Policy & Socio-Economics
Sensitive Intervention Points to Achieve Net-zero Emissions (Sixth Carbon Budget Policy Advisory Group)
Dec 2020
Publication
The group concluded that the transition to Net Zero can and will occur and will leave a positive legacy for future generations. They examined the UK as a complex adaptive system and identified recommendations for accelerating progress and reducing the risks of failure. The Group recognised an opportunity for Sensitive Intervention Points (SIPs) coinciding with these recommendations pointing to opportunities to accelerate a transition towards Net Zero by exploiting socio-economic tipping points.
These included:
These included:
- Deepening public engagement through investments to support measures to lower ‘thresholds’ to behavioural change such as energy efficiency or dietary alternatives. This can form part of a public engagement strategy for Net Zero that educates the public involves people in decision-making and provides trusted information at key decision points
- Delivering social justice via a clear long-term vision for specific regions coupled with mechanisms that reward the private sector for building industries in otherwise deprived areas starting now
- Government leading on Net Zero by requiring any company meeting with ministers and secretaries of state to have a plan to reach net zero emissions
- Leveraging global dynamics by introducing a border carbon adjustment and consider forming bilateral and multilateral preferential trading arrangements for environmental goods and services
- Penalising emissions by committing in the UK’s NDC to sequester 10% of CO2 emissions generated by fossil fuels and industry by 2030
- Increasing business ambition by identifying businesses that shape industries – celebrate and elevate them
- Accelerating technology via Pathfinder cities that can deliver comprehensive steps towards Net Zero and demonstrate the interactions required across complex systems of low-carbon electricity heat and transport
- Redirecting capital flows by introducing Net zero aligned and transparent accounting and auditing
- Harnessing legal avenues by legislating all regulators to regard the Paris Agreement Sixth Carbon Budget and 2050 Net Zero target in their duties.
Net Zero Public Dialogue
Mar 2021
Publication
This research project brought together members of the public from across the UK to participate in online workshops to explore:
- public understanding and perceptions of what reaching climate targets in the UK will mean for them individually and for society as a whole
- public attitudes and preferences towards the role that individual behaviour change should have in reaching net zero
- public perceptions of the easiest and toughest areas of change to help reach net zero
- public views on how they would prefer to engage with net zero policies and relevant initiatives that they feel could support the delivery of net zero
Are We Building Back Better? Evidence from 2020 and Pathways for Inclusive Green Recovery Spending
Mar 2021
Publication
COVID-19 has led to a global crisis threatening the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable by increasing poverty exacerbating inequalities and damaging long-term economic growth prospects. The report Are We Building Back Better? Evidence from 2020 and Pathways for Inclusive Green Recovery Spending provides an analysis of over 3500 fiscal policies announced by leading economies in 2020 and calls for governments to invest more sustainably and tackle inequalities as they stimulate growth in the wake of the devastation wrought by the pandemic.
National Hydrogen Roadmap for Finland
Nov 2020
Publication
Hydrogen has been used as an industrial chemical for more than 100 years. Today hydrogen is used to manufacture ammonia and hence fertilizers as well as methanol and hydrogen peroxide both vital feedstocks for a wide variety of different chemical products. Furthermore in oil refineries hydrogen is used for the processing of intermediate products as well as to increase the hydrogen contents of the final products that are used propel the vehicles. However hydrogen has recently achieved new attention for its capabilities in reducing carbon emissions to the atmosphere. Producing hydrogen via low or totally carbon-free ways and using this “good” low-carbon hydrogen to replace hydrogen with a larger carbon footprint we can reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore using renewable electricity and captured carbon we can synthesise many such chemical products that are currently produced from fossil raw materials. This “Power-to-X” (P2X) is often seen as the eventual incarnation of the hydrogen economy. In addition the progress in technology both in hydrogen fuel cells and in polymer electrolyte electrolysers alike has increased their efficiencies.<br/>Furthermore production costs of renewable electricity by wind or solar power have lowered significantly. Thus cost of “good” hydrogen has also decreased markedly and production volumes are expected to increase rapidly. For these reasons many countries have raised interests in “good” hydrogen and have created roadmaps and strategies for their involvement in hydrogen. Hydrogen plays a key role also in combating climate change and reaching Finland's national goal of carbon neutrality by 2035. In recent years many clean hydrogen and P2X production methods have developed significantly and become commercially viable.<br/>This report was produced by a team of VTT experts on hydrogen and hydrogen-related technologies. The focus is in an outlook for low-carbon H2 production H2 utilization for green chemicals and fuels as well as storage transport and end-use especially during the next 10 years in Finland in connection to renewed EU regulations. This roadmap is expected to serve as the knowledge-base for further work such as shaping the hydrogen policy for Finland and determining the role of hydrogen in the national energy and climate policy.
Energy Innovation Needs Assessment: Carbon Capture Usage & Storage
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 system level approach and values innovations in a technology in terms of the system-level benefits a technology innovation provides. 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.
Scottish Offshore Wind to Green Hydrogen Opportunity Assessment
Dec 2020
Publication
Initial assessment of Scotland’s opportunity to produce green hydrogen from offshore wind
Summary of Key Findings
Summary of Key Findings
- Scotland has an abundant offshore wind resource that has the potential to be a vital component in our net zero transition. If used to produce green hydrogen offshore wind can help abate the emissions of historically challenging sectors such as heating transport and industry.
- The production of green hydrogen from offshore wind can help overcome Scotland’s grid constraints and unlock a massive clean power generation resource creating a clean fuel for Scottish industry and households and a highly valuable commodity to supply rapidly growing UK and European markets.
- The primary export markets for Scottish green hydrogen are expected to be in Northern Europe (Germany Netherlands & Belgium). Strong competition to supply these markets is expected to come from green hydrogen produced from solar energy in Southern Europe and North Africa.
- Falling wind and electrolyser costs will enable green hydrogen production to be cost-competitive in the key transport and heat sectors by 2032. Strategic investment in hydrogen transportation and storage is essential to unlocking the economic opportunity for Scotland.
- Xodus’ analysis supports a long-term outlook of LCoH falling towards £2/kg with an estimated reference cost of £2.3 /kg in 2032 for hydrogen delivered to shore.
- Scotland has extensive port and pipeline infrastructure that can be repurposed for hydrogen export to the rest of UK and to Europe. Pipelines from the ‘90s are optimal for this purpose as they are likely to retain acceptable mechanical integrity and have a metallurgy better suited to hydrogen service. A more detailed assessment of export options should be performed to provide a firm foundation for early commercial green hydrogen projects.
- There is considerable hydrogen supply chain overlap with elements of parallel sectors most notably the oil and gas offshore wind and subsea engineering sectors. Scotland already has a mature hydrocarbon supply chain which is engaged in supporting green hydrogen. However a steady pipeline of early projects supported by a clear financeable route to market will be needed to secure this supply chain capability through to widescale commercial deployment.
- There are gaps in the Scottish supply chain in the areas of design manufacture and maintenance of hydrogen production storage and transportation systems. Support including apprenticeships will be needed to develop indigenous skills and capabilities in these areas.
- The development of green hydrogen from offshore wind has the potential to create high value jobs a significant proportion which are likely to be in remote rural/coastal communities located close to offshore wind resources. These can serve as an avenue for workers to redeploy and develop skills learned from oil and gas in line with Just Transition principles.
Zero-In on NI-Heat Exploring Pathways Towards Heat Decarbonisation in Northern Ireland
Jul 2020
Publication
Northern Ireland has achieved its 2020 targets in the electricity sector ahead of time with 46.8% of its electricity demand supplied by renewable generators. When it comes to heat the progress is less impressive – 68% of domestic heating is provided by oil and only around 2500 customers use low carbon heat generators in their homes. In addition 22% of consumers live in fuel poverty. Fuel poverty support programmes still propose the replacement of old oil boilers with new models or with gas boilers where a connection to the grid is possible.<br/>Failure of the commercial RHI scheme and the knock-on effect of the closure of the domestic RHI scheme caused significant damage to the industry and to the reputation of low carbon heat technologies leaving NI consumers without any explicit supporting mechanisms for low carbon heat supply. Decreases in carbon emissions from the heat sector are mainly achieved through switching from oil to gas heating. Gas infrastructure is under development in NI and promises to reach 60% of customers by 2022.
Annual Science Review 2018
Mar 2018
Publication
THIS ANNUAL SCIENCE Review showcases the high quality of science evidence and analysis that underpins HSE’s risk-based regulatory regime. To be an effective regulator HSE has to balance its approaches to informing directing advising and enforcing through a variety of activities. For this we need capacity to advance knowledge; to develop and use robust evidence and analysis; to challenge thinking; and to review effectiveness.<br/>In simple terms policy provides the route map to tackling issues. HSE is particularly well placed in terms of the three components of effective policy - “politics” “evidence” and “delivery”. Unlike most regulators and arms-length bodies HSE leads on policy development which draws directly on front line delivery expertise and intelligence; and we are also unusual in having our own world class science and insight capabilities.<br/>The challenge is to ensure we bring these components together to best effect to respond to new risk management and regulatory issues with effective innovative and proportionate approaches.<br/>Many of the articles in this Review relate to new and emerging technologies and the changing world of work and it is important to understand the risks these may pose and how they can be effectively controlled or how they themselves can contribute to improved health and safety in the workplace. Good policy development can support approaches to change that are proportionate relevant persuasive and effective. For example work described in these pages is: to help understand changing workplace exposures; to provide robust evidence to those negotiating alternatives to unduly prescriptive standards; to understand how best to influence duty<br/>holder behaviors in the changing world of work; to inform possible legislative changes to allow different modes of safe gas transmission; to change administrative processes for Appointed Doctors; and to support our position as a model modern regulator by further focusing our inspection activity where it matters most.<br/>The vital interface between HSE science and policy understand how best to influence duty holder behaviors in the changing world of work; to inform possible legislative changes to allow different modes of safe gas transmission; to change administrative processes for Appointed Doctors; and to support our position as a model modern regulator by further focusing our inspection activity where it matters most.<br/>We work well together and it is important we maintain this engagement as a conscious collaboration.
Oxford Energy Podcast – How a Traded Hydrogen Market Might Develop – Lessons from the Natural Gas Industry
Jun 2021
Publication
The appetite for a ‘hydrogen market’ has been growing in the past year or two and is often called a ‘market’ by governments regulators and other energy industry players. The question is what ‘hydrogen market’ are they referring to as there is currently no such market established? In this podcast David Ledesma talks to Patrick Heather Senior Research Fellow at the OIES and discusses how a future traded hydrogen market might develop what the prerequisites would be for the development of a wholesale market and whether there are lessons to be learned from the development of the European natural gas market. The podcast ends up by asking the fundamental question – If the European gas market took 25-30 years to liberalise and develop a liquid traded pricing hub where are we headed with hydrogen? Will we ever see a traded market in hydrogen and what must happen to get there? Patrick is cautiously optimistic in his response!
The podcast can be found on their website
The podcast can be found on their website
Establishing a Hydrogen Economy: The Future of Energy 2035
May 2019
Publication
The next few decades are expected to be among the most transformative the energy sector has ever seen. Arup envisages a world with a much more diverse range of heating sources and with significantly lower emissions and renewable energy powering transport.<br/>As part of this the establishment of a strong hydrogen economy is a very real opportunity and is within reaching distance. Our report uses the UK as a case study example and explores the challenges and opportunities for hydrogen in the context of the whole energy system.<br/>Read about the progress already being made in using hydrogen for transport and heat. And the need to progress policy and collaboration between government the private sector and other stakeholders to shape future demand change consumer perception and create the strong supply chains needed to allow the hydrogen economy to thrive.
Opportunity and Cost of Green Hydrogen in Kuwait: A Preliminary Assessment
Apr 2021
Publication
On April 7 2021 OIES with and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) held the annual OIES-KFAS Workshop on Energy Transition Post-Pandemic in the Gulf. During the hydrogen session a paper titled “Opportunity and Cost of Green Hydrogen in Kuwait: A Preliminary Assessment” co-authored by Dr. Manal Shehabi was presented.
Like others states in the GCC Kuwait is seeking to explore hydrogen as part of its energy transition projects. The presentation highlights key technological opportunities for green hydrogen in Kuwait followed by a techno-economic assessments of producing it. Results of utilized hydrogen production model show that for production in 2032 average levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) is $3.23/kg using PEM technology & $4.41/kg using SOEC technology. Results indicate that green hydrogen in Kuwait is more competitive than in other regions but currently not competitive (>$1.5/kg) with oil coal and gas in absence of carbon taxes.
The research paper can be found on their website
Like others states in the GCC Kuwait is seeking to explore hydrogen as part of its energy transition projects. The presentation highlights key technological opportunities for green hydrogen in Kuwait followed by a techno-economic assessments of producing it. Results of utilized hydrogen production model show that for production in 2032 average levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) is $3.23/kg using PEM technology & $4.41/kg using SOEC technology. Results indicate that green hydrogen in Kuwait is more competitive than in other regions but currently not competitive (>$1.5/kg) with oil coal and gas in absence of carbon taxes.
The research paper can be found on their website
Balancing GHG Mitigation and Land-use Conflicts: Alternative Northern European Energy System Scenarios
Jan 2022
Publication
Long-term power market outlooks suggest a rapid increase in renewable energy deployment as a main solution to greenhouse gas mitigation in the Northern European energy system. However the consequential area requirement is a non-techno-economic aspect that currently is omitted by many energy system optimization models. This study applies modeling to generate alternatives (MGA) technique to the Balmorel energy system model to address spatial conflicts related to increased renewable energy deployment. The approach searches for alternative solutions that minimize land-use conflicts while meeting the low-carbon target by allowing a 1% to 15% increase in system costs compared to the least-cost solution. Two alternative objectives are defined to reflect various aspects of spatial impact. The results show that the least-cost solution requires 1.2%–3.6% of the land in the modeled countries in 2040 for onshore wind and solar PV installations. A 10% increase in costs can reduce the required land area by 58% by relying more on offshore wind. Nuclear energy may also be an option if both onshore and offshore areas are to be reduced or in a less flexible system. Both offshore wind and nuclear energy technologies are associated with higher risks and pose uncertainties in terms of reaching the climate targets in time. The changes in costs and required land areas imply significantly higher annual costs ranging from 200 to 750 kEUR/km2 to avoid land use for energy infrastructure. Overall this study confirms that the energy transition strategies prioritizing land savings from energy infrastructure are feasible but high risks and costs of averted land are involved.
