Policy & Socio-Economics
How Knowledge about or Experience with Hydrogen Fueling Stations Improves Their Public Acceptance
Nov 2019
Publication
Hydrogen which is expected to be a popular type of next-generation energy is drawing attention as a fuel option for the formation of a low-carbon society. Because hydrogen energy is different in nature from existing energy technologies it is necessary to promote sufficient social recognition and acceptability of the technology for its widespread use. In this study we focused on the effect of initiatives to improve awareness of hydrogen energy technology thereby investigating the acceptability of hydrogen energy to those participating in either several hydrogen energy technology introduction events or professional seminars. According to the survey results participants in the technology introduction events tended to have lower levels of hydrogen and hydrogen energy technology knowledge than did participants in the hydrogen-energy-related seminars but confidence in the technology and acceptability of the installation of hydrogen stations near their own residences tended to be higher. It was suggested that knowledge about hydrogen and technology could lead to improved acceptability through improved levels of trust in the technology. On the other hand social benefits such as those for the environment socioeconomics and energy security have little impact on individual levels of acceptance of new technology.
Is Blue Hydrogen a Bridging Technology? - The Limits of a CO2 Price and the Role of State-induced Price Components for Green Hydrogen Production in Germany
Jun 2022
Publication
The European Commission aims to establish green hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity and in a transition phase hydrogen produced in a low-carbon process or blue hydrogen. In an extensive cost analysis for Germany up to 2050 based on scenario data and a component-based learning rate approach we find that blue hydrogen is likely to establish itself as the most cost-effective option and not only as a medium-term low-carbon alternative. We find that expected CO2 prices below €480/tCO2 have a limited impact on the economic feasibility of electrolysis and show that substantial increases in excise tax on natural gas could lead blue hydrogen to reach a sufficient cost level for electrolysed hydrogen. Unless alternatives for green hydrogen supply through infrastructure and imports become available at lower cost electrolysed hydrogen may require long-term subsidies. As blue hydrogen comprises fugitive methane emissions and financing needs for green hydrogen support have implications for society and competition in the internal market we suggest that policymakers rely on hydrogen for decarbonising only essential energy applications. We recommend further investigations into the cost of hydrogen infrastructure and import options as well as efficient subsidy frameworks.
Energy Innovation Needs Assessment: Heating Cooling
Nov 2019
Publication
The Energy Innovation Needs Assessment (EINA) aims to identify the key innovation needs across the UK’s energy system to inform the prioritisation of public sector investment in low-carbon innovation. Using an analytical methodology developed by the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) the EINA takes a systemlevel approach and values innovations in a technology in terms of the system-level benefits a technology innovation provides.1. This whole system modelling in line with BEIS’s EINA methodology was delivered by the Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) using the Energy System Modelling Environment (ESMETM) as the primary modelling tool.
To support the overall prioritisation of innovation activity the EINA process analyses key technologies in more detail. These technologies are grouped together into sub-themes according to the primary role they fulfil in the energy system. For key technologies within a sub-theme innovations and business opportunities are identified. The main findings at the technology level are summarised in sub-theme reports. An overview report will combine the findings from each sub-theme to provide a broad system-level perspective and prioritisation.
This EINA analysis is based on a combination of desk research by a consortium of economic and engineering consultants and stakeholder engagement. The prioritisation of innovation and business opportunities presented is informed by a workshop organised for each sub-theme assembling key stakeholders from the academic community industry and government.
This report was commissioned prior to advice being received from the CCC on meeting a net zero target and reflects priorities to meet the previous 80% target in 2050. The newly legislated net zero target is not expected to change the set of innovation priorities rather it will make them all more valuable overall. Further work is required to assess detailed implications.
To support the overall prioritisation of innovation activity the EINA process analyses key technologies in more detail. These technologies are grouped together into sub-themes according to the primary role they fulfil in the energy system. For key technologies within a sub-theme innovations and business opportunities are identified. The main findings at the technology level are summarised in sub-theme reports. An overview report will combine the findings from each sub-theme to provide a broad system-level perspective and prioritisation.
