Applications & Pathways

A recent consensus to achieve carbon neutrality is promoting interest in the use of hydrogen and management of its production system. Among the several types of hydrogen green hydrogen is of most interest which is produced using power generated from renewable energy sources (RES). However several challenges are encountered in the stable operation of green hydrogen production systems (GHPS) owing to the inherent intermittent and variables characteristics of RES. Although the implementation of energy storage systems (ESS) can aid in compensating for this variability large-scale ESS installations can be economically infeasible. Thus this study seeks an operation strategy suitable for GHPS considering the expected variability of RES and the operational conditions of a relatively small-sized ESS. In particular as state-of-charge management is crucial for operating an ESS with limited capacity this study presents a method to conduct coordinated control between the ESS and electrolyzer. Furthermore considering the characteristics of the GHPS the expected short-term variability analyzed using the copula-based approach is utilized. The proposed method is validated based on various RES generation scenarios. By applying the developed method operational continuity to GHPS is expected to increase with efficiency.

Deregulation in the energy sector has transformed the power systems with significant use of competition innovation and sustainability. This paper outlines a comparative study of renewable energy sources with electric vehicles (RES-EV) integration in a deregulated smart power system to highlight the learning on system efficiency effectiveness viability and the environment. This study depicts the importance of solar and wind energy in reducing carbon emissions and the challenges of integrating RES into present energy grids. It touches on the aspects of advanced energy storage systems demand-side management (DSM) and smart charging technologies for optimizing energy flows and stabilizing grids because of fluctuating demands. Findings were presented to show that based on specific pricing thresholds hybrid renewable energy systems can achieve grid parity and market competitiveness. Novel contributions included an in-depth exploration of the economic and technical feasibility of integrating EVs at the distribution level improvements in power flow control mechanisms and strategies to overcome challenges in decentralized energy systems. These insights will help policymakers and market participants make headway in the adoption of microgrids and smart grids within deregulated energy systems which is a step toward fostering a sustainable and resilient power sector.

Environmental concerns and the imperative to achieve net-zero carbon emissions have driven the exploration of efficient and sustainable advancements in automobile technologies. The automotive sector is undergoing a significant transformation primarily propelled by the adoption of green fuel technologies. Among the most promising innovations are green vehicle technologies and the integration of non-conventional power sources including advanced batteries (featuring high energy density) fuel cells (capable of long-range energy generation with water as the sole byproduct) and super-capacitors (characterized by rapid charge–discharge capabilities). This article examines the performance efficiency and adaptability of these power sources for electric vehicles (EVs) providing a comprehensive comparison of their functional capabilities. Additionally it analyzes the integration of super-capacitors with batteries and fuel cells emphasizing the potential of hybrid systems to enhance vehicle performance optimize energy management and extend operational range. The role of power converters in such systems is also discussed underscoring their critical importance in ensuring efficient energy transfer and effective energy management.

The application of hydrogen in modern farming is transitioning from a conceptual idea to a practical reality poised to meet future agricultural machinery requirements and transition goals. Increasing tensions between farmers and various institutions underscore the growing sensitivity around fossil fuel dependency in the agricultural sector particularly in northern economies. This study investigates the economic feasibility of using decentralized hydrogen systems to fully replace fossil fuels in cereal crop farming across four agricultural zones. Specifically it examines the economic viability of on-farm hydrogen production using electrolysers to meet the fuel needs of different farm structures. Various scenarios were modelled to assess the impact of switching to hydrogen fuel for annual farm operations using Net Present Value (NPV) and Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) metrics for hydrogen refuelling facilities on distinct farm structures. The results indicate that economic feasibility is a significant challenge with LCOH reaching as high as 57 €/kg of hydrogen in some cases while the bestcase scenarios achieved LCOH as low as 7.5 €/kg. These figures remain significantly higher than those for diesel and alternative fuels such as methane FAME and HVO. The study also assessed strategies for reducing hydrogen production costs using low-cost electricity and maximizing plant efficiency by increasing the electrolyser utilization rate to 70%. Additionally the potential for revenue generation through the sale of by-products was explored. Our findings highlight both the challenges and opportunities associated with hydrogen use in agriculture emphasizing the critical role of access to renewable energy sources and the economic limitations of byproduct revenue streams. In conclusion while decentralized hydrogen production can contribute to emission reductions in cereal crop farming further research and policy support are essential to improve its feasibility and sustainability.

Hydrogen and electric buses are considered effective options for decarbonizing the public transportation sector positioning them as a leader in this transition. This study models the environmental and economic performances of a set of bus powertrain technologies considering a real case-study of suburban public transport in Italy and including fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) battery electric vehicles (BEV) biomethane-powered vehicles (CBM) natural gas (CNG) and diesel buses. The environmental performances of FCEV and BEV are significantly influenced by the energy source used for hydrogen production or battery charging. Specifically using the electricity mix for FCEV leads to the highest greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel demand. In contrast BEV show better environmental performance than conventional powertrains especially when powered by photovoltaics. When powered by photovoltaics BEV reveal similar results to FCEV in terms of environmental impacts except for resource depletion where both perform poorly. Transitioning from diesel to BEV or FCEV can enhance local air quality regardless of the energy source. The economic analysis indicates that FCEV are the most expensive option followed by BEV both of which are currently costlier than diesel and CNG systems. CBM from waste streams emerges as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution. This study suggests prioritizing biomethane derived from biowaste manure and residual biomass (excluding energy crops) as a part of the fuels for public transport decarbonization in the EU to advance EU decarbonization goals despite limitations due to resource availability. Furthermore BEV powered by renewables should be prioritized whenever their range is adequate.

