Chile
Green Hydrogen Value Chain in the Sustainability for Port Operations: Case Study in the Region of Valparaiso, Chile
Dec 2021
Publication
The paper presents a complete value chain for the use of green hydrogen in a port facility. The main objective was to propose the sizing of the main components that make up green hydrogen to ensure the supply of 1 MWe in replacing the diesel generator. The energy demand required for the port was determined by establishing the leading small and large-scale conventional energyconsuming equipment. Hence 60 kgH2 was required to ensure the power supply. The total electrical energy to produce all the hydrogen was generated from photovoltaic solar energy considering threegeneration scenarios (minimum maximum and the annual average). In all cases the energy supply in the electrolyzer was 3.08 MWe. In addition the effect of generating in the port facility using a diesel generator and a fuel cell was compared. The cost of 1 kgH2 could be 4.09 times higher than the cost of 1 L of diesel meaning that the output kWh of each system is economically similar. In addition the value of electrical energy through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was a maximum of 79.79 times the value of a liter of diesel. Finally the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) was calculated for two conditions in which the MWe was obtained from the fuel cell without and with the photovoltaic solar plant.
Improved Overall Hydrogen Storage Properties of a CsH and KH Co-doped Mg(NH2)2/2LiH System by Forming Mixed Amides of Li–K and Cs–Mg
Jun 2017
Publication
A CsH and KH co-doped Mg(NH2)2/2LiH composite was prepared with a composition of Mg(NH2)2/2LiH–(0.08 − x)CsH–xKH and the hydrogen storage characteristics was systematically investigated. The results showed that the presence of KH further improved the reaction thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogen storage in a CsH-containing Mg(NH2)2/2LiH system. A sample with 0.04 mol CsH and 0.04 mol KH had optimal hydrogen storage performance; its dehydrogenation could proceed at 130 °C and hydrogenation at 120 °C with 4.89 wt% of hydrogen storage capacity. At 130 °C a 25-fold increase in the dehydrogenation rate was achieved for the CsH and KH co-doped sample. More importantly the CsH and KH co-doped sample also had good cycling stability because more than 97% of the hydrogen storage capacity (4.34 wt%) remained for theMg(NH2)2/2LiH–0.04CsH–0.04KH sample after 30 cycles. A structural characterization revealed that added CsH and KH participated in the dehydrogenation and hydrogenation reactions by reversibly forming mixed amides of Li–K and Cs–Mg which caused the improved hydrogen storage thermodynamics and kinetics.
Ignition of H2-NO2/N2O4 Mixtures Under Volumetric Expansion Conditions
Sep 2019
Publication
The competition between chemical energy release rate and volumetric expansion related to shock wave’s dynamics is of primary importance for a number of situations relevant to explosion safety. While studies have been performed on this topic over the years they have been limited to mixtures with monotonous energy release profile. In the present study the ignition of H2-NO2/N2O4 mixtures which exhibit a single-step or a two-step energy release rate profile depending on the equivalence ratio has been investigated under volumetric expansion conditions. The rate of expansion has been calculated using the Taylor-Sedov solution and accounted for using 0-D numerical simulations with time-dependent specific volume. The results were analyzed in terms of a Damkohler number defined as the ratio of the expansion to ignition times. For mixtures with non-monotonous energy release rate profiles two critical Damkohler numbers can be identified one for each of the steps of energy release. It was also shown that the fluid element which is the most likely to ignite corresponds to the one behind a shock propagating at the Chapman-Jouguet velocity. The thermo-chemical dynamics have been analyzed about the critical conditions using energy release rate per reaction rate of production and sensitivity analyses.
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.
A Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar Hydrogen Production by Electrolysis in the North of Chile and the Case of Exportation from Atacama Desert to Japan
Aug 2020
Publication
H2 production from solar electricity in the region of the Atacama Desert – Chile – has been identified as strategical for global hydrogen exportation. In this study the full supply chain of solar hydrogen has been investigated for 2018 and projected to scenarios for 2025-2030. Multi-year hourly electrical profiles data have been used from real operating PV plants and simulated Concentrated Solar Power “CSP” plants with Thermal Energy Storage “TES” as well as commercial electricity Power Purchase Agreement “PPA” prices reported in the Chilean electricity market were considered. The Levelized Cost of Hydrogen “LCOH” of each production pathway is calculated by a case-sensitive techno-economic MATLAB/Simulink model for utility scale (multi-MW) alkaline and PEM electrolyser technologies. Successively different distribution storage and transportation configurations are evaluated based on the 2025 Japanese case study according to the declared H2 demand. Transport in the form of liquefied hydrogen (LH2) and via ammonia (NH3) carrier is compared from the port of Antofagasta CL to the port of Osaka JP.
Chile and its Potential Role Among the Most Affordable Green Hydrogen Producers in the World
Jul 2022
Publication
As result of the adverse effects caused by climate change the nations have decided to accelerate the transition of the energy matrix through the use of non-conventional sources free of polluting emissions. One of these alternatives is green hydrogen. In this context Chile stands out for the exceptional climate that makes it a country with a lot of renewable resources. Such availability of resources gives the nation clear advantages for hydrogen production strong gusts of wind throughout the country the most increased solar radiation in the world lower cost of production of electrical supplies among others. Due to this the nation would be between the lowest estimated cost for hydrogen production i.e. 1.5 USD/kg H2 approximately scenario that would place it as one of the cheapest green hydrogen producer in the world.
Chilean National Green Hydrogen Strategy
Nov 2020
Publication
Like hydrogen Chile is small by nature and accordingly contributes just 0.3% to global greenhouse gas emissions. However we too have an outsized role to play in turning the tide on rising emissions and pursuing a low carbon path to growth and development.<br/>What we lack in size we more than make up for in potential. In the desert in the North with the highest solar irradiance on the planet and in the Patagonia in the South with strong and consistent winds we have the renewable energy potential to install 70 times the electricity generation capacity we have today. This abundant renewable energy will enable us to become the cheapest producer of green hydrogen on Earth. Our National Green Hydrogen Strategy is aimed at turning this promise into reality.<br/>The Strategy is the result of collaborative work between industry academia civil society and the public sector and is an essential piece of our carbon neutrality plan and commitment to sustainable development. It will allow us to produce and export products that are created using zero carbon fuels distinguishing our exports as clean products for end users. It will also enable us to export our renewable energy to the world in the form of green liquid hydrogen green ammonia and clean synthetic fuels.<br/>Traditionally Chile lacked fossil fuels and was forced to import the energy it required. Now the coming of age of the tiniest atom will allow us to drive deep decarbonization in our own country and throughout the world. This Strategy is the first step for Chile in embracing this promise and fulfilling its new potential.
Hydrogen Recovery from Waste Gas Streams to Feed (High-Temperature PEM) Fuel Cells: Environmental Performance under a Life-Cycle Thinking Approach
Oct 2020
Publication
Fossil fuels are being progressively substituted by a cleaner and more environmentally friendly form of energy where hydrogen fuel cells stand out. However the implementation of a competitive hydrogen economy still presents several challenges related to economic costs required infrastructures and environmental performance. In this context the objective of this work is to determine the environmental performance of the recovery of hydrogen from industrial waste gas streams to feed high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells for stationary applications. The life-cycle assessment (LCA) analyzed alternative scenarios with different process configurations considering as functional unit 1 kg of hydrogen produced 1 kWh of energy obtained and 1 kg of inlet flow. The results make the recovery of hydrogen from waste streams environmentally preferable over alternative processes like methane reforming or coal gasification. The production of the fuel cell device resulted in high contributions in the abiotic depletion potential and acidification potential mainly due to the presence of platinum metal in the anode and cathode. The design and operation conditions that defined a more favorable scenario are the availability of a pressurized waste gas stream the use of photovoltaic electricity and the implementation of an energy recovery system for the residual methane stream.