This EINA analysis is based on a combination of desk research by a consortium of economic and engineering consultants and stakeholder engagement. The prioritisation of innovation and business opportunities presented is informed by a workshop organised for each sub-theme assembling key stakeholders from the academic community industry and government.
This report was commissioned prior to advice being received from the CCC on meeting a net zero target and reflects priorities to meet the previous 80% target in 2050. The newly legislated net zero target is not expected to change the set of innovation priorities rather it will make them all more valuable overall. Further work is required to assess detailed implications.
Investigating the Implications of a New-build Hybrid Power System for Roll-on/Roll-off Cargo Ships from a Sustainability Perspective – A Life Cycle Assessment Case Study
Aug 2016
Publication
Marine transport has been essential for international trade. Concern for its environmental impact was growing among regulators classification societies ship operators ship owners and other stakeholders. By applying life cycle assessment this article aimed to assess the impact of a new-build hybrid system (i.e. an electric power system which incorporated lithium ion batteries photovoltaic systems and cold-ironing) designed for Roll-on/Roll-off cargo ships. The study was carried out based on a bottom-up integrated system approach using the optimised operational profile and background information for manufacturing processes mass breakdown and end of life management plans. Resources such as metallic and non-metallic materials and energy required for manufacture operation maintenance dismantling and scrap handling were estimated. During operation 1.76 x 10^8 kg of marine diesel oil was burned releasing carbon monoxide carbon dioxide particulate matter hydrocarbons nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide which ranged 5–8 orders of magnitude. The operation of diesel gensets was the primary cause of impact categories that were relevant to particulate matter or respiratory inorganic health issues photochemical ozone creation eutrophication acidification global warming and human toxicity. Disposing metallic scrap was accountable for the most significant impact category ecotoxicity potential. The environmental benefits of the hybrid power system in most impact categories were verified in comparison with a conventional power system onboard cargo ships. The estimated results for individual impact categories were verified using scenario analysis. The study concluded that the life cycle of a new-build hybrid power system would result in significant impact on the environment human beings and natural reserves and therefore proper management of such a system was imperative.
Exergy as Criteria for Efficient energy Systems - Maximising Energy Efficiency from Resource to Energy Service, an Austrian Case Study
Sep 2021
Publication
The EU aims for complete decarbonisation. Therefore renewable generation must be massively expanded and the energy and exergy efficiency of the entire system must be significantly increased. To increase exergy efficiency a holistic consideration of the energy system is necessary. This work analyses the optimal technology mix to maximise exergy efficiency in a fully decarbonised energy system. An exergy-based optimisation model is presented and analysed. It considers both the energy supply system and the final energy application. The optimisation is using Austria as a case study with targeted renewable generation capacities of 2030. The results show that despite this massive expansion and the maximum exergy efficiency about half of the primary energy still be imported. Overall exergy efficiency can be raised from today's 34% (Sejkora et al. 2020) to 56%. The major increase in exergy efficiency is achieved in the areas of heat supply (via complete excess heat utilisation and heat pumps) and transport (via electric and fuel cell drives). The investigated exergy optimisation results in an increase of the final electrical energy demand by 44% compared to the current situation. This increase leads to mainly positive residual loads despite a significant expansion of renewable generation. Negative residual loads are used to provide heat and hydrogen.
Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener
Oct 2021
Publication
Last year the Prime Minister set out his 10 point plan for a green industrial revolution laying the foundations for a green economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19 with the UK at the forefront of the growing global green economy.
This strategy builds on that approach to keep us on track for UK carbon budgets our 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution and net zero by 2050. It includes:
This strategy builds on that approach to keep us on track for UK carbon budgets our 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution and net zero by 2050. It includes:
- our decarbonisation pathways to net zero by 2050 including illustrative scenarios
- policies and proposals to reduce emissions for each sector
- cross-cutting action to support the transition.
