firstly summarized in terms of standard properties like the laminar flame speed and the adiabatic flame temperature but also evidencing the critical role of hydrogen preferential diffusion in burning rate enhancement and the drastic reduction in radiative emission with respect to natural gas flames. Then combustion applications in both thermo-electric power generation (based on internal combustion engines i.e. gas turbines and piston engines) and hard-to-abate industry (requiring high-temperature kilns and furnaces) sectors will be considered highlighting the main issues due to hydrogen addition related to safety pollutant emissions and potentially negative effects on industrial products (e.g. glass cement and ceramic).
Hazard Footprint of Alternative Fuel Storage Concepts for Hydrogen-powered Urban Buses
Nov 2023
Publication
Hydrogen mobility is a powerful strategy to fight climate change promoting the decarbonization of the transportation sector. However the higher flammability of hydrogen in comparison with traditional fuels raises issues concerning the safety of hydrogen-powered vehicles in particular when urban mobility in crowded areas is concerned. In the present study a comparative analysis of alternative hydrogen storage concepts for buses is carried out. A specific inherent safety assessment methodology providing a hazard footprint of alternative hydrogen storage technologies was developed. The approach provides a set of ex-ante safety performance indicators and integrates a sensitivity analysis performed by a Monte Carlo method. Integral models for consequence analysis and a set of baseline frequencies are used to provide a preliminary identification of the worstcase credible fire and explosion scenarios and to rank the inherent safety of alternative concepts. Cryocompressed storage in the supercritical phase resulted as the more hazardous storage concept while cryogenic storage in the liquid phase at ambient pressure scored the highest safety performance. The results obtained support risk-informed decision-making in the shift towards the promotion of sustainable mobility in urban areas.
Flashback Propensity due to Hydrogen Blending in Natural Gas: Sensitivity to Operating and Geometrical Parameters
Jan 2024
Publication
Hydrogen has emerged as a promising option for promoting decarbonization in various sectors by serving as a replacement for natural gas while retaining the combustion-based conversion system. However its higher reactivity compared to natural gas introduces a significant risk of flashback. This study investigates the impact of operating and geometry parameters on flashback phenomena in multi-slit burners fed with hydrogenmethane-air mixtures. For this purpose transient numerical simulations which take into account conjugate heat transfer between the fluid and the solid walls are coupled with stochastic sensitivity analysis based on Generalized Polynomial Chaos. This allows deriving comprehensive maps of flashback velocities and burner temperatures within the parameter space of hydrogen content equivalence ratio and slit width using a limited number of numerical simulations. Moreover we assess the influence of different parameters and their interactions on flashback propensity. The ranges we investigate encompass highly H2 -enriched lean mixtures ranging from 80% to 100% H2 by volume with equivalence ratios ranging from 0.5 to 1.0. We also consider slit widths that are typically encountered in burners for end-user devices ranging from 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm. The study highlights the dominant role of preferential diffusion in affecting flashback physics and propensity as parameters vary including significant enrichment close to the burner plate due to the Soret effect. These findings hold promise for driving the design and optimization of perforated burners enabling their safe and efficient operation in practical end-user applications.
Addressing Environmental Challenges: The Role of Hydrogen Technologies in a Sustainable Future
Dec 2023
Publication
Energy and environmental issues are of great importance in the present era. The transition to renewable energy sources necessitates technological political and behavioral transformations. Hydrogen is a promising solution and many countries are investing in the hydrogen economy. Global demand for hydrogen is expected to reach 120 million tonnes by 2024. The incorporation of hydrogen for efficient energy transport and storage and its integration into the transport sector are crucial measures. However to fully develop a hydrogen-based economy the sustainability and safety of hydrogen in all its applications must be ensured. This work describes and compares different technologies for hydrogen production storage and utilization (especially in fuel cell applications) with focus on the research activities under study at SaRAH group of the University of Naples Federico II. More precisely the focus is on the production of hydrogen from bio-alcohols and its storage in formate solutions produced from renewable sources such as biomass or carbon dioxide. In addition the use of materials inspired by nature including biowaste as feedstock to produce porous electrodes for fuel cell applications is presented. We hope that this review can be useful to stimulate more focused and fruitful research in this area and that it can open new avenues for the development of sustainable hydrogen technologies.
Assessing Techno-economic Feasibility of Cogeneration and Power to Hydrogen Plants: A Novel Dynamic Simulation Model
Aug 2023
Publication
Green hydrogen technologies are crucial for decarbonization purposes while cogeneration offers efficient heat and power generation. Integrating green hydrogen and cogeneration brings numerous benefits optimizing energy utilization reducing emissions and supporting the transition to a sustainable future. While there are numerous studies examining the integration of combined heat and power with Power to Gas certain aspects still requires a more detailed analysis especially for internal combustion engines fuelled by natural gas due to their widespread adoption as one of the primary technologies in use. Therefore this paper presents a comprehensive numerical 0-D dynamic simulation model implemented within the TRNSYS environment considering internal combustion engines fuelled by natural gas. Specifically the study focuses on capturing CO2 from exhaust gases and producing green hydrogen from electrolysis. Based on these considerations two configurations are proposed: the first involves the methanation reaction while the second entails the production of a hydromethane mixture. The aim is to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of these configurations and compare their performance within the Power to Gas framework. Self-sufficiency from the national electricity grid has been almost achieved for the two configurations considering an industrial case. The production of hydromethane allows smaller photovoltaic plant (81 kWp) compared to the production of synthetic methane (670 kWp) where a high quantity of hydrogen is required especially if all the carbon dioxide captured is used in the methanation process. Encouraging economic results with payback times below ten years have been obtained with the use of hydromethane. Moreover hydromethane shows potential residential applications with small required photovoltaic sizes.