Road Map to a US Hydrogen Energy: Reducing Emissions and Driving Growth Across the Nation
Oct 2020
Publication
This US Hydrogen Road Map was created through the collaboration of executives and technical industry experts in hydrogen across a broad range of applications and sectors who are committed to improving the understanding of hydrogen and how to increase its adoption across many sectors of the economy. For the first time this coalition of industry leaders has convened to develop a targeted holistic approach for expanding the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Due to great variation among national and state policies infrastructure needs and community interests each state and region of the US will likely have its own specific policies and road maps for implementing hydrogen infrastructure. The West Coast for example has traditionally had progressive policies on reducing transportation emissions so it is likely that hydrogen will scale sooner for vehicles in this region especially California. Experts also acknowledge the role that hydrogen in combination with renewables can play in supplying microgrid-type power to communities with the highest risk of shut-offs during seasonal weather-related issues such as high temperatures or wildfire-related power interruptions. Some states have emphasized the need to decarbonize the gas grid so blending hydrogen in natural gas networks and using hydrogen as feedstock may advance more quickly in these regions. Other states are interested in hydrogen as a means to address power grid issues enable the deployment of renewables and support competitive nuclear power. The launch of hydrogen technologies in some states or regions will help to scale hydrogen in various applications across the country laying the foundation for energy security grid resiliency economic growth and the reduction of both greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollutants. This report outlines the benefits and impact of fuel cell technologies and hydrogen as a viable solution to the energy challenges facing the US through 2030 and beyond. As such it can serve as the latest comprehensive industry-driven national road map to accelerate and scale up hydrogen in the economy across North America
Investment Frameworks for Development of CCUS in the UK
Jul 2019
Publication
The CCUS Advisory Group (CAG) established in March 2019 is an industry-led group considering the critical challenges facing the development of CCUS market frameworks and providing insight into potential solutions. The CAG brings together experts from across the CCUS industry finance and legal sectors.<br/>The CAG has examined a range of business models focusing on industrial CCUS power production CO? transport and storage and hydrogen production. It has considered how the proposed business models interact in order to minimise issues such as cross-chain risk and has considered issues such as delivery capability. The conclusions of the CAG can be found in this report.
The Role of Trust and Familiarity in Risk Communication
Sep 2009
Publication
In socio-economics it is well known that the success of an innovation process not only depends upon the technological innovation itself or the improvement of economic and institutional system boundaries but also on the public acceptance of the innovation. The public acceptance can as seen with genetic engineering for agriculture be an obstacle for the development and introduction of a new and innovative idea. In respect to hydrogen technologies this means that the investigation compilation and communication of scientific risk assessments are not sufficient to enhance or generate public acceptance. Moreover psychological social and cultural aspects of risk perception have to be considered when introducing new technologies. Especially trust and familiarity play an important role for risk perception and thus public acceptance of new technologies.
Decarbonizing Russia: Leapfrogging from Fossil Fuel to Hydrogen
Jan 2022
Publication
We examine a different approach to complete the decarbonization of the Russian economy in a world where climate policy increasingly requires the radical reduction of emissions wherever possible. We propose an energy system that can supply solar and wind-generated electricity to fulfill demand and which accounts for intermittency problems. This is instead of the common approach of planning for expensive carbon capture and storage and a massive increase in energy efficiency and therefore a drastic reduction in energy use per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Coupled with this massive increase in alternative energy we also propose using excess electricity to generate green hydrogen. Hydrogen technology can function as storage for future electricity needs or for potential fuel use. Importantly green hydrogen can potentially be used as a replacement export for Russia’s current fossil fuel exports. The analysis was carried out using the highly detailed modeling framework the High-Resolution Renewable Energy System for Russia (HIRES-RUS) representative energy system. The modeling showed that there are a number of feasible combinations of wind and solar power generation coupled with green hydrogen production to achieve 100% decarbonization of the Russian economy.
Heading for Hydrogen - The Oil and Gas Industry’s Outlook for Hydrogen, From Ambition to Reality
May 2020
Publication
The future of hydrogen energy is wrapped up with the future of natural gas renewable energy and carbon capture and storage (CCS). This yields useful synergies but also political economic and technical complexity. Nevertheless our survey of more than 1000 senior oil and gas professionals suggests a more certain future for hydrogen and that the time is right to begin scaling the hydrogen economy.
Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier: An Evaluation of Emerging Hydrogen Value Chains
Nov 2018
Publication
Some 3% of global energy consumption today is used to produce hydrogen. Only 0.002% of this hydrogen about 1000 tonnes per annum(i) is used as an energy carrier. Yet as this timely position paper from DNV GL indicates hydrogen can become a major clean energy carrier in a world struggling to limit global warming.<br/>The company’s recently published 2018 Energy Transition Outlook(1) projects moderate uptake of hydrogen in this role towards 2050 then significant growth towards 2100. Building on that this position paper provides a more granular analysis of hydrogen as an energy carrier.
Clean Energy and the Hydrogen Economy
Jan 2017
Publication
In recent years new-found interest in the hydrogen economy from both industry and academia has helped to shed light on its potential. Hydrogen can enable an energy revolution by providing much needed flexibility in renewable energy systems. As a clean energy carrier hydrogen offers a range of benefits for simultaneously decarbonizing the transport residential commercial and industrial sectors. Hydrogen is shown here to have synergies with other low-carbon alternatives and can enable a more cost-effective transition to de-carbonized and cleaner energy systems. This paper presents the opportunities for the use of hydrogen in key sectors of the economy and identifies the benefits and challenges within the hydrogen supply chain for power-to-gas power-to-power and gas-to-gas supply pathways. While industry players have already started the market introduction of hydrogen fuel cell systems including fuel cell electric vehicles and micro-combined heat and power devices the use of hydrogen at grid scale requires the challenges of clean hydrogen production bulk storage and distribution to be resolved. Ultimately greater government support in partnership with industry and academia is still needed to realize hydrogen's potential across all economic sectors.
Link to document download on Royal Society Website
Link to document download on Royal Society Website
How the UK’s Hydrogen Sector Can Help Support the UK’s Economic Recovery
Jul 2020
Publication
The APPG on Hydrogen’s latest report urges the Government to move quickly on hydrogen and set ambitious policies to unlock investment create employment opportunities and support the UK’s net-zero targets.
The APPG on Hydrogen’s report developed as part of its inquiry into ‘How the UK’s hydrogen sector can help support the UK’s economic recovery’ sets out 15 recommendations to support and accelerate the growth of the UK’s hydrogen sector.
These include:
The APPG on Hydrogen’s report developed as part of its inquiry into ‘How the UK’s hydrogen sector can help support the UK’s economic recovery’ sets out 15 recommendations to support and accelerate the growth of the UK’s hydrogen sector.
These include:
- Developing a cross-departmental hydrogen strategy between Government and industry
- Using regulatory levers to unlock private sector investment required including amending the GSMR and expanding the remit of the Bus Service Operator Grant
- Setting interim targets for low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030 alongside the introduction of a Low Carbon Obligation to enable investment in low carbon forms of heating such as hydrogen
- Mandating hydrogen-ready boilers by 2025
- Creating greater incentives in hydrogen alternatives to support organisations and customers who produce purchase or use hydrogen HGVs buses and trains
- Working with local and regional authorities exploring hydrogen’s potential to support the uptake and commercialisation of existing projects
- Setting more ambitious policies and financial targets on hydrogen to meet net-zero by 2050 ahead of other international competitors
- Ensuring the UK hydrogen industry plays a major role at COP26 allowing the UK to inspire other nations and sell its products and services
- Delivering funding models to create investment and economic jobs directly to the UK
- Implementing measures similar to Offshore Wind such as Contracts for Difference to incentivise industry and scale-up a hydrogen economy.
The Strategic Road Map for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells: Industry-academia-government Action Plan to Realize a “Hydrogen Society”
Mar 2019
Publication
The fourth Strategic Energy Plan adopted in April 2014 stated ""a road map toward realization of a “hydrogen society” will be formulated and a council which comprises representatives of industry academia and government and which is responsible for its implementation will steadily implement necessary measures while progress is checked". Then the Council for a Strategy for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells which was held in June in the same year as a conference of experts from industry academia and government compiled a Strategic Roadmap for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (hereinafter referred to as ""the Roadmap"") presenting efforts to be undertaken by concerned parties from the public/private sector aimed at building a hydrogen-based society.<br/>The Roadmap was revised in March 2016 in response to the progress of the efforts to include the schedule and quantitative targets to make the fuel cells for household use (Ene-Farm) fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and hydrogen stations self-reliant. In April 2017 the first Ministerial Council on Renewable Energy Hydrogen and Related Issues was held. The Council decided to establish--by the end of the year--a basic strategy that would allow the government to press on with the measures in an integrated manner to realize a hydrogen-based society for the first time in the world. The second Ministerial Council on Renewable Energy Hydrogen and Related Issues was then held in December of that year to establish the Basic Hydrogen Strategy. The Strategy was positioned as a policy through which the whole government would promote relevant measures and proposed that hydrogen be another new carbon-free energy option. By setting a target to be achieved by around 2030 the Strategy provides the general direction and vision that the public and private sectors should share with an eye on 2050.<br/>Furthermore the fifth Strategic Energy Plan was adopted in July 2018. In order for hydrogen to be available as another new energy option in addition to renewable energy the Plan showed the correct direction of hydrogen energy in the energy policy specifically reducing the hydrogen procurement/supply cost to a level favorably comparable with that of existing energies while taking the calculated environmental value into account.
An Analysis of Emerging Renewable Hydrogen Policy through an Energy Democracy Lens: The Case of Australia
Mar 2024
Publication
As part of reducing carbon emissions governments across the world are working on measures to transition sectors of the economy away from fossil fuels. The socio-technical regimes being constructed around the energy transition can encourage energy centralisation and constrain actor engagement without proper policy and planning. The energy transition is liable to have significant impacts across all of society but less attention has been given to the role of democratic participation and decision-making in the energy system during this time. Using the energy democracy framework developed by Kacper Szulecki we employ content analysis to investigate how Australia’s renewable hydrogen strategies at the Commonwealth and state levels engage with the broader objective of democratising energy systems. Based on our findings we recommend ways to support a renewable hydrogen regime in Australia in line with the principles of energy democracy such as community engagement built-in participation popular sovereignty community-level agency and civic ownership. This study provides a perspective on the energy transition that is often overlooked and a reminder to policymakers that the topology of an energy transition can take many forms.
Political, Economic and Environmental Concerns: Discussion
Jun 2017
Publication
This session concerned the political economic and environmental impact on the hydrogen economy due to hydrogen embrittlement.
This article is a transcription of the recorded discussion of ‘Political economic and environmental concerns’ at the Royal Society Scientific Discussion Meeting Challenges of Hydrogen and Metals 16–18 January 2017. The text is approved by the contributors. G.C.G.S. transcribed the session and F.F.D. assisted in the preparation of the manuscript.
Link to document download on Royal Society Website
This article is a transcription of the recorded discussion of ‘Political economic and environmental concerns’ at the Royal Society Scientific Discussion Meeting Challenges of Hydrogen and Metals 16–18 January 2017. The text is approved by the contributors. G.C.G.S. transcribed the session and F.F.D. assisted in the preparation of the manuscript.
Link to document download on Royal Society Website
Hydrogen Energy Demand Growth Prediction and Assessment (2021–2050) Using a System Thinking and System Dynamics Approach
Jan 2022
Publication
Adoption of hydrogen energy as an alternative to fossil fuels could be a major step towards decarbonising and fulfilling the needs of the energy sector. Hydrogen can be an ideal alternative for many fields compared with other alternatives. However there are many potential environmental challenges that are not limited to production and distribution systems but they also focus on how hydrogen is used through fuel cells and combustion pathways. The use of hydrogen has received little attention in research and policy which may explain the widely claimed belief that nothing but water is released as a by-product when hydrogen energy is used. We adopt systems thinking and system dynamics approaches to construct a conceptual model for hydrogen energy with a special focus on the pathways of hydrogen use to assess the potential unintended consequences and possible interventions; to highlight the possible growth of hydrogen energy by 2050. The results indicate that the combustion pathway may increase the risk of the adoption of hydrogen as a combustion fuel as it produces NOx which is a key air pollutant that causes environmental deterioration which may limit the application of a combustion pathway if no intervention is made. The results indicate that the potential range of global hydrogen demand is rising ranging from 73 to 158 Mt in 2030 73 to 300 Mt in 2040 and 73 to 568 Mt in 2050 depending on the scenario presented.
Potential Hydrogen Market: Value-Added Services Increase Economic Efficiency for Hydrogen Energy Suppliers
Apr 2022
Publication
Hydrogen energy is a clean zero-carbon long-term storage flexible and efficient secondary energy. Accelerating the development of the hydrogen energy industry is a strategic choice to cope with global climate change achieve the goal of carbon neutrality and realize high-quality economic and social development. This study aimed to analyze the economic impact of introducing valueadded services to the hydrogen energy market on hydrogen energy suppliers. Considering the network effect of value-added services this study used a two-stage game model to quantitatively analyze the revenue of hydrogen energy suppliers under different scenarios and provided the optimal decision. The results revealed that (1) the revenue of a hydrogen energy supplier increases only if the intrinsic value of value-added services exceeds a certain threshold; (2) the revenue of hydrogen energy suppliers is influenced by a combination of four key factors: the intrinsic value of value-added services network effects user scale and the sales strategies of rivals; (3) the model developed in this paper can provide optimal decisions for hydrogen energy suppliers to improve their economic efficiency and bring more economic investment to hydrogen energy market in the future.
Carbon Negative Transportation Fuels - A Techno-Economic-Environmental Analysis of Biomass Pathways for Transportation
Feb 2022
Publication
Global warming and fossil fuel depletion have necessitated alternative sources of energy. Biomass is a promising fuel source because it is renewable and can be carbon negative even without carbon capture and storage. This study considers biomass as a clean renewable source for transportation fuels. An Aspen Plus process simulation model was built of a biomass gasification biorefinery with Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis of liquid fuels. A GaBi life cycle assessment model was also built to determine the environmental impacts using a cradle-to-grave approach. Three different product pathways were considered: Fischer-Tropsch synthetic diesel hydrogen and electricity. An offgas autothermal reformer with a recycle loop was used to increase FT product yield. Different configurations and combinations of biorefinery products are considered. The thermal efficiency and cost of production of the FT liquid fuels are analyzed using the Aspen Plus process model. The greenhouse gas emissions profitability and mileage per kg biomass were compared. The mileage traveled per kilogram biomass was calculated using modern (2019-2021) diesel electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The overall thermal efficiency was found to be between 20-41% for FT fuels production between 58-61% for hydrogen production and around 25-26% for electricity production for this biorefinery. The lowest production costs were found to be $3.171/gal of FT diesel ($24.304/GJ) $1.860/kg of H2 ($15.779/GJ) and 13.332¢/kWh for electricity ($37.034/GJ). All configurations except one had net negative carbon emissions over the life cycle of the biomass. This is because carbon is absorbed in the trees initially and some of the carbon is sequestered in ash and unconverted char from the gasification process furthermore co-producing electricity while making transportation fuel offsets even more carbon emissions. Compared to current market rates for diesel hydrogen and electricity the most profitable biorefinery product is shown to be hydrogen while also having net negative carbon emissions. FT diesel can also be profitable but with a slimmer profit margin (not considering government credits) and still having net negative carbon emissions. However our biorefinery could not compete with current commercial electricity prices in the US. As oil hydrogen and electricity prices continue to change the economics of the biorefinery and the choice product will change as well. For our current biorefinery model hydrogen seems to be the most promising product choice for profit while staying carbon negative while FT diesel is the best choice for sequestering the most carbon and still being profitable. All code and data are given.