Future Heat Series Part 1 - Pathways for Heat
Nov 2014
Publication
Together the pathways examined in the report paint a picture of the nationwide transformation getting underway in how we heat our homes and buildings. The report identifies that by 2050 gas used to heat buildings could fall by 75-95% electricity increase from a 10% share today to 30-80% and district heat increase from less than 2% to up to a 40% share. At the same time energy efficiency could help to lower bills and offset the expected growth in our heating needs from an expanding population and building stock. Across most pathways examined in the report mass deployment of low carbon heat solutions ramps up in the lead-in to 2030. Carbon Connect’s overarching recommendation is that the next decade should be spent preparing by developing a robust strategy for decarbonising heat in buildings whilst testing and scaling up delivery models. The report calls for the next Government to prioritise these preparations in the same way that preparing for power sector decarbonisation has been the overriding focus of energy policy in the past decade. The Future Heat Series brings together politicians policy and academic experts and industry leaders. Together this coalition of key figures is taking stock of evidence progressing the policy debate in an open and constructive forum and building consensus for prioritising and transforming heat. Pathways for Heat is the first part of the Future Heat Series and presents six recommendations and over twenty findings.
In the Green? Perceptions of Hydrogen Production Methods Among the Norwegian Public
Feb 2023
Publication
This article presents findings from a representative survey fielded through the Norwegian Citizen Panel examining public perceptions of hydrogen fuel and its different production methods. Although several countries including Norway have strategies to increase the production of hydrogen fuel our results indicate that hydrogen as an energy carrier and its different production methods are still unknown to a large part of the public. A common misunderstanding seems to be confusing ‘hydrogen fuel’ in general with environmentally friendly ‘green hydrogen’. Results from a survey experiment (N = 1906) show that production method is important for public acceptance. On a five-point acceptance scale respondents score on average 3.9 for ‘green’ hydrogen which is produced from renewable energy sources. The level of acceptance is significantly lower for ‘blue’ (3.2) and ‘grey’ (2.3) hydrogen when respondents are informed that these are produced from coal oil or natural gas. Public support for hydrogen fuel in general as well as the different production methods is also related to their level of worry about climate change gender and political affiliation. Widespread misunderstandings regarding ‘green’ hydrogen production could potentially fuel public resistance as new ‘blue’ or ‘grey’ projects develop. Our results indicate a need for clearer communication from the government and developers regarding production methods to avoid distrust and potential public backfire.
Renewable Hydrogen Supply Chains: A Planning Matrix and an Agenda for Future Research
Oct 2022
Publication
Worldwide energy systems are experiencing a transition to more sustainable systems. According to the Hydrogen Roadmap Europe (FCH EU 2019) hydrogen will play an important role in future energy systems due to its ability to support sustainability goals and will account for approximately 13% of the total energy mix in the coming future. Correct hydrogen supply chain (HSC) planning is therefore vital to enable a sustainable transition. However due to the operational characteristics of the HSC its planning is complicated. Renewable hydrogen supply can be diverse: Hydrogen can be produced de-centrally with renewables such as wind and solar energy or centrally by using electricity generated from a hydro power plant with a large volume. Similarly demand for hydrogen can also be diverse with many new applications such as fuels for fuel cell electrical vehicles and electricity generation feedstocks in industrial processes and heating for buildings. The HSC consists of various stages (production storage distribution and applications) in different forms with strong interdependencies which further increase HSC complexity. Finally planning of an HSC depends on the status of hydrogen adoption and market development and on how mature technologies are and both factors are characterised by high uncertainties. Directly adapting the traditional approaches of supply chain planning for HSCs is insufficient. Therefore in this study we develop a planning matrix with related planning tasks leveraging a systematic literature review to cope with the characteristics of HSCs. We focus only on renewable hydrogen due to its relevance to the future low-carbon economy. Furthermore we outline an agenda for future research from the supply chain management perspective in order to support HSC development considering the different phases of HSCs adoption and market development.