Parameterization Proposal to Determine the Feasibility of Geographic Areas for the Green Hydrogen Industry under Socio-environmental and Technical Constraints in Chile
Oct 2023
Publication
Chile abundant in solar and wind energy resources presents significant potential for the production of green hydrogen a promising renewable energy vector. However realizing this potential requires an understanding of the most suitable locations for the installation of green hydrogen industries. This study proposes a quantitative methodology that identifies and ranks potential public lands for industrial use based on a range of technical parameters (such as solar and wind availability) and socio-environmental considerations (including land use restrictions and population density). The results reveal optimal locations that can facilitate informed sustainable decision-making for large-scale green hydrogen implementation in Chile. While this methodology does not replace project-specific technical or environmental impact studies it provides a flexible general classification to guide initial site selection. Notably this approach can be applied to other regions worldwide with abundant solar and wind resources such as Australia and Northern Africa promoting more effective and sustainable global decision-making for green hydrogen production.
A Techno-Economic Study for Off-Grid Green Hydrogen Production Plants: The Case of Chile
Jul 2023
Publication
In this study we present a pre-feasibility analysis that examines the viability of implementing autonomous green hydrogen production plants in two strategic regions of Chile. With abundant renewable energy resources and growing interest in decarbonization in Chile this study aims to provide a comprehensive financial analysis from the perspective of project initiators. The assessment includes determining the optimal sizing of an alkaline electrolyzer stack seawater desalination system and solar and wind renewable energy farms and the focus is on conducting a comprehensive financial analysis from the perspective of project initiators to assess project profitability using key economic indicators such as net present value (NPV). The analyses involve determining appropriate sizing of an alkaline electrolyzer stack a seawater desalination system and solar and wind renewable energy farms. Assuming a base case production of 1 kiloton per year of hydrogen the capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX) are determined. Then the manufacturing and production costs per kilogram of green hydrogen are calculated resulting in values of USD 3.53 kg−1 (utilizing wind energy) and USD 5.29 kg−1 (utilizing photovoltaic solar energy). Cash flows are established by adjusting the sale price of hydrogen to achieve a minimum expected return on investment of 4% per year yielding minimum prices of USD 7.84 kg−1 (with wind energy) and USD 11.10 kg−1 (with photovoltaic solar energy). Additionally a sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the impact of variations in investment and operational costs. This research provides valuable insights into the financial feasibility of green hydrogen production in Chile contributing to understanding renewable energy-based hydrogen projects and their potential economic benefits. These results can provide a reference for future investment decisions and the global development of green hydrogen production plants.
Evaluation of a Hydrogen Powered Scooter Toy Prototype
Nov 2022
Publication
Electric scooters are used as alternative ways of transport because they easily make travel faster. However the batteries can take around 5 h to charge and have an autonomy of 30 km. With the presence of the hydrogen cell a hybrid system reduces the charging times and increases the autonomy of the vehicle by using two types of fuel. An increase of up to 80% in maximum distance and of 34% in operating times is obtained with a 1:10 scale prototype with the hydrogen cell; although more energy is withdrawn the combined fuel efficiency increases too. This suggests the cell that is used has the same behavior as some official reported vehicles which have a long range but low power. This allows concluding that use of the cell is functional for load tests and that the comparison factor obtained works as input for real-scale scooter prototypes to compete with the traditional electric scooters.
The Role of Hydrogen for Deep Decarbonization of Energy Systems: A Chilean Case Study
Mar 2023
Publication
In this paper we implement a long-term multi-sectoral energy planning model to evaluate the role of green hydrogen in the energy mix of Chile a country with a high renewable potential under stringent emission reduction objectives in 2050. Our results show that green hydrogen is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly route especially for hard-to-abate sectors such as interprovincial and freight transport. They also suggest a strong synergy of hydrogen with electricity generation from renewable sources. Our numerical simulations show that Chile should (i) start immediately to develop hydrogen production through electrolyzers all along the country (ii) keep investing in wind and solar generation capacities ensuring a low cost hydrogen production and reinforce the power transmission grid to allow nodal hydrogen production (iii) foster the use of electric mobility for cars and local buses and of hydrogen for long-haul trucks and interprovincial buses and (iv) develop seasonal hydrogen storage and hydrogen cells to be exploited for electricity supply especially for the most stringent emission reduction objectives.