Smart Systems and Heat: Decarbonising Heat for UK homes
Nov 2015
Publication
Around 20% of the nation’s carbon emissions are generated by domestic heating. Analysis of the many ways the energy system might be adapted to meet carbon targets shows that the elimination of emissions from buildings is more cost effective than deeper cuts in other energy sectors such as transport. This effectively means that alternatives need to be found for domestic natural gas heating systems. Enhanced construction standards are ensuring that new buildings are increasingly energy efficient but the legacy building stock of around 26 million homes has relatively poor thermal performance and over 90% are expected to still be in use in 2050. Even if building replacement was seen as desirable the cost is unaffordable and the carbon emissions associated with the construction would be considerable.
YouTube link to accompanying video
YouTube link to accompanying video
The Future of the UK Gas Network
Jun 2013
Publication
The UK has an extensive natural gas pipeline network supplying 84% of homes. Previous studies of decarbonisation pathways using the UK MARKAL energy system model have concluded that the low pressure gas networks should be mostly abandoned by 2050. yet most of the iron pipes near buildings are currently being replaced early for safety reasons. Our study suggests that this programme will not lock-in the use of gas in the long-term. We examine potential future uses of the gas network in the UK energy system using an improved version of UK MARKAL that introduces a number of decarbonisation options for the gas network including bio-methane hydrogen injection to the natural gas and conversion of the network to deliver hydrogen.<br/>We conclude that hydrogen conversion is the only gas decarbonisation option that might enable the gas networks to continue supplying energy to most buildings in the long-term from a cost-optimal perspective. There is an opportunity for the government to adopt a longt erm strategy for the gas distribution networks that either curtails the iron mains replacement programme or alters it to prepare the network for hydrogen conversion; both options could substantially reduce the long-term cost of supplying heat to UK buildings.
Green Hydrogen and Social Sciences: Issues, Problems, and Future Challenges
Dec 2022
Publication
The article presents a review of the research on green hydrogen from the social sciences identifying its main lines of research its problems and the relevant challenges due to the benefits and impacts that this energy vector has on energy transitions and climate change. The review analyzes a corpus of 78 articles indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) and SCOPUS published between 1997 and 2022. The review identified three research areas related to green hydrogen and the challenges for the social sciences in the future: (a) risks socio-environmental impacts and public perception; (b) public policies and regulation and (c) social acceptance and willingness to use associated technologies. Our results show that Europe and Asia lead the research on green hydrogen from the social sciences. Also most of the works focus on the area of public policy and regulation and social acceptance. Instead the field of social perception of risk is much less developed. We found that little research from the social sciences has focused on assessments of the social and environmental impacts of hydrogen on local communities and indigenous groups as well as the participation of local authorities in rural locations. Likewise there are few integrated studies (technical and social) that would allow a better assessment of hydrogen and cleaner energy transitions. Finally the lack of familiarity with this technology in many cases constitutes a limitation when evaluating its acceptance.
Framing Policy on Low Emissions Vehicles in Terms of Economic Gains: Might the Most Straightforward Gain be Delivered by Supply Chain Activity to Support Refuelling?
May 2018
Publication
A core theme of the UK Government's new Industrial Strategy is exploiting opportunities for domestic supply chain development. This extends to a special ‘Automotive Sector Deal’ that focuses on the shift to low emissions vehicles (LEVs). Here attention is on electric vehicle and battery production and innovation. In this paper we argue that a more straightforward gain in terms of framing policy around potential economic benefits may be made through supply chain activity to support refuelling of battery/hydrogen vehicles. We set this in the context of LEV refuelling supply chains potentially replicating the strength of domestic upstream linkages observed in the UK electricity and/or gas industries. We use input-output multiplier analysis to deconstruct and assess the structure of these supply chains relative to that of more import-intensive petrol and diesel supply. A crucial multiplier result is that for every £1million of spending on electricity (or gas) 8 full-time equivalent jobs are supported throughout the UK. This compares to less than 3 in the case of petrol/diesel supply. Moreover the importance of service industries becomes apparent with 67% of indirect and induced supply chain employment to support electricity generation being located in services industries. The comparable figure for GDP is 42%.
Getting Net Zero Done- The Crucial Role of Decarbonised Gas and How to Support It
May 2020
Publication
The term ‘decarbonised gas’ refers to biogases hydrogen and carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS). This strategy paper sets out how decarbonised gas can help to get net zero done by tackling the hard-to-decarbonise sectors – industry heavy transport and domestic heating – which together account for around 40% of UK greenhouse gas emissions. It also illustrates the crucial importance of supportive public opinion and sets out in detail how decarbonised gas can help to ensure that net zero is achieved with public support. The report is based on extensive quantitative and qualitative opinion research on climate change in general net zero emissions in the UK and the specific decarbonised gas solutions in homes transport and industry. The full quantitative data is contained in the Supplements tab.<br/><a href="https://www.dgalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/DGA-Getting-Net-Zero-Done-final-May-2020.pdf"/><a href="https://www.dgalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/DGA-Getting-Net-Zero-Done-final-May-2020.pdf"/>
Forecasting the Hydrogen Demand in China: A System Dynamics Approach
Jan 2022
Publication
Many countries including China have implemented supporting policies to promote the commercialized application of green hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cells. In this study a system dynamics (SD) model is proposed to study the evolution of hydrogen demand in China from the petroleum refining industry the synthetic ammonia industry and the vehicle market. In the model the impact from the macro-environment hydrogen fuel supply and construction of hydrogen facilities is considered to combine in incentives for supporting policies. To further formulate the competitive relationship in the vehicle market the Lotka–Volterra (LV) approach is adopted. The model is verified using published data from 2003 to 2017. The model is also used to forecast China’s hydrogen demand up to the year of 2030 under three different scenarios. Finally some forward-looking guidance is provided to policy makers according to the forecasting results.
Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation: The Hydrogen Factor
Jan 2022
Publication
As countries around the world rally behind net zero targets hydrogen is increasingly seen as a missing piece of the energy transformation puzzle to decarbonise harder-to-abate sectors. The possible pathway on which hydrogen might evolve still involves many uncertainties. With the growing momentum to establish a global hydrogen market comes the need for a deeper understanding of its broader effects including geopolitical aspects. IRENA has carried out an in-depth analysis of the geopolitics of hydrogen as part of the work of the Collaborative Framework on the Geopolitics of Energy Transformation (CF-GET). The report builds on IRENA’s substantial body of work in hydrogen and benefits from a wide range of expert input in the fields of energy and geopolitics.
This report considers whether and how hydrogen may disrupt future energy systems reflecting on many of the key themes discussed in the Global Commission’s report A New World – The Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation. The analysis offers insights into how countries and stakeholders can navigate the uncertainties and shape the development of hydrogen markets and outlines policy considerations to help mitigate the geopolitical risks and capitalise on opportunities. Some of the key findings of the report include:
This report considers whether and how hydrogen may disrupt future energy systems reflecting on many of the key themes discussed in the Global Commission’s report A New World – The Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation. The analysis offers insights into how countries and stakeholders can navigate the uncertainties and shape the development of hydrogen markets and outlines policy considerations to help mitigate the geopolitical risks and capitalise on opportunities. Some of the key findings of the report include:
- Hydrogen is part of a much bigger energy transition picture and its development and deployment strategies should not be considered in isolation.
- Setting the right priorities for hydrogen use will be essential for its rapid scale-up and long-term contribution to decarbonisation efforts.
- The 2020s could become the era of a big race for technology leadership as costs are likely to fall sharply with learning and scaling-up of needed infrastructure. Equipment manufacturing offers an opportunity to capture value in the coming years and decades.
- Hydrogen trade and investment flows will spawn new patterns of interdependence and bring shifts in bilateral relations.
- Countries with an abundance of low-cost renewable power could become producers of green hydrogen with commensurate geoeconomic and geopolitical consequences.
- Hydrogen could be an attractive avenue for fossil fuel exporters to help diversify their economies and develop new export industries.
- Supporting the advancement of renewable energy and green hydrogen in developing countries is critical for decarbonising the energy system and can contribute to global equity and stability.
- International co-operation will be necessary to devise a transparent hydrogen market with coherent standards and norms that contribute to climate change efforts meaningfully.
Welsh Government’s Department for Economy, Skills & Natural Resources Briefing: Cardiff University’s Expertise to Help Address the Challenges to Creating a CO2 Circular Economy for Wales
Oct 2021
Publication
Through its “Reducing Carbon whilst Creating Social Value: How to get Started’ initiative Welsh Government is keen to explore whether a ‘circular economy’ (and industry) could be developed for Wales for CO2.<br/>Although most companies have targets to reduce their CO2 by 2030 Wales does not have the space to store or bury any excess with the current choice to ship or ‘move the problem’ elsewhere. Meanwhile other industry sectors in Wales are experiencing shortages of CO2 e.g. food production.<br/>Net Zero commitments will require dealing with CO2 emissions from agricultural and industrial sectors and from the production of blue and grey hydrogen during the transition time of switching to green hydrogen. Sequestration and shipping off of CO2 could be costly are not currently possible at large scale and are not sustainable. The use of CO2 by industry e.g. in construction materials and in food production processes can play a major role in addressing CO2 waste production from grey and blue hydrogen.<br/>In a Cradle-to-Cradle approach everything has a use. Is Wales missing out on creating and developing a new innovative industry around a CO2 circular economy?
Economic Impact Assessment: Hydrogen is Ready to Power the UK’s Green Recovery
Aug 2020
Publication
Hydrogen solutions have a critical role to play in the UK not only in helping the nation meet its net-zero target but in creating the economic growth and jobs that will kickstart the green recovery.
The Government must act now to ensure that the UK capitalises on the opportunity presented by hydrogen and builds a world-leading industry.
COVID-19 has caused significant economic upheaval across the country with unemployment expected to reach up to 14.8 per cent by the end of 20201. The UK must identify those areas of the economy which have significant economic growth potential and can deliver long-term and sustainable increases in GVA and jobs. It will be important to consider regional factors and ensure that investment is targeted in those areas that have been hardest hit by the crisis.
Many major economies have identified hydrogen as a key part of both decarbonisation and economic recovery. As part of its stimulus package Germany announced a €9billion investment in green hydrogen solutions aiming to deploy 5GW by 2030. The Hydrogen Council estimates a future hydrogen and equipment market worth $2.5 trillion globally by 2050 supporting 30 million new jobs.
Hydrogen offers the UK a pathway to deep cost-effective decarbonisation while delivering economic growth and job creation. It should therefore be at the heart of the Government’s green recovery programme ensuring that the UK builds back better and greener.
The Government must act now to ensure that the UK capitalises on the opportunity presented by hydrogen and builds a world-leading industry.
COVID-19 has caused significant economic upheaval across the country with unemployment expected to reach up to 14.8 per cent by the end of 20201. The UK must identify those areas of the economy which have significant economic growth potential and can deliver long-term and sustainable increases in GVA and jobs. It will be important to consider regional factors and ensure that investment is targeted in those areas that have been hardest hit by the crisis.
Many major economies have identified hydrogen as a key part of both decarbonisation and economic recovery. As part of its stimulus package Germany announced a €9billion investment in green hydrogen solutions aiming to deploy 5GW by 2030. The Hydrogen Council estimates a future hydrogen and equipment market worth $2.5 trillion globally by 2050 supporting 30 million new jobs.
Hydrogen offers the UK a pathway to deep cost-effective decarbonisation while delivering economic growth and job creation. It should therefore be at the heart of the Government’s green recovery programme ensuring that the UK builds back better and greener.
You can download the whole document from the Hydrogen Taskforce website at the following links
- Economic Impact Assessment Summary
- Economic impact Assessment Methodology
- Economic impact Assessment of the Hydrogen Value Chain of the UK infographic
- Imperial College Consultants Review of the EIA.
Prospects and Challenges for Green Hydrogen Production and Utilization in the Philippines
Apr 2022
Publication
The Philippines is exploring different alternative sources of energy to make the country less dependent on imported fossil fuels and to reduce significantly the country's CO2 emissions. Given the abundance of renewable energy potential in the country green hydrogen from renewables is a promising fuel because it can be utilized as an energy carrier and can provide a source of clean and sustainable energy with no emissions. This paper aims to review the prospects and challenges for the potential use of green hydrogen in several production and utilization pathways in the Philippines. The study identified green hydrogen production routes from available renewable energy sources in the country including geothermal hydropower wind solar biomass and ocean. Opportunities for several utilization pathways include transportation industry utility and energy storage. From the analysis this study proposes a roadmap for a green hydrogen economy in the country by 2050 divided into three phases: green hydrogen as industrial feedstock green hydrogen as fuel cell technology and commercialization of green hydrogen. On the other hand the analysis identified several challenges including technical economic and social aspects as well as the corresponding policy implications for the realization of a green hydrogen economy that can be applied in the Philippines and other developing countries.
Horizon 2020 Impact Assessment Report
Nov 2011
Publication
Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020) – in addition to the private investment that this money will attract. It promises more breakthroughs discoveries and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market.<br/>Horizon 2020 is the financial instrument implementing the Innovation Union a Europe 2020 flagship initiative aimed at securing Europe's global competitiveness.<br/><br/>Seen as a means to drive economic growth and create jobs Horizon 2020 has the political backing of Europe’s leaders and the Members of the European Parliament. They agreed that research is an investment in our future and so put it at the heart of the EU’s blueprint for smart sustainable and inclusive growth and jobs.<br/><br/>By coupling research and innovation Horizon 2020 is helping to achieve this with its emphasis on excellent science industrial leadership and tackling societal challenges. The goal is to ensure Europe produces world-class science removes barriers to innovation and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation.<br/><br/>Horizon 2020 is open to everyone with a simple structure that reduces red tape and time so participants can focus on what is really important. This approach makes sure new projects get off the ground quickly – and achieve results faster.<br/><br/>The EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation will be complemented by further measures to complete and further develop the European Research Area. These measures will aim at breaking down barriers to create a genuine single market for knowledge research and innovation.
Enabling Efficient Networks For Low Carbon Futures: Options for Governance and Regulation
Sep 2015
Publication
This report summarises key themes emerging from the Energy Technologies Institute’s (ETI) project ‘Enabling efficient networks for low carbon futures’. The project aimed to explore the options for reforming the governance and regulatory arrangements to enable major changes to and investment in the UK’s energy network infrastructures. ETI commissioned four expert perspectives on the challenges and options facing the UK.