Nuclear Cogeneration: Civil Nuclear Energy in a Low-carbon Future
Oct 2020
Publication
This policy briefing considers how the use of nuclear energy could be expanded to make the most of the energy produced and also to have the flexibility to complement an energy system with a growing input of intermittent renewable energy.<br/>What is nuclear cogeneration?<br/>Nuclear cogeneration is where the heat generated by a nuclear power station is used not only to generate electricity but to address some of the ‘difficult to decarbonise’ energy demands such as domestic heating and hydrogen production. It also enables a nuclear plant to be used more flexibly by switching between electricity generation and cogeneration applications.<br/>Applications for nuclear cogeneration<br/>Heat generated by civil nuclear reactors can be extracted at two different points for applications requiring either low-temperature or high-temperature heat. Each application differs in many aspects of operation and have different challenges.<br/>Low-temperature cogeneration<br/>Applications for the lower temperature ‘waste’ heat include:<br/>District heating<br/>Seawater desalination<br/>Low-temperature industrial process heating<br/>High-temperature cogeneration<br/>Higher temperature heat can be accessed earlier and used for:<br/>High-temperature industrial process heating<br/>Hydrogen production<br/>Sustainable synthetic fuel production<br/>Direct air capture<br/>Thermal energy storage<br/>Challenges of cogeneration systems<br/>Whilst some nuclear cogeneration applications have been employed in many countries the economic benefit of widescale nuclear cogeneration needs to be determined. However if the construction cost reductions for small modular reactors (SMRs) can be realised and the regulation and licencing processes streamlined then the additional revenue benefits of cogeneration could be material for SMRs and for the future of nuclear generation in the UK.<br/>Other outstanding issues include the ownership of reactors the future demand for hydrogen and other cogeneration products at a regional national and international level and the cost of carbon and dependable power.
Promising Technology Analysis and Patent Roadmap Development in the Hydrogen Supply Chain
Oct 2022
Publication
Hydrogen energy one of the energy sources of the future represents a substantial issue which affects the industries and national technologies that will develop in the future. In order to utilize hydrogen energy a hydrogen supply chain is required so that hydrogen can be processed and transported to vehicles. It is helpful for technology and policy development to analyze technologies necessary to charge the hydrogen energy generated into vehicles through the supply chain to discover technologies with high potential for future development. The purpose of this paper is to identify promising technologies required in storing transporting and charging vehicles generated by the hydrogen fuel supply chain. Afterward the promising technologies identified are expected to help researchers set a direction in researching technologies and developing related policies. Therefore we provide technology information that can be used promisingly in the future so that researchers in the related field can utilize it effectively. In this paper data analysis is performed using related patents and research papers for technical analysis. Promising technologies that will be the core of the hydrogen fuel supply chain in the future were identified using the published patents and research paper database (DB) in Korea the United States Europe China and Japan. A text mining technique was applied to preprocess data and then a generic topographic map (GTM) analysis discovered promising technologies. Then a technology roadmap was identified by analyzing the promising technology derived from patents and research papers in parallel. In this study through the analysis of patents and research papers related to the hydrogen supply chain the development status of hydrogen storage/transport/charging technology was analyzed and promising technologies with high potential for future development were found. The technology roadmap derived from the analysis can help researchers in the field of hydrogen research establish policies and research technologies.
Impacts of Renewable Energy Resources on Effectiveness of Grid-Integrated Systems: Succinct Review of Current Challenges and Potential Solution Strategies
Sep 2020
Publication
This study is aimed at a succinct review of practical impacts of grid integration of renewable energy systems on effectiveness of power networks as well as often employed state-of-the-art solution strategies. The renewable energy resources focused on include solar energy wind energy biomass energy and geothermal energy as well as renewable hydrogen/fuel cells which although not classified purely as renewable resources are a famous energy carrier vital for future energy sustainability. Although several world energy outlooks have suggested that the renewable resources available worldwide are sufficient to satisfy global energy needs in multiples of thousands the different challenges often associated with practical exploitation have made this assertion an illusion to date. Thus more research efforts are required to synthesize the nature of these challenges as well as viable solution strategies hence the need for this review study. First brief overviews are provided for each of the studied renewable energy sources. Next challenges and solution strategies associated with each of them at generation phase are discussed with reference to power grid integration. Thereafter challenges and common solution strategies at the grid/electrical interface are discussed for each of the renewable resources. Finally expert opinions are provided comprising a number of aphorisms deducible from the review study which reveal knowledge gaps in the field and potential roadmap for future research. In particular these opinions include the essential roles that renewable hydrogen will play in future energy systems; the need for multi-sectoral coupling specifically by promoting electric vehicle usage and integration with renewable-based power grids; the need for cheaper energy storage devices attainable possibly by using abandoned electric vehicle batteries for electrical storage and by further development of advanced thermal energy storage systems (overviews of state-of-the-art thermal and electrochemical energy storage are also provided); amongst others.