Exploring the Potential of Green Hydrogen Production and Application in the Antofagasta Region of Chile
Jun 2023
Publication
Green hydrogen is gaining increasing attention as a key component of the global energy transition towards a more sustainable industry. Chile with its vast renewable energy potential is well positioned to become a major producer and exporter of green hydrogen. In this context this paper explores the prospects for green hydrogen production and use in Chile. The perspectives presented in this study are primarily based on a compilation of government reports and data from the scientific literature which primarily offer a theoretical perspective on the efficiency and cost of hydrogen production. To address the need for experimental data an ongoing experimental project was initiated in March 2023. This project aims to assess the efficiency of hydrogen production and consumption in the Atacama Desert through the deployment of a mobile on-site laboratory for hydrogen generation. The facility is mainly composed by solar panels electrolyzers fuel cells and a battery bank and it moves through the Atacama Desert in Chile at different altitudes from the sea level to measure the efficiency of hydrogen generation through the energy approach. The challenges and opportunities in Chile for developing a robust green hydrogen economy are also analyzed. According to the results Chile has remarkable renewable energy resources particularly in solar and wind power that could be harnessed to produce green hydrogen. Chile has also established a supportive policy framework that promotes the development of renewable energy and the adoption of green hydrogen technologies. However there are challenges that need to be addressed such as the high capital costs of green hydrogen production and the need for supportive infrastructure. Despite these challenges we argue that Chile has the potential to become a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen or derivatives such as ammonia or methanol. The country’s strategic location political stability and strong commitment to renewable energy provide a favorable environment for the development of a green hydrogen industry. The growing demand for clean energy and the increasing interest in decarbonization present significant opportunities for Chile to capitalize on its renewable energy resources and become a major player in the global green hydrogen market.
Green Hydrogen Integration in Aluminium Recycling: Techno-economic Analysis Towards Sustainability Transition in the Expanding Aluminium Market
Feb 2024
Publication
The use of aluminum-based products is widespread and growing particularly in industries such as automotive food packaging and construction. Obtaining aluminum is expensive and energy-intensive making the recycling of existing products essential for economic and environmental viability. This work explores the potential of using green hydrogen as a replacement for natural gas in the smelting and refining furnaces in aluminum recycling facilities. The adoption of green hydrogen has the potential to curtail approximately 4.54 Ktons/year of CO2 emissions rendering it a sustainable and economically advantageous solution. The work evaluates the economic viability of a case study through assessing the Net Present Value (NPV) and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Furthermore it is employed single- and multi-parameter sensitivity analyses to obtain insight on the most relevant conditions to achieve economic viability. Results demonstrate that integrating on-site green hydrogen generation yields a favorable NPV of €57370 an IRR of 9.83% and a 19.63-year payback period. The primary factors influencing NPV are the initial electricity consumption stack and the H2 price.
Socio-environmental and Technical Factors Assessment of Photovoltaic Hydrogen Production in Antofagasta, Chile
Apr 2024
Publication
This study introduces a method for identifying territories ideal for establishing photovoltaic (PV) plants for green hydrogen (GH2 ) production in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile a location celebrated for its outstanding solar energy potential. Assessing the viability of PV plant installation necessitates a balanced consideration of technical aspects and socio-environmental constraints such as the proximity to areas of ecological importance and indigenous communities to identify potential zones for solar and non-conventional renewable energy (NCRE)-based hydrogen production. To tackle this challenge we propose a methodology that utilizes geospatial analysis integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) tools with sensitivity analysis to determine the most suitable sites for PV plant installation in the Antofagasta region. Our geospatial analysis employs the QGIS software to identify these optimal locations while sensitivity analysis uses the Sørensen–Dice coefficient method to assess the similarity among chosen socio-environmental variables. Applying this methodology to the Antofagasta region reveals that a significant area within a 15 km radius of existing road networks and electrical substations is favorable for photovoltaic projects. Our sensitivity analysis further highlights the limiting effects of socio-environmental factors and their interactions. Moreover our research finds that enlarging areas of socio-environmental importance could increase the total hydrogen production by about 10% per commune indicating the impact of these factors on the potential for renewable energy production.