OIES Podcast – Hydrogen: Current Challenges in Creating Viable Business Cases
Apr 2022
Publication
In this podcast David Ledesma talks to Martin Lambert Head of OIES Hydrogen Research about the key messages from the recent European Hydrogen Conference and how they fit with the ongoing research in OIES. In particular they cover the heightened energy security concerns following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and hydrogen ambitions in the REPowerEU document published by the European Commission in early March 2002. They then go on to talk about the growing realism about where hydrogen is more likely to play a role and some of the key challenges to be overcome. Addressing the challenges of creating business cases for use of hydrogen in specific sectors and for transporting it to customers the conversation also addresses the importance of hydrogen storage and the recognition that this area needs more focus both technically and commercially. Finally they talk about the geopolitics of hydrogen and how energy security concerns may influence future development pathways.
The podcast can be found on their website
The podcast can be found on their website
Post COVID-19 and the Hydrogen Sector - A Hydrogen Europe Analysis
May 2020
Publication
Following the unprecedented Covid-19 outbreak currently unfolding Hydrogen Europe is publishing its latest paper: "Post COVID-19 and the Hydrogen Sector - A Hydrogen Europe Analysis"<br/><br/>On the long-term climate and environmental challenges remain the major threat to our planet and to humanity as a whole. The economic crisis following the Covid-19 pandemic may cause a significant delay to the adoption and commercial roll-out of clean hydrogen. It may even permanently endanger the capacity of the clean hydrogen sector to take-up its role as the missing link in the energy transition.<br/><br/>A swift decisive and coordinated action is necessary to address the risks and at least dampen the negative impact that they may have on the deployment of clean hydrogen technologies and on our transition to a net carbon yet powerful and wealthy economy.<br/><br/>Our document outlines the need for and rationale behind rapid action as a result of the Covid-19 impact. Please find here below a short summary of what you will find in it:<br/><br/>Is there a need to take action? – describing why the current pandemic will result in significantly jeopardising the hydrogen sector if no action is taken.<br/><br/>Why should action be taken? – underlining the importance of the hydrogen sector to EU’s decarbonisation efforts as well as its long-term potential to support sustainable economic growth of the EU. <br/><br/>What can be done? – outlining several potential options for supporting the industry starting from most obvious monetary support but including also no less important policy actions that can be taken to restore investors’ confidence.<br/><br/>How much will it cost? – containing an estimation of the value of the monetary support needed in order to retain the high skilled workforce and the sector’s investment portfolio followed by an estimation of what will be the impact of the action.
Hydrogen an Enabler of the Grand Transition Future Energy Leader Position Paper
Jan 2018
Publication
A major transformation and redesign of the global energy system is required towards decarbonisation and to achieve the Paris Agreement targets. This Grand Transition is a complex pressing issue where global joint efforts and system solutions are essential; with hydrogen being one of them.<br/>Hydrogen has the potential to be a powerful effective accelerator towards a low-carbon energy system capable of addressing multiple energy challenges: from facilitating the massive integration of renewables and decarbonisation of energy production to energy transportation in a zero-carbon energy economy to electrification of end uses.
Trends in Investments, Jobs and Turnover in the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Sector
Mar 2013
Publication
The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) commissioned this report to a consultancy to get a better understanding of the past and future evolution of the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen (FC&H) sector and the role that public support has in that evolution.
The results of this report are based on three data sources:
The results of this report are based on three data sources:
- Survey results: A survey was sent out to 458 companies that are liaised to the FCH JU. 154 people responded. (see list in annex)
- Desk research: A wide range of industry reports was consulted to supplement and cross check the results of the survey. However given the still nascent state of the industry the information gathered with this exercise was limited.
- Interviews: Key stakeholders in the European FC&H sector were interviewed to get the qualitative story behind the results from the survey and the desk research. These stakeholders varied from fuel cell manufacturers to government officials from energy companies to automotive OEMs
Hydrogen Europe 2020
Dec 2020
Publication
2020: a great year for hydrogen! Among other things 2020 has been exceptional for H2 technology deployment and policy development. The European Commission’s hydrogen strategy is just one of many crowning achievements! What does the future hold?
Comparison of Hydrogen and Battery Electric Trucks
Jul 2020
Publication
Only emissions-free vehicles which include battery electric (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell trucks (FCEVs) can provide for a credible long-term pathway towards the full decarbonisation of the road freight sector. This document lays out the methodology and assumptions which were used to calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the two vehicle technologies for regional delivery and long-haul truck applications. It also discusses other criteria such as refuelling and recharging times as well as potential payload losses.
Link to Document Download on Transport & Environment website
Link to Document Download on Transport & Environment website
Deep Decarbonisation Pathways for Scottish Industries: Research Report
Dec 2020
Publication
The following report is a research piece outlining the potential pathways for decarbonisation of Scottish Industries. Two main pathways are considered hydrogen and electrification with both resulting in similar costs and levels of carbon reduction.
Decentral Hydrogen
Apr 2022
Publication
This concept study extends the power-to-gas approach to small combined heat and power devices in buildings that alternately operate fuel cells and electrolysis. While the heat is used to replace existing fossil heaters on-site the power is either fed into the grid or consumed via heatcoupled electrolysis to balance the grid power at the nearest grid node. In detail the power demand of Germany is simulated as a snapshot for 2030 with 100% renewable sourcing. The standard load profile is supplemented with additional loads from 100% electric heat pumps 100% electric cars and a fully electrified industry. The renewable power is then scaled up to match this demand with historic hourly yield data from 2018/2019. An optimal mix of photovoltaics wind biomass and hydropower is calculated in respect to estimated costs in 2030. Hydrogen has recently entered a large number of national energy roadmaps worldwide. However most of them address the demands of heavy industry and heavy transport which are more difficult to electrify. Hydrogen is understood to be a substitute for fossil fuels which would be continuously imported from non-industrialized countries. This paper focuses on hydrogen as a storage technology in an all-electric system. The target is to model the most cost-effective end-to-end use of local renewable energies including excess hydrogen for the industry. The on-site heat coupling will be the principal argument for decentralisation. Essentially it flattens the future peak from massive usage of electric heat pumps during cold periods. However transition speed will either push the industry or the prosumer approach in front. Batteries are tried out as supplementary components for short-term storage due to their higher round trip efficiencies. Switching the gas net to hydrogen is considered as an alternative to overcome the slow power grid expansions. Further decentral measures are examined in respect to system costs.
Global Energy Review 2020- The Impacts of the Covid-19 Crisis on Global Energy Demand and CO2 Emissions
Apr 2020
Publication
In response to the exceptional circumstances stemming from the coronavirus pandemic the annual IEA Global Energy Review has expanded its coverage to include real-time analysis of developments to date in 2020 and possible directions for the rest of the year. In addition to reviewing 2019 energy and CO2 emissions data by fuel and country for this section of the Global Energy Review we have tracked energy use by country and fuel over the past three months and in some cases – such as electricity – in real time. Some tracking will continue on a weekly basis. The uncertainty surrounding public health the economy and hence energy over the rest of 2020 is unprecedented. This analysis therefore not only charts a possible path for energy use and CO2 emissions in 2020 but also highlights the many factors that could lead to differing outcomes. We draw key lessons on how to navigate this once-in-a-century crisis.
Link to Document on IEA websitte
Link to Document on IEA websitte
Sustainable Hydrogen Society - Vision, Findings and Development of a Hydrogen Economy Using the Example of Austria
Oct 2021
Publication
Based on technical environmental economic and social facts and recent findings the feasibility of the transition from our current fossil age to the new green age is analyzed in detail at both global and local level. To avert the threats of health problems environmental pollution and climate change to our quality and standard of life a twofold radical paradigm shift is outlined: Green Energy Revolution means the complete change from fossil-based to green primary energy sources such as sun wind water environmental heat and biomass; Green Hydrogen Society means the complete change from fossil-based final energy to green electricity and green hydrogen in all areas of mobility industries households and energy services. Renewable energies offer a green future and are in combination with electrochemical machines such as electrolysers batteries and fuel cells able to achieve higher efficiencies and zero emissions.
Paths to Low-cost Hydrogen Energy at a Scale for Transportation Applications in the USA and China via Liquid-hydrogen Distribution Networks
Dec 2019
Publication
The cost of delivered H2 using the liquid-distribution pathway will approach $4.3–8.0/kg in the USA and 26–52 RMB/kg in China by around 2030 assuming large-scale adoption. Historically hydrogen as an industrial gas and a chemical feedstock has enjoyed a long and successful history. However it has been slow to take off as an energy carrier for transportation despite its benefits in energy diversity security and environmental stewardship. A key reason for this lack of progress is that the cost is currently too high to displace petroleum-based fuels. This paper reviews the prospects for hydrogen as an energy carrier for transportation clarifies the current drivers for cost in the USA and China and shows the potential for a liquid-hydrogen supply chain to reduce the costs of delivered H2. Technical and economic trade-offs between individual steps in the supply chain (viz. production transportation refuelling) are examined and used to show that liquid-H2 (LH2) distribution approaches offer a path to reducing the delivery cost of H2 to the point at which it could be competitive with gasoline and diesel fuel.
Hydrogen Technologies and Developments in Japan
Jan 2019
Publication
The successful development of hydrogen-energy technologies has several advantages and benefits. Hydrogen energy development could prevent global warming as well as ensure energy security for countries without adequate energy resources. The successful development of hydrogen would provide energy for transportation and electric power. It is a unique energy carrier as it can be produced from various energy sources such as wind fossil fuels and biomass and when it is combusted it emits no CO2 emissions. The other advantage is the wide distribution of resources globally that can be used to produce hydrogen. In Japan the Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI) published a ‘Strategic Roadmap for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells’ in 2014 with a revised update published in March 2016. The goal of the roadmap is to achieve a hydrogen society. The roadmap aims to resolve technical problems and secure economic efficiency. The roadmap has been organized into the following three phases: Phase 1—Installation of fuel cells; Phase 2—Hydrogen power plant/mass supply chain; Phase 3—CO2- free hydrogen. This paper reports on the current status of fuel cells and fuel-cell vehicles in Japan and gives a description and status of the R&D programmes along with the results of global energy model study towards 2050.
An Independent Assessment of the UK’s Clean Growth Strategy: From Ambition to Action
Nov 2018
Publication
This report provides the Committee on Climate Change’s response to the UK Government’s Clean Growth Strategy.
The report finds that:
The report finds that:
- The Government has made a strong commitment to achieving the UK’s climate change targets.
- Policies and proposals set out in the Clean Growth Strategy will need to be firmed up.
- Gaps to meeting the fourth and fifth carbon budgets remain. These gaps must be closed.
- Risks of under-delivery must be addressed and carbon budgets met on time.
Reducing Emissions in Northern Ireland
Feb 2019
Publication
In this report the Committee sets out how Northern Ireland can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions between now and 2030 in order to meet UK-wide climate change targets.
The report’s key findings are:
The report’s key findings are:
- Existing policies are not enough to deliver this reduction
- There are excellent opportunities to close this gap and go beyond 35%
- Meeting the cost-effective path to decarbonisation in Northern Ireland will require action across all sectors of the economy and a more joined-up approach
Hydrogen as a Clean and Sustainable Energy Vector for Global Transition from Fossil-Based to Zero-Carbon
Dec 2021
Publication
Hydrogen is recognized as a promising and attractive energy carrier to decarbonize the sectors responsible for global warming such as electricity production industry and transportation. However although hydrogen releases only water as a result of its reaction with oxygen through a fuel cell the hydrogen production pathway is currently a challenging issue since hydrogen is produced mainly from thermochemical processes (natural gas reforming coal gasification). On the other hand hydrogen production through water electrolysis has attracted a lot of attention as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using low-carbon sources such as renewable energy (solar wind hydro) and nuclear energy. In this context by providing an environmentally-friendly fuel instead of the currently-used fuels (unleaded petrol gasoline kerosene) hydrogen can be used in various applications such as transportation (aircraft boat vehicle and train) energy storage industry medicine and power-to-gas. This article aims to provide an overview of the main hydrogen applications (including present and future) while examining funding and barriers to building a prosperous future for the nation by addressing all the critical challenges met in all energy sectors.
The Future of Hydrogen
Jun 2019
Publication
At the request of the government of Japan under its G20 presidency the International Energy Agency produced this landmark report to analyse the current state of play for hydrogen and to offer guidance on its future development.
The report finds that clean hydrogen is currently enjoying unprecedented political and business momentum with the number of policies and projects around the world expanding rapidly. It concludes that now is the time to scale up technologies and bring down costs to allow hydrogen to become widely used. The pragmatic and actionable recommendations to governments and industry that are provided will make it possible to take full advantage of this increasing momentum.
Hydrogen and energy have a long shared history – powering the first internal combustion engines over 200 years ago to becoming an integral part of the modern refining industry. It is light storable energy-dense and produces no direct emissions of pollutants or greenhouse gases. But for hydrogen to make a significant contribution to clean energy transitions it needs to be adopted in sectors where it is almost completely absent such as transport buildings and power generation.
The Future of Hydrogen provides an extensive and independent survey of hydrogen that lays out where things stand now; the ways in which hydrogen can help to achieve a clean secure and affordable energy future; and how we can go about realising its potential.
Link to Document on IEA Website
The report finds that clean hydrogen is currently enjoying unprecedented political and business momentum with the number of policies and projects around the world expanding rapidly. It concludes that now is the time to scale up technologies and bring down costs to allow hydrogen to become widely used. The pragmatic and actionable recommendations to governments and industry that are provided will make it possible to take full advantage of this increasing momentum.
Hydrogen and energy have a long shared history – powering the first internal combustion engines over 200 years ago to becoming an integral part of the modern refining industry. It is light storable energy-dense and produces no direct emissions of pollutants or greenhouse gases. But for hydrogen to make a significant contribution to clean energy transitions it needs to be adopted in sectors where it is almost completely absent such as transport buildings and power generation.
The Future of Hydrogen provides an extensive and independent survey of hydrogen that lays out where things stand now; the ways in which hydrogen can help to achieve a clean secure and affordable energy future; and how we can go about realising its potential.
Link to Document on IEA Website
Gas Goes Green: Delivering the Pathway to Net Zero
May 2020
Publication
Gas Goes Green brings together the engineering expertise from the UK’s five gas network operators building on the foundations of our existing grid infrastructure innovation projects and the wider scientific community. This is a blueprint to meet the challenges and opportunities of climate change delivering net zero in the most cost effective and least disruptive way possible.<br/>Delivering our vision is not just an engineering challenge but will involve active participation from policy makers regulators the energy industry and consumers. Gas Goes Green will undertake extensive engagement to deliver our programme and collaborate with existing projects already being delivered across the country.<br/>Britain’s extensive gas network infrastructure provides businesses and the public with the energy they need at the times when they need it the most. The gas we deliver plays a critical role in our everyday lives generating electricity fuelling vehicles heating our homes and providing the significant amounts of energy UK heavy industry needs. The Gas Goes Green programme aims to ensure that consumers continue to realise these benefits by transitioning our infrastructure into a net zero energy system.