Research & Innovation for Climate Neutrality 2050: Challenges, Opportunities & the Path Forward
Jan 2024
Publication
Transforming Europe into a climate neutral economy and society by 2050 requires extraordinary efforts and the mobilisation of all sectors and economic actors coupled with all the creative and brain power one can imagine. Each sector has to fundamentally rethink the way it operates to ensure it can be transformed towards this new net-zero paradigm without jeopardising other environmental and societal objectives both within the EU and globally. Given the scale of the transformation ahead our ability to meet climate neutrality targets directly depends on our ability to innovate. In this context Research & Innovation programmes have a key role to play and it is crucial to ensure they are fit for purpose and well equipped to support the next wave of breakthrough innovations that will be required to achieve climate neutrality in the EU and globally by 2050. The objective of this study is to contribute to these strategic planning discussions by not only identifying high-risk and high-impact climate mitigation solutions but most importantly look beyond individual solutions and consider how systemic interactions of climate change mitigation approaches can be integrated in the development of R&I agendas.
Mid-century Net-zero Emissions Pathways for Japan: Potential Roles of Global Mitigation Scenarios in Informing National Decarbonisation Strategies
Jan 2024
Publication
Japan has formulated a net-zero emissions target by 2050. Existing scenarios consistent with this target generally depend on carbon dioxide removal (CDR). In addition to domestic mitigation actions the import of low-carbon energy carriers such as hydrogen and synfuels and negative emissions credits are alternative options for achieving net-zero emissions in Japan. Although the potential and costs of these actions depend on global energy system transition characteristics which can potentially be informed by the global integrated assessment models they are not considered in current national scenario assessments. This study explores diverse options for achieving Japan's net-zero emissions target by 2050 using a national energy system model informed by international energy trade and emission credits costs estimated with a global energy system model. We found that demand-side electrification and approximately 100 Mt-CO2 per year of CDR implementation equivalent to approximately 10% of the current national CO2 emissions are essential across all net-zero emissions scenarios. Upscaling of domestically generated hydrogen-based alternative fuels and energy demand reduction can avoid further reliance on CDR. While imports of hydrogen-based energy carriers and emission credits are effective options annual import costs exceed the current cost of fossil fuel imports. In addition import dependency reaches approximately 50% in the scenario relying on hydrogen imports. This study highlights the importance of considering global trade when developing national net-zero emissions scenarios and describes potential new roles for global models.
Study on Introduction of CO2 Free Energy to Japan with Liquid Hydrogen
Jul 2015
Publication
In Japan both CO2 (Carbon dioxide) emission reduction and energy security are the very important social issues after Fukushima Daiichi accident. On the other hand FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) using hydrogen will be on the market in 2015. Introducing large mass hydrogen energy is being expected as expanding hydrogen applications or solution to energy issues of Japan. And then the Japanese government announced the road map for introducing hydrogen energy supply chain in this June2014. Under these circumstances imported CO2 free hydrogen will be one of the solutions for energy security and CO2 reduction if the hydrogen price is affordable. To achieve this Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. (KHI) performed a feasibility study on CO2-free hydrogen energy supply chain from Australian brown coal linked with CCS (Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage) to Japan. In the study hydrogen production systems utilizing brown coal gasification and LH2 (liquid hydrogen) systems as storing and transporting hydrogen are examined. This paper shows the possibility of realizing the CO2 free hydrogen supply chain the cost breakdown of imported hydrogen cost its cost competitiveness with conventional fossil and LH2 systems as key technologies of the hydrogen energy chain.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Conventional and Alternative Vehicles: Predictions Based on Energy Policy Analysis in South Korea
Mar 2020
Publication