Assessing Opportunities and Weaknesses of Green Hydrogen Transport via LOHC through a Detailed Techno-economic Analysis
Aug 2023
Publication
In the transition towards a more sustainable energy system hydrogen is seen as the key low-emission energy source. However the limited H2 volumetric density hinders its transportation. To overcome this issue liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) molecules that can be hydrogenated and upon arrival dehydrogenated for H2 release have been proposed as hydrogen transport media. Considering toluene and dibenzyltoluene as representative carriers this work offers a systematic methodology for the analysis and the comparison of LOHCs in view of identifying cost-drivers of the overall value-chain. A detailed Aspen Plus process simulation is provided for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation sections. Simulation results are used as input data for the economic assessment. The process economics reveals that dehydrogenation is the most impactful cost-item together with the carrier initial loading the latter related to the LOHC transport distance. The choice of the most suitable molecule as H2 carrier ultimately is a trade-off between its hydrogenation enthalpy and cost.
Numerical Analysis of Dual Fuel Combustion in a Medium Speed Marine Engine Supplied with Methane/Hydrogen Blends
Sep 2023
Publication
Compression ignition engines will still be predominant in the naval sector: their high efficiency high torque and heavy weight perfectly suit the demands and architecture of ships. Nevertheless recent emission legislations impose limitations to the pollutant emissions levels in this sector as well. In addition to post-treatment systems it is necessary to reduce some pollutant species and therefore the study of combustion strategies and new fuels can represent valid paths for limiting environmental harmful emissions such as CO2 . The use of methane in dual fuel mode has already been implemented on existent vessels but the progressive decarbonization will lead to the utilization of carbon-neutral or carbon-free fuels such as in the last case hydrogen. Thanks to its high reactivity nature it can be helpful in the reduction of exhaust CH4 . On the contrary together with the high temperatures achieved by its oxidation hydrogen could cause uncontrolled ignition of the premixed charge and high emissions of NOx. As a matter of fact a source of ignition is still necessary to have better control on the whole combustion development. To this end an optimal and specific injection strategy can help to overcome all the before-mentioned issues. In this study three-dimensional numerical simulations have been performed with the ANSYS Forte® software (version 19.2) in an 8.8 L dual fuel engine cylinder supplied with methane hydrogen or hydrogen–methane blends with reference to experimental tests from the literature. A new kinetic mechanism has been used for the description of diesel fuel surrogate oxidation with a set of reactions specifically addressed for the low temperatures together with the GRIMECH 3.0 for CH4 and H2 . This kinetics scheme allowed for the adequate reproduction of the ignition timing for the various mixtures used. Preliminary calculations with a one-dimensional commercial code were performed to retrieve the initial conditions of CFD calculations in the cylinder. The used approach demonstrated to be quite a reliable tool to predict the performance of a marine engine working under dual fuel mode with hydrogen-based blends at medium load. As a result the system modelling shows that using hydrogen as fuel in the engine can achieve the same performance as diesel/natural gas but when hydrogen totally replaces methane CO2 is decreased up to 54% at the expense of the increase of about 76% of NOx emissions.
Dynamic Quality Tracking of Natural Gas and Hydrogen Mixture in a Portion of Natural Gas Grid
Aug 2015
Publication
Direct injection of alternative fuels (biomethane hydrogen) in the natural gas grid appears to be a promising solution to reach environmental objectives of CO2 emission reduction in the current energy scenario. This approach is justified by the large amount of biogas producible which can be upgraded to biomethane; while another proposed solution to increase renewable energy sources exploitation lies in producing hydrogen from excess wind energy followed by injection in the natural gas grid. Nevertheless compliance with composition limits and quality constraints in the resulting natural gas mixture has to be analysed in both stationary and dynamic operations tracking the gas quality downstream the injection point of the alternative fuels. A model was developed to simulate unsteady operation of a portion of gas grid dealing with realistic industrial and residential consumptions concentrated in offtake points. Two case studies were investigated focusing on the comparison between different amounts of hydrogen injection in the pure natural gas flow yielding composition flow rate and pressure profiles. The analysis shows how imposed quality thresholds can be respected although the hydrogen fraction within the natural gas mixture is highly sensitive to the profile and size of the loads connected to the gas pipeline.