A Comparative Feasibility Study of the Use of Hydrogen Produced from Surplus Wind Power for a Gas Turbine Combined Cycle Power Plant
Dec 2021
Publication
Because of the increasing challenges raised by climate change power generation from renewable energy sources is steadily increasing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions especially CO2 . However this has escalated concerns about the instability of the power grid and surplus power generated because of the intermittent power output of renewable energy. To resolve these issues this study investigates two technical options that integrate a power-to-gas (PtG) process using surplus wind power and the gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC). In the first option hydrogen produced using a power-to-hydrogen (PtH) process is directly used as fuel for the GTCC. In the second hydrogen from the PtH process is converted into synthetic natural gas by capturing carbon dioxide from the GTCC exhaust which is used as fuel for the GTCC. An annual operational analysis of a 420-MWclass GTCC was conducted which shows that the CO2 emissions of the GTCC-PtH and GTCC-PtM plants could be reduced by 95.5% and 89.7% respectively in comparison to a conventional GTCC plant. An economic analysis was performed to evaluate the economic feasibility of the two plants using the projected cost data for the year 2030 which showed that the GTCC-PtH would be a more viable option.
Sectoral Scenarios for the Fifth Carbon Budget
Nov 2015
Publication
This report forms part of the Committee’s advice on the level of the fifth carbon budget.<br/>The report describes the scenarios used by the Committee to inform its judgements over the cost-effective path to meeting the UK’s greenhouse reduction targets in the period 2028-2032.
Hydrogen in a Low-carbon Economy
Nov 2018
Publication
This report by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) assesses the potential role of hydrogen in the UK’s low-carbon economy.
It finds that hydrogen:
It finds that hydrogen:
- is a credible option to help decarbonise the UK energy system but its role depends on early Government commitment and improved support to develop the UK’s industrial capability
- can make an important contribution to long-term decarbonisation if combined with greater energy efficiency cheap low-carbon power generation electrified transport and new ‘hybrid’ heat pump systems which have been successfully trialled in the UK
- could replace natural gas in parts of the energy system where electrification is not feasible or is prohibitively expensive for example in providing heat on colder winter days industrial heat processes and back-up power generation
- is not a ‘silver bullet’ solution; the report explores some commonly-held misconceptions highlighting the need for careful planning
- Government must commit to developing a low-carbon heat strategy within the next three years
- Significant volumes of low-carbon hydrogen should be produced in a carbon capture and storage (CCS) ‘cluster’ by 2030 to help the industry grow
- Government must support the early demonstration of the everyday uses of hydrogen in order to establish the practicality of switching from natural gas to hydrogen
- There is low awareness amongst the general public of reasons to move away from natural gas heating to low-carbon alternatives
- A strategy should be developed for low-carbon heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) which encourages a move away from fossil fuels and biofuels to zero-emission solutions by 2050
Net Zero The UK's Contribution to Stopping Global Warming
May 2019
Publication
This report responds to a request from the Governments of the UK Wales and Scotland asking the Committee to reassess the UK’s long-term emissions targets. Our new emissions scenarios draw on ten new research projects three expert advisory groups and reviews of the work of the IPCC and others.<br/>The conclusions are supported by detailed analysis published in the Net Zero Technical Report that has been carried out for each sector of the economy plus consideration of F-gas emissions and greenhouse gas removals.
Progress Report 2016: Meeting Carbon Budgets
Jun 2016
Publication
This is the CCC’s eighth annual report on the UK’s progress in meeting carbon budgets.
The report shows that greenhouse gas emissions have fallen rapidly in the UK power sector but that progress has stalled in other sectors such as:
The report also outlines the Committee’s view of key criteria for the government’s ’emissions reduction plan’ published later in 2017
The report shows that greenhouse gas emissions have fallen rapidly in the UK power sector but that progress has stalled in other sectors such as:
- heating in buildings
- transport
- industry
- agriculture
The report also outlines the Committee’s view of key criteria for the government’s ’emissions reduction plan’ published later in 2017
UK Business Opportunities of Moving to a Low-carbon Economy
Mar 2017
Publication
The following report accompanies the Committee on Climate Change’s 2017 report on energy prices and bills. It was written by Ricardo Energy and Environment.
The report provides an analysis of the opportunities to UK businesses to supply global markets with low carbon materials and goods and services. The report considers: the position of the current UK low carbon economy the size of the market opportunity for UK businesses in 2030 and 2050 the barriers to UK business capturing a larger share of the global market the opportunity to increase the UK’s share of future global markets
Link to Document
The report provides an analysis of the opportunities to UK businesses to supply global markets with low carbon materials and goods and services. The report considers: the position of the current UK low carbon economy the size of the market opportunity for UK businesses in 2030 and 2050 the barriers to UK business capturing a larger share of the global market the opportunity to increase the UK’s share of future global markets
Link to Document
Reducing UK Emissions Progress Report to Parliament
Jun 2020
Publication
This is the Committee’s 2020 report to Parliament assessing progress in reducing UK emissions over the past year. This year the report includes new advice to the UK Government on securing a green and resilient recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee’s new analysis expands on its May 2020 advice to the UK Prime Minister in which it set out the principles for building a resilient recovery. In its new report the Committee has assessed a wide set of measures and gathered the latest evidence on the role of climate policies in the economic recovery. Its report highlights five clear investment priorities in the months ahead:
- Low-carbon retrofits and buildings that are fit for the future
- Tree planting peatland restoration and green infrastructure
- Energy networks must be strengthened
- Infrastructure to make it easy for people to walk cycle and work remotely
- Moving towards a circular economy.
- Reskilling and retraining programmes
- Leading a move towards positive behaviours
- Targeted science and innovation funding
Reducing UK Emissions – 2019 Progress Report to Parliament
Jul 2019
Publication
This is the Committee’s annual report to Parliament assessing progress in reducing UK emissions over the past year. It finds that UK action to curb greenhouse gas emissions is lagging behind what is needed to meet legally-binding emissions targets. Since June 2018 Government has delivered only 1 of 25 critical policies needed to get emissions reductions back on track.
Integration of Hydrogen into Multi-Energy Systems Optimisation
Apr 2020
Publication
Hydrogen presents an attractive option to decarbonise the present energy system. Hydrogen can extend the usage of the existing gas infrastructure with low-cost energy storability and flexibility. Excess electricity generated by renewables can be converted into hydrogen. In this paper a novel multi-energy systems optimisation model was proposed to maximise investment and operating synergy in the electricity heating and transport sectors considering the integration of a hydrogen system to minimise the overall costs. The model considers two hydrogen production processes: (i) gas-to-gas (G2G) with carbon capture and storage (CCS) and (ii) power-to-gas (P2G). The proposed model was applied in a future Great Britain (GB) system. Through a comparison with the system without hydrogen the results showed that the G2G process could reduce £3.9 bn/year and that the P2G process could bring £2.1 bn/year in cost-savings under a 30 Mt carbon target. The results also demonstrate the system implications of the two hydrogen production processes on the investment and operation of other energy sectors. The G2G process can reduce the total power generation capacity from 71 GW to 53 GW and the P2G process can promote the integration of wind power from 83 GW to 130 GW under a 30 Mt carbon target. The results also demonstrate the changes in the heating strategies driven by the different hydrogen production processes.
Green Hydrogen: A Guide to Policy Making
Nov 2020
Publication
Hydrogen produced with renewable energy sources – or “green” hydrogen – has emerged as a key element to achieve net-zero emissions from heavy industry and transport. Along with net-zero commitments by growing numbers of governments green hydrogen has started gaining momentum based on low-cost renewable electricity ongoing technological improvements and the benefits of greater power-system flexibility.
Hydrogen-based fuels previously attracted interest mainly as an alternative to shore up oil supply. However green hydrogen as opposed to the “grey” (fossil-based) or “blue” (hybrid) varieties also help to boost renewables in the energy mix and decarbonise energy-intensive industries.
This report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) outlines the main barriers that inhibiting green hydrogen uptake and the policies needed to address these. It also offers insights on how to kickstart the green hydrogen sector as a key enabler of the energy transition at the national or regional level.
Key pillars of green hydrogen policy making include:
Hydrogen-based fuels previously attracted interest mainly as an alternative to shore up oil supply. However green hydrogen as opposed to the “grey” (fossil-based) or “blue” (hybrid) varieties also help to boost renewables in the energy mix and decarbonise energy-intensive industries.
This report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) outlines the main barriers that inhibiting green hydrogen uptake and the policies needed to address these. It also offers insights on how to kickstart the green hydrogen sector as a key enabler of the energy transition at the national or regional level.
Key pillars of green hydrogen policy making include:
- National hydrogen strategy. Each country needs to define its level of ambition for hydrogen outline the amount of support required and provide a reference on hydrogen development for private investment and finance.
- Setting policy priorities. Green hydrogen can support a wide range of end-uses. Policy makers should identify and focus on applications that provide the highest value.
- Guarantees of origin. Carbon emissions should be reflected over the whole lifecycle of hydrogen. Origin schemes need to include clear labels for hydrogen and hydrogen products to increase consumer awareness and facilitate claims of incentives.
- Governance system and enabling policies. As green hydrogen becomes mainstream policies should cover its integration into the broader energy system. Civil society and industry must be involved to maximise the benefits.
- Subsequent briefs will explore the entire hydrogen value chain providing sector-by-sector guidance on the design and implementation of green hydrogen policies.
Potential and Economic Analysis of Solar-to-Hydrogen Production in the Sultanate of Oman
Aug 2021
Publication
Hydrogen production using renewable power is becoming an essential pillar for future sustainable energy sector development worldwide. The Sultanate of Oman is presently integrating renewable power generations with a large share of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The possibility of using the solar potential of the Sultanate can increase energy security and contribute to the development of the sustainable energy sector not only for the country but also for the international community. This study presents the hydrogen production potential using solar resources available in the Sultanate. About 15 locations throughout the Sultanate are considered to assess the hydrogen production opportunity using a solar PV system. A rank of merit order of the locations for producing hydrogen is identified. It reveals that Thumrait and Marmul are the most suitable locations whereas Sur is the least qualified. This study also assesses the economic feasibility of hydrogen production which shows that the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) in the most suitable site Thumrait is 6.31 USD/kg. The LCOH in the least convenient location Sur is 7.32 USD/kg. Finally a sensitivity analysis is performed to reveal the most significant influential factor affecting the future’s green hydrogen production cost. The findings indicate that green hydrogen production using solar power in the Sultanate is promising and the LCOH is consistent with other studies worldwide.
Risk Identification for the Introduction of Advanced Science and Technology: A Case Study of a Hydrogen Energy System for Smooth Social Implementation
May 2020
Publication
A method of risk identification is developed by comparing existing and advanced technologies from the viewpoint of comprehensive social risk. First to analyze these values from a multifaceted perspective we constructed a questionnaire based on 24 individual values and 26 infrastructural values determined in a previous study. Seven engineering experts and six social science experts were then asked to complete the questionnaire to compare and analyze a hydrogen energy system (HES) and a gasoline energy system (GES). Finally the responses were weighted using the analytic hierarchy process. Three important points were identified and focused upon: the distinct disadvantages of the HES compared to the GES judgments that were divided between experts in the engineering and social sciences fields and judgments that were divided among experts in the same field. These are important risks that should be evaluated when making decisions related to the implementation of advanced science and technology.
Hydrogen and Decarbonisation of Gas- False Dawn or Silver Bullet?
Mar 2020
Publication
This Insight continues the OIES series considering the future of gas. The clear message from previous papers is that on the (increasingly certain) assumption that governments in major European gas markets remain committed to decarbonisation targets the existing natural gas industry is under threat. It is therefore important to develop a decarbonisation narrative leading to a low- or zero-carbon gas implementation plan.
Previous papers have considered potential pathways for gas to decarbonise specifically considering biogas and biomethane and power-to-gas (electrolysis) . This paper goes on to consider the potential for production transport and use of hydrogen in the decarbonising energy system. Previous papers predominately focused on Europe which has been leading the way in decarbonisation. Hydrogen is now being considered more widely in various countries around the world so this paper reflects that wider geographical coverage.
Since the term ‘hydrogen economy’ was first used in 1970 there have been a number of ‘false dawns’ with bold claims for the speed of transition to hydrogen. This Insight argues that this time for some applications at least there are grounds for optimism about a future role for decarbonised hydrogen but the lesson from history is that bold claims need to be examined carefully and treated with some caution. There are no easy or low-cost solutions to decarbonisation of the energy system and this is certainly the case for possible deployment of low-carbon hydrogen. A key challenge is to demonstrate the technical commercial economic and social acceptability of various possibilities at scale. Hydrogen will certainly play a role in decarbonisation of the energy system although the size of the role may be more limited than envisaged in some more optimistic projections.
Open document on OIES website
Previous papers have considered potential pathways for gas to decarbonise specifically considering biogas and biomethane and power-to-gas (electrolysis) . This paper goes on to consider the potential for production transport and use of hydrogen in the decarbonising energy system. Previous papers predominately focused on Europe which has been leading the way in decarbonisation. Hydrogen is now being considered more widely in various countries around the world so this paper reflects that wider geographical coverage.
Since the term ‘hydrogen economy’ was first used in 1970 there have been a number of ‘false dawns’ with bold claims for the speed of transition to hydrogen. This Insight argues that this time for some applications at least there are grounds for optimism about a future role for decarbonised hydrogen but the lesson from history is that bold claims need to be examined carefully and treated with some caution. There are no easy or low-cost solutions to decarbonisation of the energy system and this is certainly the case for possible deployment of low-carbon hydrogen. A key challenge is to demonstrate the technical commercial economic and social acceptability of various possibilities at scale. Hydrogen will certainly play a role in decarbonisation of the energy system although the size of the role may be more limited than envisaged in some more optimistic projections.
Open document on OIES website
Hydrogen - Decarbonising Heat
Feb 2020
Publication
<br/>Our industry is beginning its journey on the transition to providing the world with sufficient sustainable affordable and low emission energy.<br/><br/>Decarbonisation is now a key priority. Steps range from reducing emissions from traditional oil and gas operations to investing in renewable energy and supplementing natural gas supplies with greener gasses such as hydrogen.<br/><br/>This paper looks at the role hydrogen could play in decarbonisation.