This paper compares the well-to-wheel (WTW) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of representative vehicle types–internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) battery electric vehicle (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV)–in the future (2030) based on a WTW analysis for the present (2017) and an analysis of various energy policies that could affect future emissions. South Korea was selected as the target region because it has detailed energy policies related to alternative vehicles. The WTW analysis for the present was performed based on three sets of subordinate analyses: (1) life cycle analyses of eight base fuels; (2) life cycle analyses of electricity and hydrogen; and (3) analyses of the fuel economies of seven vehicle types. From the WTW analysis for the present the national average WTW GHG emissions of ICEV-gasoline ICEV-diesel ICEV-liquefied petroleum gas HEV PHEV BEV and FCEV were calculated as 225 233 201 159 133 109 and 55 g-CO2-eq./km respectively. For calculating the WTW GHG emissions in the future two policies regarding electricity production and three policies regarding hydrogen production were analysed. Three cases with varying the degrees of improvements in fuel economies were considered. Six future scenarios were constructed and each scenario represented the case in which each energy policy is enacted. In the reference scenario for compact car the WTW GHG emissions of ICEVs-gasoline HEV PHEV BEV-200 mile FCEV were analysed as 161 110 97 86 and 91 g-CO2-eq./km respectively. The differences between ICEV/HEV and BEV were predicted to decrease in the future mainly due to larger improvements of ICEV/HEV in fuel economies compared to that of BEV. The future life cycle GHG emissions of electricity and hydrogen were calculated according to energy policy. Both two policies regarding power generation were confirmed to increase the benefits of utilizing BEVs but current energy policy regarding hydrogen production were confirmed to decrease the benefits of utilizing FCEVs. Based on the comprehensive results of this study a framework was proposed to evaluate the impacts of an energy policy regarding electricity and hydrogen production on the benefits of using BEVs and FCEVs compared to using HEVs and ICEVs. This framework can also be utilized in other countries when they assess and establish their energy policies.
Everything About Hydrogen Podcast: The year-end Round Up! 2020 in Review
Dec 2020
Publication
2020 has been a year for the history books! Some good most of it not so good; but 2020 has been a boom year for the future of hydrogen technologies. Patrick Chris and Andrew do their level best on this episode to talk about all the stories and the highlights of 2020 in under 50 minutes. Have a listen and let us know if we missed anything in our penultimate episode of 2020!
The podcast can be found on their website
The podcast can be found on their website
The Future of Clean Hydrogen in the United States: Views from Industry, Market Innovators, and Investors
Sep 2021
Publication
This report The Future of Clean Hydrogen in the United States: Views from Industry Market Innovators and Investors sheds light on the rapidly evolving hydrogen market based on 72 exploratory interviews with organizations across the current and emerging hydrogen value chain. This report is part of a series From Kilograms to Gigatons: Pathways for Hydrogen Market Formation in the United States which will build on this study to evaluate policy opportunities for further hydrogen development in the United States. The goal of the interviews was to provide a snapshot of the clean hydrogen investment environment and better understand organizations’ market outlook investment rationale and areas of interest. This interview approach was supported by traditional research methods to contextualize and enrich the qualitative findings. This report should be understood as input to a more extensive EFI analysis of hydrogen market formation in the United States; the directions that companies are pursuing in hydrogen production transport and storage and end use at this early stage of value chain development will inform subsequent analysis in important ways.
Scientific Assessment in Support of the Materials Roadmap enabling Low Carbon Energy Technologies Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
Apr 2014
Publication
A group experts from European research organisations and industry have assessed the state of the art and future needs for materials' R&D for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The work was performed as input to the European Commission's roadmapping exercise on materials for the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan. The report summarises the results including key targets identified for medium term (2020/2030) and long term (2050) timescales.
Building Efficiency- Reducing Energy Demand in the Commercial Sector
Dec 2013
Publication
The report was formally launched on 2nd December in Parliament at a panel debate chaired by Lord Whitty and Oliver Colvile and featured representatives from Government and Industry. The report outlines the case for investment by businesses in the energy efficiency of their buildings and operations and highlights how this could help neutralise the threat to profitability posed by increasing energy bills energy price volatility and an increasing reliance on electricity in the commercial sector. The report highlights that business in the UK have the opportunity to not only reduce energy bills but increase their competitiveness and improve worker productivity through better designed buildings.
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