Hydrogen fueling stations are critical infrastructure for deploying zero emission hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). Stations with greater dispensing capacities and higher energy efficiency are needed and cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2) has the potential to meet these needs. It is necessary to ensure that hazards and risks are appropriately identified and managed. This paper presents a Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) methodology for high-capacity (dispensing >1000 kg/day) hydrogen fueling stations with liquid hydrogen storage and presents the application of that methodology by presenting a Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and data curation for the design developed for this study. This methodology offers a basis for risk and reliability evaluation of these systems as their designs evolve and as operational data becomes available. We developed a generic station design and process flow diagram for a high-capacity hydrogen fueling station with LH2 storage. Following the system description is hazard identification done from FMEA to identify the causes of hydrogen releases and the critical components causing the releases. Finally data collection and curation is discussed including challenges stemming from the limited public availability of reliability data on components used in liquid hydrogen systems. This paper acts as an introduction to the full QRA presented in its companion paper Schaad et al. [1].

High-emitting industrial processes are often concentrated in clusters that share infrastructure to maximise efficiency and reduce costs. These clusters prevalent in many industrialised economies pose significant challenges for decarbonisation due to their dependence on energy-intensive systems and legacy assets. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is frequently promoted as a key solution for reducing emissions in these hard-to-abate sectors. Drawing on an adapted ‘Multi-Level Perspective’ framework (Geels and Turnheim 2022) this paper examines how industrial practices are being reconfigured in response to decarbonisation imperatives. While our study focuses on the UK the findings have broader relevance to other industrialised nations pursuing a similar strategy. We observe a dominant reliance on fuel switching and CCS characterising the innovation style as ‘modular substitution’; incremental changes that replace individual components without fundamentally transforming the overall system. This pattern suggests a gap between ambitious climate commitments and the depth of systemic change being pursued. Without more comprehensive strategies there is a growing risk of delayed emissions reductions and increased residual emissions both contributing to the overshooting of carbon budgets which will be compounded if replicated across industrial sectors worldwide.

Ports are critical hubs in the global supply chain yet they face mounting challenges in achieving carbon neutrality. Port Integrated Multi-Energy Systems (PIMESs) offer a comprehensive solution by integrating renewable energy sources such as wind photovoltaic (PV) hydrogen and energy storage with traditional energy systems. This study examines the implementation of a real-word PIMES showcasing its effectiveness in reducing energy consumption and emissions. The findings indicate that in 2024 the PIMES enabled a reduction of 1885 tons of CO2 emissions with wind energy contributing 84% and PV 16% to the total decreases. The energy storage system achieved a charge–discharge efficiency of 99.15% while the hydrogen production system demonstrated an efficiency of 63.34% producing 503.87 Nm3/h of hydrogen. Despite these successes challenges remain in optimizing renewable energy integration expanding storage capacity and advancing hydrogen technologies. This paper highlights practical strategies to enhance PIMESs’ performances offering valuable insights for policymakers and port authorities aiming to balance energy efficiency and sustainability and providing a blueprint for carbon-neutral port development worldwide.

The increasing global demand for clean energy and sustainable industrial processes necessitates innovative approaches to energy production and chemical synthesis. This study proposed and simulated an innovative integrated system for the co-production of power hydrogen and dimethyl ether (DME) combining the high-efficiency Allam– Fetvedt cycle with co-electrolysis and indirect DME synthesis. The Allam–Fetvedt cycle generated electricity while capturing CO2 which along with water was used in solid oxide electrolyzers (SOEs) to produce syngas via co-electrolysis. The resulting syngas was converted to methanol and subsequently to DME. Aspen HYSYS was used to model and simulate the process and heat/mass integration strategies were implemented to reduce energy demand and optimize resource utilization. The proposed integrated process enabled an annual production of 980021 metric tons of DME 189435 metric tons of hydrogen and 7698.27 metric tons of methanol. The energy efficiency of the Allam–Fetvedt cycle reached 55% and heat integration reduced the system’s net energy demand by 14.22%. Despite the high energy needs of the electrolyzer system (81.28% of net energy) the overall energy requirement remained competitive with conventional methods. Carbon emissions per kilogram of DME were reduced from 1.16 to 0.77 kg CO2 through heat integration and can be further minimized to 0.0308 kg CO2/kg DME (near zero) with renewable electrification. Results demonstrated that 96% of CO2 was recycled within the Allam–Fetvedt cycle and the rest (the 4% of CO2) was captured and converted to syngas achieving net-zero carbon emissions. This work presents a scalable and sustainable pathway for integrated clean energy and chemical production advancing toward industrial net-zero targets.

It is essential to promote the study of non-conventional forms of electrical energy generation to create a resilient society with awareness of and the capacity for development and experimentation to face environmental conservation challenges especially from secondary education. From a mixed methodological approach this study presents workshops with hydrogen cells to strengthen educational skills and boost the interest of 44 high school students. The methodology followed five main points: carrying out a pre-evaluation to measure prior knowledge an induction related to concepts of electronics and hydrogen cells tests with a hydrogen kit the presentation of final projects post-evaluation of knowledge and the application of a survey of motivation. Observation experimentation analysis and dissemination of results helped strengthen students’ theoretical practical and scientific knowledge. These activities awakened their interest in this type of technology as evidenced in the results of the evaluations surveys and project quality. This demonstrates the validity of hydrogen cell workshops as a valuable technique to enhance learning and motivate students to study unconventional forms of electrical energy generation.