Hydrogen Transport - Fuelling The Future
Dec 2020
Publication
Through the combustion of fossil fuels the transport sector is responsible for 20-30% of global CO2 emissions. We can support the net-zero one ambition by decarbonising transport modes using green hydrogen fuelled options – hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources such as offshore wind.<br/><br/>We have been working with clients across the hydrogen industry for several years specifically around the generation dispatch and use of hydrogen within energy systems. However interest is swiftly moving to wider hydrogen based solutions including within the fleet rail aviation and maritime sectors.<br/><br/>Our latest ‘Future of Energy’ series explores the opportunity for green fuelled hydrogen transport. We look at each industry in detail the barriers to uptake market conditions and look at how the transport industry could adapt and develop to embrace a net-zero future.
Business Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee Inquiry into Post-Pandemic Economic Growth
Sep 2020
Publication
The Hydrogen Taskforce welcomes the opportunity to submit evidence to the Business Energy and
Industrial Strategy Committee’s inquiry into post-pandemic economic growth.
It is the Taskforce’s view that:
You can download the whole document from the Hydrogen Taskforce website here
Industrial Strategy Committee’s inquiry into post-pandemic economic growth.
It is the Taskforce’s view that:
- Due to its various applications hydrogen is critical for the UK to reach net zero by 2050;
- The UK holds world-class advantages in hydrogen production distribution and application;
- Other economies are moving ahead in the development of this sector and the UK must respond;
- The post pandemic economic recovery planning should reflect the need to achieve deep decarbonisation and support wider objectives such as achieving net zero and levelling up the
- economy; and
- The hydrogen sector is well-placed to play a key role in the UK’s economic recovery with the right policies and financial structures in place.
- Development of a cross departmental UK Hydrogen Strategy within UK Government;
- Commit £1bn of capex funding over the next spending review period to hydrogen production storage and distribution projects;
- Develop a financial support scheme for the production of hydrogen in blending industry power and transport;
- Amend Gas Safety Management Regulations (GSMR) to enable hydrogen blending and take the next steps towards 100 per cent hydrogen heating through supporting public trials and
- mandating 100 per cent hydrogen-ready boilers by 2025; and
- Commit to the support of 100 Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS) by 2025 to support the rollout of hydrogen transport.
You can download the whole document from the Hydrogen Taskforce website here
Exploring the Evidence on Potential Issues Associated with Trialling Hydrogen Heating in Communities
Dec 2020
Publication
Replacing natural gas with hydrogen in an everyday setting – piping hydrogen to homes and businesses through the existing gas network – is a new and untested proposition. At the same time piloting this proposition is an essential ingredient to a well-managed low carbon transition.<br/>The Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has commissioned CAG Consultants to undertake a literature review and conduct a set of four focus groups to inform the development of work to assess issues associated with setting up a hypothetical community hydrogen trial. This report sets out the findings from the research and presents reflections on the implications of the findings for any future community hydrogen heating trials.<br/>The literature review was a short focused review aimed at identifying evidence relevant to members of the public being asked to take part in a hypothetical community trial. Based primarily on Quick Scoping Review principles the review involved the analysis of evidence from 26 items of literature. The four focus groups were held in-person in two city locations Manchester and Birmingham in November 2019. They involved consumers who either owned or rented houses (i.e. not flats) connected to the gas grid. Two of the focus groups involved owner-occupiers one was with private landlords and the other was with a mixture of tenants (private social and student).<br/>This report was produced in October 2019 and published in December 2020.
Reaching Zero with Renewables
Sep 2020
Publication
Patrick Akerman,
Pierpaolo Cazzola,
Emma Skov Christiansen,
Renée Van Heusden,
Joanna Kolomanska-van Iperen,
Johannah Christensen,
Kilian Crone,
Keith Dawe,
Guillaume De Smedt,
Alex Keynes,
Anaïs Laporte,
Florie Gonsolin,
Marko Mensink,
Charlotte Hebebrand,
Volker Hoenig,
Chris Malins,
Thomas Neuenhahn,
Ireneusz Pyc,
Andrew Purvis,
Deger Saygin,
Carol Xiao and
Yufeng Yang
Eliminating CO2 emissions from industry and transport in line with the 1.5⁰C climate goal
To avoid catastrophic climate change the world needs to reach zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in all all sectors of the economy by the 2050s. Effective energy decarbonisation presents a major challenge especially in key industry and transport sectors.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has produced a comprehensive study of deep decarbonisation options focused on reaching zero into time to fulfil the Paris Agreement and hold the line on rising global temperatures.
Several sectors stand out as especially hard to decarbonise. Four of the most energy-intensive industries (iron and steel chemicals and petrochemicals cement and lime and aluminium) and three key transport sectors (road freight aviation and shipping) could together account for 38% of energy and process emissions and 43% of final energy use by 2050 without major policy changes now the report finds.
Reaching zero with renewables considers how these sectors could achieve zero emissions by 2060 and assesses the use of renewables and related technologies to achieve this. Decarbonisation options for each sector span efficiency improvements electrification direct heat and fuel production using renewables along with CO2 removal measures.
Without such measures energy and process emissions could amount to 11.4 gigatonnes from industry and 8.6 gigatonnes from transport at mid-century the report indicates. Along with sector-specific actions cross-cutting actions are needed at higher levels.
The report offers ten broad recommendations for industries and governments:
1. Pursue a renewables-based strategy for end-use sectors with an end goal of zero emissions.
2. Develop a shared vision and strategy and co-develop practical roadmaps involving all major players.
3. Build confidence and knowledge among decision makers.
4. Plan and deploy enabling infrastructure early on.
5. Foster early demand for green products and services.
6. Develop tailored approaches to ensure access to finance.
7. Collaborate across borders.
8. Think globally while utilising national strengths.
9. Establish clear pathways for the evolution of regulations and international standards.
10. Support research development and systemic innovation.
With the right plans and sufficient support the goal of reaching zero is achievable the report shows.
To avoid catastrophic climate change the world needs to reach zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in all all sectors of the economy by the 2050s. Effective energy decarbonisation presents a major challenge especially in key industry and transport sectors.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has produced a comprehensive study of deep decarbonisation options focused on reaching zero into time to fulfil the Paris Agreement and hold the line on rising global temperatures.
Several sectors stand out as especially hard to decarbonise. Four of the most energy-intensive industries (iron and steel chemicals and petrochemicals cement and lime and aluminium) and three key transport sectors (road freight aviation and shipping) could together account for 38% of energy and process emissions and 43% of final energy use by 2050 without major policy changes now the report finds.
Reaching zero with renewables considers how these sectors could achieve zero emissions by 2060 and assesses the use of renewables and related technologies to achieve this. Decarbonisation options for each sector span efficiency improvements electrification direct heat and fuel production using renewables along with CO2 removal measures.
Without such measures energy and process emissions could amount to 11.4 gigatonnes from industry and 8.6 gigatonnes from transport at mid-century the report indicates. Along with sector-specific actions cross-cutting actions are needed at higher levels.
The report offers ten broad recommendations for industries and governments:
1. Pursue a renewables-based strategy for end-use sectors with an end goal of zero emissions.
2. Develop a shared vision and strategy and co-develop practical roadmaps involving all major players.
3. Build confidence and knowledge among decision makers.
4. Plan and deploy enabling infrastructure early on.
5. Foster early demand for green products and services.
6. Develop tailored approaches to ensure access to finance.
7. Collaborate across borders.
8. Think globally while utilising national strengths.
9. Establish clear pathways for the evolution of regulations and international standards.
10. Support research development and systemic innovation.
With the right plans and sufficient support the goal of reaching zero is achievable the report shows.
Renewable Energy Policies in a Time of Transition: Heating and Cooling
Nov 2020
Publication
Heating and cooling accounts for almost half of global energy consumption. With most of this relying fossil fuels however it contributes heavily to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. In parts of the world lacking modern energy access meanwhile inefficient biomass use for cooking also harms people’s health damages the environment and reduces social well-being.
The transition to renewable-based energy-efficient heating and cooling could follow several possible pathways depending on energy demand resource availability and the needs and priorities of each country or region. Broad options include electrification with renewable power renewable-based gases (including “green” hydrogen) sustainable bioenergy use and the direct use of solar and geothermal heat.
This report developed jointly by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) outlines the infrastructure and policies needed with each transition pathway. This edition focused on renewable-based heating and cooling follows a broader initial study Renewable Energy Policies in a Time of Transition (IRENA IEA and REN21 2018).
The shift to renewables for heating and cooling requires enabling infrastructure (e.g. gas grids district heating and cooling networks) as well as various combinations of deployment integrating and enabling policies. The policy framework can demonstrate a country’s commitment to the energy transition level the playing field with fossil fuels and create the necessary enabling conditions to attract investments.
Along with highlighting country experiences and best practices the study identifies barriers and highlights policy options for renewable heating and cooling.
Key recommendations include:
The transition to renewable-based energy-efficient heating and cooling could follow several possible pathways depending on energy demand resource availability and the needs and priorities of each country or region. Broad options include electrification with renewable power renewable-based gases (including “green” hydrogen) sustainable bioenergy use and the direct use of solar and geothermal heat.
This report developed jointly by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) outlines the infrastructure and policies needed with each transition pathway. This edition focused on renewable-based heating and cooling follows a broader initial study Renewable Energy Policies in a Time of Transition (IRENA IEA and REN21 2018).
The shift to renewables for heating and cooling requires enabling infrastructure (e.g. gas grids district heating and cooling networks) as well as various combinations of deployment integrating and enabling policies. The policy framework can demonstrate a country’s commitment to the energy transition level the playing field with fossil fuels and create the necessary enabling conditions to attract investments.
Along with highlighting country experiences and best practices the study identifies barriers and highlights policy options for renewable heating and cooling.
Key recommendations include:
- Setting specific targets and developing an integrated long-term plan for the decarbonisation of heating and cooling in all end-uses including buildings industry and cooking and productive uses in areas with limited energy access.
- Creating a level playing field by phasing out fossil-fuel subsidies and introducing other fiscal policies to internalise environmental and socio-economic costs.
- Combining the electrification of heating and cooling with increasingly cost-competitive renewable power generation scaling up solar and wind use and boosting system flexibility via energy storage heat pumps and efficient electric appliances.
- Harnessing existing gas networks to accommodate renewable gases such as biogas and green hydrogen.
- Introducing standards certification and testing policies to promote the sustainable use of biomass combining efficient systems and bioenergy solutions such as pellets briquettes bioethanol or anaerobic digestion.
- Reducing investment risks for geothermal exploration and scaling up direct use of geothermal heat.
- Improving district heating and cooling networks through energy efficiency measures and the integration of low-temperature solar thermal geothermal and other renewable-based heat sources.
- Supporting clean cooking and introducing renewable-based food drying in areas lacking energy access with a combination of financing mechanisms capacity building and quality standards aimed at improving livelihoods and maximising socio-economic benefits.
Navigating Algeria Towards a Sustainable Green Hydrogen Future to Empower North Africa and Europe's Clean Hydrogen Transition
Mar 2024
Publication
Algeria richly-endowed with renewable resources is well-positioned to become a vital green hydrogen provider to Europe. Aiming to aid policymakers stakeholders and energy sector participants this study embodies the first effort in literature to investigate the viability and cost-effectiveness of implementing green hydrogen production projects destined for exports to Europe via existing pipelines. A land suitability analysis utilizing multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) coupled with geographical information system (GIS) identified that over 43.55% of Algeria is highly-suitable for hydrogen production. Five optimal locations were investigated utilizing Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables (HOMER) with solar-hydrogen proving the most cost-effective option. Wind-based production offering higher output volumes reaching 968 kg/h requires turbine cost reductions of 17.50% (Ain Salah) to 54.50% (Djanet) to achieve a competitive levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of $3.85/kg with PV systems. A techno-economic sensitivity analysis was conducted identifying Djanet as the most promising location for a 100 MW solar-hydrogen plant with a competitive LCOH ranging from $1.96/kg to $4.85/kg.
The Future of Gas Networks – Key Issues for Debate
Sep 2019
Publication
The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies held a Workshop on “The Future of Gas Networks” to examine decarbonisation plans and the impact of the potential growth in the use of renewable and decarbonised gases in Europe. Participants included representatives from nine European gas network companies (both transmission and distribution) technical experts in decarbonisation regulators government officials and academics. This document summarises the seven key issues for debate arising from the Workshop discussions:
- The major gas networks recognise the need to prepare for and facilitate decarbonisation.
- The route to decarbonisation can take many forms though hydrogen is likely to feature in most networks. In larger countries solutions are likely to be regional rather than national.
- There are a number of pilot projects and targets/aspirations for 2050 – there is less clarity on how the targets will be achieved or on who will lead.
- Regulation is a key issue. In most countries existing regulatory objectives may need changing in order to align with government decarbonisation aspirations and the achievement of targets.
- There is a lack of consensus on whether and how market models might need to adapt.
- Detailed stakeholder analysis – and in particular customer attitudes – will be required.
- There are a range of important technical issues including standardisation data quality and transparency verification and certification to be considered.
The Future of Gas Infrastructure Remuneration in Spain
Oct 2019
Publication
The European Union (EU) has adopted ambitious decarbonization targets for 2050.
Renewable electricity and electrification are the key drivers but are not sufficient on their own to meet the targets. A number of countries expect decarbonized gas (e.g. renewable hydrogen and biomethane) to be part of a future decarbonized energy system.
Within that context this paper examines proposals recently issued by Spain’s energy regulator (CNMC) to define the methodology for remunerating gas distribution and transmission networks and LNG regasification terminals. Their proposals would reduce significantly the remuneration of these activities. Bearing in mind the objective of decarbonization this paper analyzes key features of the proposals and concludes with recommendations. We suggest:
Link to document on OIES website
Renewable electricity and electrification are the key drivers but are not sufficient on their own to meet the targets. A number of countries expect decarbonized gas (e.g. renewable hydrogen and biomethane) to be part of a future decarbonized energy system.
Within that context this paper examines proposals recently issued by Spain’s energy regulator (CNMC) to define the methodology for remunerating gas distribution and transmission networks and LNG regasification terminals. Their proposals would reduce significantly the remuneration of these activities. Bearing in mind the objective of decarbonization this paper analyzes key features of the proposals and concludes with recommendations. We suggest:
- Adoption of a common methodology for remunerating new investment in gas and electricity infrastructure assets. The Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) approach is a suitable methodology especially for high-risk investment to integrate hydrogen.
- CNMC reconsideration of its proposals for existing assets. The aim should be to ensure that even if remuneration is reduced to some extent investors will still be compensated adequately and that the companies will continue to support the investments needed to digitalize processes deliver natural gas and eventually deliver renewable gas where it is economic to do so. This is an important signal for current and future investors whose investments will be regulated by the CNMC.
- Clarification of the methodology for remunerating renewable gas facilities. If renewable gas (especially hydrogen) requires access to regulated gas networks the CNMC methodology must provide suitable incentives to invest in network expansion and upgrading as required as well as to maintain natural gas operations. Even if no decision is made in the short-term regarding hydrogen it would be prudent to leave the door open by making the regulation compatible with future decisions involving hydrogen development.