Ammonia as Green Fuel in Internal Combustion Engines: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives
Jul 2022
Publication
Ammonia (NH3) is among the largest-volume chemicals produced and distributed in the world and is mainly known for its use as a fertilizer in the agricultural sector. In recent years it has sparked interest in the possibility of working as a high-quality energy carrier and as a carbon-free fuel in internal combustion engines (ICEs). This review aimed to provide an overview of the research on the use of green ammonia as an alternative fuel for ICEs with a look to the future on possible applications and practical solutions to related problems. First of all the ammonia production process is discussed. Present ammonia production is not a “green” process; the synthesis occurs starting from gaseous hydrogen currently produced from hydrocarbons. Some ways to produce green ammonia are reviewed and discussed. Then the chemical and physical properties of ammonia as a fuel are described and explained in order to identify the main pros and cons of its use in combustion systems. Then the most viable solutions for fueling internal combustion engines with ammonia are discussed. When using pure ammonia high boost pressure and compression ratio are required to compensate for the low ammonia flame speed. In spark-ignition engines adding hydrogen to ammonia helps in speeding up the flame front propagation and stabilizing the combustion. In compression-ignition engines ammonia can be successfully used in dual-fuel mode with diesel. On the contrary an increase in NOx and the unburned NH3 at the exhaust require the installation of apposite aftertreatment systems. Therefore the use of ammonia seems to be more practicable for marine or stationary engine application where space constraints are not a problem. In conclusion this review points out that ammonia has excellent potential to play a significant role as a sustainable fuel for the future in both retrofitted and new engines. However significant further research and development activities are required before being able to consider large-scale industrial production of green ammonia. Moreover uncertainties remain about ammonia safe and effective use and some technical issues need to be addressed to overcome poor combustion properties for utilization as a direct substitute for standard fuels.
Modelling Methodologies to Design and Control Renewables and Hydrogen-Based Telecom Towers Power Supply Systems
Aug 2023
Publication
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFCS) and electrolyser (PEMELS) systems together with a hydrogen storage tank (HST) are suitable to be integrated with renewable microgrids to cover intermittency and fully exploit the excess of electrical energy. Such an integration perfectly fits telecom tower power supply needs both in off-grid and grid-connected sites. In this framework a model-based tool enabling both optimal sizing and proper year-through energy management of both the above applications is proposed. Respectively the islanded optimisation is performed considering two economic indices i.e. simple payback (SPB) and levelised cost of energy (LCOE) together with two strategies of hydrogen tank management charge sustaining and depleting and also accounting for the impact of grid extension distance. On the other hand the grid connection is addressed through the dynamic programming method while downsizing PEMELS and HST sizes to improve techno-economic effectiveness thanks to grid contribution towards renewables curtailment issues mitigation. For both the above introduced HST management strategies a reduction of more than 70% of the nominal PEMELS power and 90% of the HST size which will in turn lead to SPB and LCOE being reduced by 80% and 60% in comparison to the islanded case respectively is achieved. Furthermore the charge depleting strategy relying on possible hydrogen purchase interestingly provides an SPB and LCOE of 9% and 7% lower than the charge sustaining one.
China and Italy’s Energy Development Trajectories: Current Landscapes and Future Cooperation Potential
Feb 2024
Publication
In order to achieve the ambitious goal of “carbon neutrality” countries around the world are striving to develop clean energy. Against this background this paper takes China and Italy as representatives of developing and developed countries to summarize the energy structure composition and development overview of the two countries. The paper analyzes the serious challenges facing the future energy development of both countries and investigates the possibilities of energy cooperation between the two countries taking into account their respective advantages in energy development. By comparing the policies issued by the two governments to encourage clean energy development this paper analyzes the severe challenges faced by the two countries’ energy development in the future and combines their respective energy development advantages to look forward to the possibility of energy cooperation between the two countries in the future. This lays the foundation for China and Italy to build an “Energy Road” after the “Silk Road”.
Modeling the Long-term Evolution of the Italian Power Sector: The Role of Renewable Resources and Energy Storage Facilities
Feb 2024
Publication
The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term planning of the Italian power sector from 2021 to 2050. The key role of photovoltaic and wind technologies in combination with power-to-power systems based on hydrogen and batteries is investigated. An updated version of the OSeMOSYS tool is used which employs a clustering method for the representation of time-varying input data. First the potential of variable renewable energy sources (VRES) is assessed. A sensitivity analysis is also performed on the temporal resolution of the model to determine an adequate trade-off between the computation time and the accuracy of the results. Then a technoeconomic optimization scenario is carried out resulting in a total net present cost of about 233.7 B€. A high penetration of VRES technologies is foreseen by 2050 with a total VRES installed capacity of 272.9 GW (mainly photovoltaic and onshore wind). Batteries are found to be the preferable energy storage solution in the first part of the energy transition while the hydrogen storage starts to be convenient from about the year 2040. Indeed the role of hydrogen storage becomes fundamental as the VRES penetration increases thanks to its cost-effective long-term storage capability. By 2050 74.6 % of electricity generation will be based on VRES which will also enable a significant reduction in CO2 emissions of about 87 %.
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