- Consideration of potentially stranded assets. The CNMC and the Government should coordinate over the remuneration of infrastructure assets when national policy decisions may lead to the stranding of these assets.
- Decarbonization of the energy system as a whole. The CNMC and the Government should consider how best to promote the decarbonization of the energy system as a whole rather than its individual parts and what role is to be played by regulated networks and by unregulated initiatives in competitive markets especially for the development of hydrogen systems.
Link to document on OIES website
Willingness to Pay and Public Acceptance for Hydrogen Buses: A Case Study of Perugia
Sep 2015
Publication
Sustainability transportation is characterized by a positive externality on the environment health social security land use and social inclusion. The increasing interest in global warming has caused attention to be paid to the introduction of the hydrogen bus (H2B). When introducing new environmental technologies such as H2B it is often necessary to assess the environmental benefits related to this new technology. However such benefits are typically non-priced due to their public good nature. Therefore we have to address this problem using the contingent valuation (CV) method. This method has been developed within environmental economics as a means to economically assess environmental changes which are typically not traded in the market. So far several big cities have been analyzed to evaluate the perceived benefit related to H2B introduction but to the best of our knowledge no one has performed a CV analysis of a historical city where smog also damages historical buildings. This paper presents the results obtained using a multi-wave survey. We have investigated user preferences to elicit their willingness to pay for H2B introduction in Perugia taking into account all types of negative externalities due to the traffic pollution. The results confirm that residents in Perugia are willing to pay extra to support the introduction of H2B.
When and How to Regulate Hydrogen Networks?
Feb 2021
Publication
This European Green Deal Regulatory White Paper provides the views of Europe’s energy regulators represented by ACER and CEER on when and how to regulate the hydrogen networks in the future.
With the EU goal of becoming a carbon neutral continent by 2050 hydrogen is set to play a key role in decarbonising Europe's economy.
To realise the European Green Deal's ambitions for hydrogen the right regulatory framework must be created to facilitate a hydrogen economy in a cost-effective way.
European energy regulators (ACER and CEER) have published a set of recommendations on when and how to regulate pure hydrogen networks. The need and scope of hydrogen network regulation will depend on its structure and evolution.
This paper is the first in our new series of ACER-CEER European Green Deal Regulatory White Papers. This hydrogen paper examines:
The aim is to deepen understanding on the regulatory aspects of Green Deal issues and to assist the European Commission in assessing various options as part of the preparations for legislation on hydrogen and energy system integration. With the EU goal of becoming a carbon neutral continent by 2050 hydrogen is set to play a key role in decarbonising Europe's economy.
The Full report can be found on the ACER website
With the EU goal of becoming a carbon neutral continent by 2050 hydrogen is set to play a key role in decarbonising Europe's economy.
To realise the European Green Deal's ambitions for hydrogen the right regulatory framework must be created to facilitate a hydrogen economy in a cost-effective way.
European energy regulators (ACER and CEER) have published a set of recommendations on when and how to regulate pure hydrogen networks. The need and scope of hydrogen network regulation will depend on its structure and evolution.
This paper is the first in our new series of ACER-CEER European Green Deal Regulatory White Papers. This hydrogen paper examines:
- The circumstances under which regulating hydrogen networks is needed;
- How to treat existing hydrogen network infrastructure;
- How to address regulatory challenges related to the repurposing of gas infrastructure for dedicated hydrogen transport.
The aim is to deepen understanding on the regulatory aspects of Green Deal issues and to assist the European Commission in assessing various options as part of the preparations for legislation on hydrogen and energy system integration. With the EU goal of becoming a carbon neutral continent by 2050 hydrogen is set to play a key role in decarbonising Europe's economy.
The Full report can be found on the ACER website
Potential of New Business Models for Grid Integrated Water Electrolysis
Feb 2018
Publication
Grid integrated water electrolysers have the potential of coupling electric power systems subjected to high shares of renewable energy sources with sectors of hydrogen demand thus contributing to European decarbonization goals in future. We therefore investigate the business potential of future electrolyser applications in cross-commodity arbitrage trading by applying a complex power market simulation method for future scenarios and different European countries. Based on this we evaluate the potential of additional provision of grid services towards grid operators in order to increase the electrolyser utilization ratio. For this we use a method that identifies measures of transmission grid operators in order to ensure secure grid operation. In this context uncertain hydrogen prices and different sectors of hydrogen demand are addressed through sensitivities of different hydrogen sales prices. The analysis shows a high dependency of business model efficiency on the hydrogen price. While cross-commodity arbitrage trading can achieve profitability for the transportation sector applications for the industry sector and natural gas system are less efficient. The results however indicate that for these less efficient applications grid service provision can be an option of increasing the electrolyser utilization ratio thus increasing its profitability.
Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero: Session 2
Mar 2021
Publication
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee will hear from leading researchers about anticipated developments in batteries and fuel cells over the next ten years that could contribute to meeting the net-zero target.
The Committee continues its inquiry into the Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero. It will ask a panel of experts about batteries hearing about the current state-of-the-art in technologies that are currently in deployment primarily lithium-ion batteries. It will also explore the potential of next generation technologies currently in development and the challenges in scaling them up to manufacture.
The Committee will then question a second panel about fuel cells hearing about the different types available and their applications. It will explore challenges that need to be overcome in the development of the technology and will consider the UK’s international standing in the sector.
Meeting details
At 10.00am: Oral evidence
Professor Serena Corr Chair in Functional Nanomaterials and Director of Research Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at University of Sheffield
Professor Paul Shearing Professor in Chemical Engineering at University College London
Dr Jerry Barker Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Faradion Limited
Dr Melanie Loveridge Associate Professor Warwick Manufacturing Group at University of Warwick
At 11.00am: Oral evidence
Professor Andrea Russell Professor of Physical Electrochemistry at University of Southampton
Professor Anthony Kucernak Professor of Physical Chemistry Faculty of Natural Sciences at Imperial College London
Professor John Irvine Professor School of Chemistry at University of St Andrews
Possible questions
Parliament TV video of the meeting
This is part two of a three part enquiry.
Part one can be found here and part three can be found here.
The Committee continues its inquiry into the Role of batteries and fuel cells in achieving Net Zero. It will ask a panel of experts about batteries hearing about the current state-of-the-art in technologies that are currently in deployment primarily lithium-ion batteries. It will also explore the potential of next generation technologies currently in development and the challenges in scaling them up to manufacture.
The Committee will then question a second panel about fuel cells hearing about the different types available and their applications. It will explore challenges that need to be overcome in the development of the technology and will consider the UK’s international standing in the sector.
Meeting details
At 10.00am: Oral evidence
Professor Serena Corr Chair in Functional Nanomaterials and Director of Research Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at University of Sheffield
Professor Paul Shearing Professor in Chemical Engineering at University College London
Dr Jerry Barker Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Faradion Limited
Dr Melanie Loveridge Associate Professor Warwick Manufacturing Group at University of Warwick
At 11.00am: Oral evidence
Professor Andrea Russell Professor of Physical Electrochemistry at University of Southampton
Professor Anthony Kucernak Professor of Physical Chemistry Faculty of Natural Sciences at Imperial College London
Professor John Irvine Professor School of Chemistry at University of St Andrews
Possible questions
- What contribution are battery and fuel cell technologies currently making towards decarbonization in the UK?
- What advances do we expect to see in battery and fuel cell technologies and over what timeframes?
- How quickly can UK battery and fuel cell manufacture be scaled up to meet electrification demands?
- What are the challenges facing technological innovation and deployment in heavy transport?
- Are there any sectors where battery and fuel cell technologies are not currently used but could contribute to decarbonisation?
- What are the life cycle environmental impacts of batteries and fuel cells?
Parliament TV video of the meeting
This is part two of a three part enquiry.
Part one can be found here and part three can be found here.
2020 It's Time To Get Real
Mar 2020
Publication
Gi Editor Sharon Baker-Hallam sits down with Chris Stark CEO of the Committee on Climate Change to talk about this year’s Sir Denis Rooke Memorial Lecture the economic opportunities to be found in going green and why 2020 is a critical year in the ongoing battle against rising global temperatures
Unpacking Leadership-driven Global Scenarios Towards the Paris Agreement: Report Prepared for the UK Committee on Climate Change
Dec 2020
Publication
Outline
This independent report by Vivid Economics and University College London was commissioned to support the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) 2020 report The Sixth Carbon Budget -The path to Net Zero. This research provided supporting information for Chapter 7 of the CCC’s report which considered the UK’s contribution to the global goals of the Paris Agreement.
Key recommendations
The report models ‘leadership-driven’ global scenarios that could reduce global emissions rapidly to Net Zero and analyses the levers available to developed countries such as the UK to help accelerate various key aspects of the required global transition.
It highlights a set of opportunities for the UK alongside other developed countries to help assist global decarbonisation efforts alongside achieving it’s domestic emissions reduction targets
This independent report by Vivid Economics and University College London was commissioned to support the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) 2020 report The Sixth Carbon Budget -The path to Net Zero. This research provided supporting information for Chapter 7 of the CCC’s report which considered the UK’s contribution to the global goals of the Paris Agreement.
Key recommendations
The report models ‘leadership-driven’ global scenarios that could reduce global emissions rapidly to Net Zero and analyses the levers available to developed countries such as the UK to help accelerate various key aspects of the required global transition.
It highlights a set of opportunities for the UK alongside other developed countries to help assist global decarbonisation efforts alongside achieving it’s domestic emissions reduction targets
Options for Multilateral Initiatives to Close the Global 2030 Climate Ambition and Action Gap - Policy Field Synthetic E-fuels
Jan 2021
Publication
Achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement requires increased global climate action especially towards the production and use of synthetic e-fuels. This paper focuses on aviation and maritime transport and the role of green hydrogen for indirect electrification of industry sectors. Based on a sound analysis of existing multilateral cooperation the paper proposes four potential initiatives to increase climate ambition of the G20 countries in the respective policy field: a Sustainable e-Kerosene Alliance a Sustainable e-fuel Alliance for Maritime Shipping a Hard-to-Abate Sector Partnership and a Global Supply-demand-partnership.
The full report can be found here on the Umweltbundesamt website
The full report can be found here on the Umweltbundesamt website
Economic and Technical Analysis of Power to Gas Factory Taking Karamay as an Example
May 2022
Publication
Power to gas (PTG) refers to the technology of converting power into energy-storage gas which can absorb excess power when there is excess power and release energy-storage gas when needed. Based on the carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emission of Karamay City in Northwest China this study designed a process flow of the CO2 absorption process and the hydrogen and CO2 methanation process in PTG technology. The results show that the efficiency of the CO2 absorption process was 91.5% and the methanation efficiency was 77.5%. The heat recovery module was set during the process and the total heat recovered was 17.85 MW. The cost of producing synthetic natural gas (SNG) in the PTG factory was 1782 USD/ton. In terms of cost the cost of hydrogen production from electrolyzed water accounted for the largest proportion. In terms of product profit the sale of pure oxygen was the largest part of the profit. At present the carbon emission reduction index profit brought by SNG production accounted for a small proportion. In the future with technological progress industrial upgrading and the improvement in the carbon trading market PTG technology is expected to become one of the ways to achieve carbon-emission-reduction targets.
Carbons Formed in Methane Thermal and Thermocatalytic Decomposition Processes: Properties and Applications
Jun 2021
Publication
The hydrogen economy will play a key role in future energy systems. Several thermal and catalytic methods for hydrogen production have been presented. In this review methane thermocatalytic and thermal decomposition into hydrogen gas and solid carbon are considered. These processes known as the thermal decomposition of methane (TDM) and thermocatalytic decomposition (TCD) of methane respectively appear to have the greatest potential for hydrogen production. In particular the focus is on the different types and properties of carbons formed during the decomposition processes. The applications for carbons are also investigated.
The Role of Hydrogen in Powering Industry: APPG on Hydrogen report
Jul 2021
Publication
The APPG on Hydrogen has published its report urging the Government to deliver beyond its existing net zero commitments and set ambitious hydrogen targets in forthcoming strategies to reach net zero by 2050.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hydrogen’s report on the role of ‘Hydrogen in powering industry’ sets out 10 recommendations to support and accelerate the growth of the UK’s hydrogen sector and enable a sustainable energy transition.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hydrogen’s report on the role of ‘Hydrogen in powering industry’ sets out 10 recommendations to support and accelerate the growth of the UK’s hydrogen sector and enable a sustainable energy transition.
- The Government must continue to expand beyond its existing commitments of 5GW production in the forthcoming Hydrogen Strategy.
- Any forthcoming Government and devolved policies must be complementary of the wider UK low-carbon commitments.
- Industrial clusters should be prioritised for hydrogen use and will be the key catalyst for driving forward the UK’s decarbonisation of industry.
- The Government must commit to incentivising hydrogen production within the UK as opposed to importing this.
- The Government must align hydrogen production pathways with nuclear technology to enhance hydrogen production.
- The Government must develop a UK wide hydrogen network to support the transport sector including a larger-scale implementation of hydrogen refuelling stations.
- Regulators must act quickly to update energy regulations and guidance to support hydrogen’s role in powering industry.
- For hydrogen to expand in the UK a technology neutral approach is required for all types of energy systems.
- Significant and long-term financial support is required for the development deployment and operation of hydrogen technologies.
- Ofgem must ensure the hydrogen market is subject to effective competition to drive down prices for consumers.
Technology Investment Roadmap- Global Leadership in Low Emissions Technologies
Sep 2020
Publication
Australia’s Technology Investment Roadmap is a strategy to accelerate development and commercialisation of low emissions technologies.
Annual low emissions statements are key milestones of the roadmap process. These statements prioritise low emissions technologies with potential to deliver the strongest economic and emissions reduction outcomes for Australia. They focus government investment on new and emerging technologies.
In this Statement
The first Low Emissions Technology Statement presents a vision of a prosperous Australia recognised as a global low emissions technology leader.
Annual low emissions statements are key milestones of the roadmap process. These statements prioritise low emissions technologies with potential to deliver the strongest economic and emissions reduction outcomes for Australia. They focus government investment on new and emerging technologies.
In this Statement
The first Low Emissions Technology Statement presents a vision of a prosperous Australia recognised as a global low emissions technology leader.
- priority technologies and economic stretch goals
- Australia’s big technology challenges and opportunities
- Technology Investment Framework
- monitoring transparency and impact evaluation
Technology Investment Roadmap First Low Emissions Technology Statement – 2020 Global Leadership in Low Emissions Technologies
Sep 2020
Publication
Australia’s Technology Investment Roadmap is a strategy to accelerate development and commercialisation of low emissions technologies.
Annual low emissions statements are key milestones of the roadmap process. These statements prioritise low emissions technologies with potential to deliver the strongest economic and emissions reduction outcomes for Australia. They focus government investment on new and emerging technologies.
In this Statement
The first Low Emissions Technology Statement presents a vision of a prosperous Australia recognised as a global low emissions technology leader
Annual low emissions statements are key milestones of the roadmap process. These statements prioritise low emissions technologies with potential to deliver the strongest economic and emissions reduction outcomes for Australia. They focus government investment on new and emerging technologies.
In this Statement
The first Low Emissions Technology Statement presents a vision of a prosperous Australia recognised as a global low emissions technology leader
- priority technologies and economic stretch goals
- Australia’s big technology challenges and opportunities
- Technology Investment Framework
- monitoring transparency and impact evaluation
Greenhouse Gas Abatement in EUROPE—A Scenario-Based, Bottom-Up Analysis Showing the Effect of Deep Emission Mitigation on the European Energy System
Feb 2022
Publication
Greenhouse gas emissions need to be drastically reduced to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by climate change and to lead to a transformation of the European energy system. A model landscape consisting of four final energy consumption sector models with high spatial (NUTS-3) and temporal (hourly) resolution and the multi-energy system model ISAaR is extended and applied to investigate the transformation pathway of the European energy sector in the deep emission mitigation scenario solidEU. The solidEU scenario describes not only the techno-economic but also the socio-political contexts and it includes the EU27 + UK Norway and Switzerland. The scenario analysis shows that volatile renewable energy sources (vRES) dominate the energy system in 2050. In addition the share of flexible sector coupling technologies increases to balance electricity generation from vRES. Seasonal differences are balanced by hydrogen storage with a seasonal storage profile. The deployment rates of vRES in solidEU show that a fast profound energy transition is necessary to achieve European climate protection goals.
H2ero Net Zero: Hydrogen Europe Position Paper on the Fit for 55 Package
Jun 2021
Publication
Hydrogen has seen unprecedented development in the year 2020. From innovative niche technology it is fast becoming a systemic element in the European Union’s (EU) efforts to transition to a climate-neutral society in 2050. It will become a crucial energy vector and the other leg of the energy transition – alongside renewable electricity – by replacing coal oil and gas across different segments of the economy. The rapid development of hydrogen is important for meeting the EU’s climate objectives and preserving and enhancing the EU’s industrial and economic competitiveness securing jobs and value creation in this high-tech sector.
Europe is currently leading in hydrogen technology and European companies and knowledge institutions can be instrumental in advancing technological developments and industrial scale-up. It is imperative that Europe maintains this leadership position and seizes the current momentum for hydrogen technologies. The EU is well placed to become the birthplace of a global hydrogen economy denominated in Euro currency.
It is time that hydrogen moves from an afterthought to a central pillar of the energy system. The “Fit for 55 Package” presents a unique opportunity to begin putting into place a concrete and fit for purpose framework for the development of a clean hydrogen economy. In this paper you will find Hydrogen Europe’s recommendations on how hydrogen can:
Europe is currently leading in hydrogen technology and European companies and knowledge institutions can be instrumental in advancing technological developments and industrial scale-up. It is imperative that Europe maintains this leadership position and seizes the current momentum for hydrogen technologies. The EU is well placed to become the birthplace of a global hydrogen economy denominated in Euro currency.
It is time that hydrogen moves from an afterthought to a central pillar of the energy system. The “Fit for 55 Package” presents a unique opportunity to begin putting into place a concrete and fit for purpose framework for the development of a clean hydrogen economy. In this paper you will find Hydrogen Europe’s recommendations on how hydrogen can:
- Unleash the potential of renewables.
- Bring “efficiency” to the energy “system” of the future.
- Enable a carbon-neutral transport system.
Australian and Global Hydrogen Demand Growth Scenario Analysis
Nov 2019
Publication
Deloitte was commissioned by the National Hydrogen Taskforce established by the COAG Energy Council to undertake an Australian and Global Growth Scenario Analysis. Deloitte analysed the current global hydrogen industry its development and growth potential and how Australia can position itself to best capitalise on the newly forming industry.
To conceptualise the possibilities for Australia Deloitte created scenarios to model the realm of possibilities for Australia out to 2050 focusing on identifying the scope and distribution of economic and environmental costs and benefits from Australian hydrogen industry development. This work will aid in analysing the opportunities and challenges to hydrogen industry development in Australia and the actions needed to overcome barriers to industry growth manage risks and best drive industry development.
The full report is available on the Deloitte website at this link
To conceptualise the possibilities for Australia Deloitte created scenarios to model the realm of possibilities for Australia out to 2050 focusing on identifying the scope and distribution of economic and environmental costs and benefits from Australian hydrogen industry development. This work will aid in analysing the opportunities and challenges to hydrogen industry development in Australia and the actions needed to overcome barriers to industry growth manage risks and best drive industry development.
The full report is available on the Deloitte website at this link
Hydrogen Act Towards the creation of the European Hydrogen Economy
Apr 2021
Publication
It is time that hydrogen moves from an afterthought to a central pillar of the energy system and its key role in delivering climate neutrality means it merits a dedicated framework. It becomes paramount to allow hydrogen to express its full potential as the other leg of the energy mobility and industry transitions. The proposed “Hydrogen Act” is not a single piece of legislation it is intended to be a vision for an umbrella framework aimed at harmonising and integrating all separate hydrogen-related actions and legislations. It focuses on infrastructure and market aspects describing three phases of development: the kick-start phase the ramp-up phase and the market-growth phase.
Hydrogen in Grid Balancing: The European Market Potential for Pressurized Alkaline Electrolyzers
Jan 2022
Publication
To limit the global temperature change to no more than 2 ◦C by reducing global emissions the European Union (EU) set up a goal of a 20% improvement on energy efficiency a 20% cut of greenhouse gas emissions and a 20% share of energy from renewable sources by 2020 (10% share of renewable energy (RE) specifically in the transport sector). By 2030 the goal is a 27% improvement in energy efficiency a 40% cut of greenhouse gas emissions and a 27% share of RE. However the integration of RE in energy system faces multiple challenges. The geographical distribution of energy supply changes significantly the availability of the primary energy source (wind solar water) and is the determining factor rather than where the consumers are. This leads to an increasing demand to match supply and demand for power. Especially intermittent RE like wind and solar power face the issue of energy production unrelated to demand (issue of excess energy production beyond demand and/or grid capacity) and forecast errors leading to an increasing demand for grid services like balancing power. Megawatt electrolyzer units (beyond 3 MW) can provide a technical solution to convert large amounts of excess electricity into hydrogen for industrial applications substitute for natural gas or the decarbonization of the mobility sector. The demonstration of successful MW electrolyzer operation providing grid services under dynamic conditions as request by the grid can broaden the opportunities of new business models that demonstrate the profitability of an electrolyzer in these market conditions. The aim of this work is the demonstration of a technical solution utilizing Pressurized Alkaline Electrolyzer (PAE) technology for providing grid balancing services and harvesting Renewable Energy Sources (RES) under realistic circumstances. In order to identify any differences between local market and grid requirements the work focused on a demonstration site located in Austria deemed as a viable business case for the operation of a largescale electrolyzer. The site is adapted to specific local conditions commonly found throughout Europe. To achieve this this study uses a market-based solution that aims at providing value-adding services and cash inflows stemming from the grid balancing services it provides. Moreover the work assesses the viability of various business cases by analyzing (qualitatively and quantitatively) additional business models (in terms of business opportunities/energy source potential grid service provision and hydrogen demand) and analyzing the value and size of the markets developing recommendations for relevant stakeholder to decrease market barriers.
Planning and Operational Aspects of Individual and Clustered Multi-Energy Microgrid Options
Feb 2022
Publication
With the restructuring of the power system household-level end users are becoming more prominent participants by integrating renewable energy sources and smart devices and becoming flexible prosumers. The use of microgrids is a way of aggregating local end users into a single entity and catering for the consumption needs of shareholders. Various microgrid architectures are the result of the local energy community following different decarbonisation strategies and are frequently not optimised in terms of size technology or other influential factors for energy systems. This paper discusses the operational and planning aspects of three different microgrid setups looking at them as individual market participants within a local electricity market. This kind of implementation enables mutual trade between microgrids without additional charges where they can provide flexibility and balance for one another. The developed models take into account multiple uncertainties arising from photovoltaic production day-ahead electricity prices and electricity load. A total number of nine case studies and sensitivity analyses are presented from daily operation to the annual planning perspective. The systematic study of different microgrid setups operational principles/goals and cooperation mechanisms provides a clear understanding of operational and planning benefits: the electrification strategy of decarbonising microgrids outperforms gas and hydrogen technologies by a significant margin. The value of coupling different types of multi-energy microgrids with the goal of joint market participation was not proven to be better on a yearly level compared to the operation of same technology-type microgrids. Additional analyses focus on introducing distribution and transmission fees to an MG cooperation model and allow us to come to the conclusion of there being a minor impact on the overall operation.
Challenges to the Future of LNG: Decarbonisation, Affordability, and Profitability
Oct 2019
Publication
Decarbonisation should be very much on the radar of new LNG projects currently taking FID commissioning around 2024-25 and planning to operate up to 2050. The LNG community needs to replace an `advocacy’ message – based on the generality of emissions from combustion of natural gas being lower than from other fossil fuels – with certified data on carbon and methane emissions from specific elements of the value chain for individual projects. As carbon reduction targets tighten over the coming decade LNG cargoes which do not have value chain emissions certified by accredited authorities or which fail to meet defined emission levels run the risk of progressively being deemed to have a lower commercial value and eventually being excluded from jurisdictions with the strictest standards. There will be no place in this process for confidentiality; nothing less than complete transparency of data and methodologies will be acceptable.<br/>In relation to affordability prospects for new projects look much better than they did three years ago. Cost estimates for most new projects suggest that they will be able to deliver profitably to most established and anticipated import markets at or below the wholesale prices prevailing in those markets over the past decade although affordability in south Asian countries may be challenging. But new projects need to factor in costs related to future decarbonisation requirements in both exporting and importing countries. To the extent that LNG suppliers can meet standards through relatively low-cost offsets – forest projects low-cost biogas and biomethane – this may not greatly impact their commercial viability. However any requirement to transform methane into hydrogen with CCS in either the exporting or importing country would substantially impact project economics and the affordability of LNG relative to other energy choices.
Analysis of Strategic Directions in Sustainable Hydrogen Investment Decisions
Jun 2020
Publication
This study seeks to find the appropriate strategies necessary to make sustainable and effective hydrogen energy investments. Within this scope nine different criteria are defined regarding social managerial and financial factors. A hesitant interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology is considered to calculate the degree of importance of the criteria. Additionally impact relation maps are also generated to visualize the causality relationship between the factors. The findings indicate that the technical dimension has the greatest importance in comparison to managerial and financial factors. Furthermore it is also concluded that storage and logistics research and development and technological infrastructure are the most significant factors to be considered when defining hydrogen energy investment strategies. Hence before investing in hydrogen energy necessary actions should be taken to minimize the storage and logistic costs. Among them building the production site close to the usage area will contribute significantly to this purpose. In this way possible losses during the transportation of hydrogen can be minimized. Moreover it is essential to identify the lowest-cost hydrogen storage method by carrying out the necessary research and development activities thereby increasing the sustainability and effectiveness of hydrogen energy investment projects.
EU Hydrogen Vision: Regulatory Opportunities and Challenges
Sep 2020
Publication
This Insight provides an overview of the recent EU Commission Hydrogen Strategy Energy System Integration Strategy and Industrial Strategy focusing on regulatory issues impacting hydrogen. It looks at the proposed classification and preferences for different sources of hydrogen financial and regulatory support for development of hydrogen supply demand and infrastructure as well as potential regulation of hydrogen markets. Whilst the Hydrogen Strategy underlines the need for hydrogen to decarbonise the economy the Insight concludes that the EU has shown a clear preference for hydrogen based on renewable electricity at the expense of low carbon hydrogen from natural gas even though it recognises the need for low carbon hydrogen. In addition further detail is required on the support mechanisms and regulatory framework if development of new hydrogen value chain is to succeed. Lastly there is little sign that the Commission recognises the change in regulatory approach from the current natural gas framework which will be needed because of the different challenges facing the development of a hydrogen market.
Paper can be downloaded on their website
Paper can be downloaded on their website
Policy-driven, Narrative-based Evidence Gathering: UK Priorities for Decarbonisation Through Biomass
May 2015
Publication
Evidence-based policy-making has been a much-debated concept. This paper builds on various insights for a novel perspective: policy-driven narrative-based evidence gathering. In a case study of UK priority setting for bioenergy innovation documents and interviews were analysed to identify links between diagnoses of the problem societal visions policy narratives and evidence gathering. This process is illuminated by the theoretical concept of sociotechnical imaginaries—technoscientific projects which the state should promote for a feasible desirable future. Results suggest that evidence has been selectively generated and gathered within a specific future vision whereby bioenergy largely provides an input-substitute within the incumbent centralised infrastructure. Such evidence is attributed to an external expertise thus helping to legitimise the policy framework. Evidence has helped to substantiate policy commitments to expand bioenergy. The dominant narrative has been reinforced by the government’s multi-stakeholder consultation favouring the incumbent industry and by incentive structures for industry co-investment.
100% Renewable Energy in Japan
Feb 2022
Publication
Low-cost solar photovoltaics and wind offer a reliable and affordable pathway to deep decarbonization of energy which accounts for three quarters of global emissions. However large-scale deployment of solar photovoltaics and wind requires space and may be challenging for countries with dense population and high per capita energy consumption. This study investigates the future role of renewable energy in Japan as a case study. A 40-year hourly energy balance model is presented of a hypothetical 100% renewable Japanese electricity system using representative demand data and historical meteorological data. Pumped hydro energy storage high voltage interconnection and dispatchable capacity (existing hydro and biomass and hydrogen energy produced from curtailed electricity) are included to balance variable generation and demand. Differential evolution is used to find the least-cost solution under various constraints. This study shows that Japan has 14 times more solar and offshore wind resources than needed to supply 100% renewable electricity and vast capacity for off-river pumped hydro energy storage. Assuming significant cost reductions of solar photovoltaics and offshore wind towards global norms in the coming decades driven by large-scale deployment locally and global convergence of renewable generation costs the levelized cost of electricity is found to be US$86/Megawatt-hour for a solar-dominated system and US$110/Megawatt-hour for a wind-dominated system. These costs can be compared with 2020 average system prices on the spot market in Japan of US$102/Megawatt-hour. Cost of balancing 100% renewable electricity in Japan ranges between US$20–27/Megawatt-hour for a range of scenarios. In summary Japan can be self-sufficient for electricity supply at competitive costs provided that the barriers to the mass deployment of solar photovoltaics and offshore wind in Japan are overcome.
No more items...