A Multi-energy Multi-microgrid System Planning Model for Decarbonisation and Decontamination of Isolated Systems
May 2023
Publication
Decarbonising and decontaminating remote regions in the world presents several challenges. Many of these regions feature isolation dispersed demand in large areas and a lack of economic resources that impede the development of robust and sustainable networks. Furthermore isolated systems in the developing world are mostly based on diesel generation for electricity and firewood and liquefied petroleum gas for heating as these options do not require a significant infrastructure cost. In this context we present a stochastic multi-energy multi-microgrid system planning model that integrates electricity heat and hydrogen networks in isolated systems. The model is stochastic to capture uncertainty in renewable generation outputs particularly hydro and wind and thus design a multi-energy system proved secured against such uncertainty. The model also features two distinct constraints to limit the emissions of CO2 (for decarbonisation) and particulate matter (for decontamination) and incorporates firewood as a heating source. Moreover given that the focus is on low-voltage networks we introduce a fully linear AC power flow equations set allowing the planning model to remain tractable. The model is applied to a real-world case study to design a multi-energy multi-microgrid system in an isolated region in Chilean Patagonia. In a case with a zero limit over direct CO2 emissions the total system’s cost increases by 34% with respect to an unconstrained case. In a case with a zero limit over particulate matter emissions the total system’s cost increases by 189%. Finally although an absolute zero limit over both particulate matter and direct CO2 emissions leads to a total system’s cost increase of 650% important benefits in terms of decarbonisation and decontamination can be achieved at marginal cost increments.
Assessment of the Green Hydrogen Value Chain in Cases of the Local Industry in Chile Applying an Optimization Model
May 2024
Publication
This study assessed the feasibility of integrating a green hydrogen value chain into the local industry examining two case studies by comparing four scenarios. The optimization focused on generating electricity from stationary renewable sources such as solar or through Power Purchase Agreements to produce sufficient hydrogen in electrolyzers. Current demand profiles renewable participation targets electricity supply sources levelized costs of energy and hydrogen and technology options were considered. The most cost-effective scenario showed a levelized cost of energy of 0.032 and 0.05 US$/kWh and a hydrogen cost below 1.0 US$/kgH2 for cases 1 and 2 respectively. A sensitivity analysis highlighted the critical influence of fuel cell technology on cost modification underscoring the importance of focusing cost reduction strategies on these technologies to enhance the economic viability of the green hydrogen value chain. Specifically a high sensitivity towards reducing the levelized costs of energy and hydrogen in the port sector with adjustments in fuel cell technology costs was identified indicating the need for specific policies and supports to facilitate their adoption.
Optimal Decarbonisation Pathways for the Italian Energy System: Modelling a Long-term Energy Transition to Achieve Zero Emission by 2050
May 2024
Publication
The goal of achieving a zero-emission energy system by 2050 requires accurate energy planning to minimise the overall cost of the energy transition. Long-term energy models based on cost-optimal solutions are extremely dependent on the cost forecasts of different technologies. However such forecasts are inherently uncertain. The aim of the present work is to identify a cost-optimal pathway for the Italian energy system decarbonisation and assess how renewable cost scenarios can affect the optimal solution. The analysis has been carried out with the H2RES model a single-objective optimisation algorithm based on Linear Programming. Different cost scenarios for photovoltaics on-shore and off-shore wind power and lithium-ion batteries are simulated. Results indicate that a 100% renewable energy system in Italy is technically feasible. Power-to-X technologies are crucial for balancing purposes enabling a share of non-dispatchable generation higher than 90%. Renewable cost scenarios affect the energy mix however both on-shore and off-shore wind saturate the maximum capacity potential in almost all scenarios. Cost forecasts for lithium-ion batteries have a significant impact on their optimal capacity and the role of hydrogen. Indeed as battery costs rise fuel cells emerge as the main solution for balancing services. This study emphasises the importance of conducting cost sensitivity analyses in long-term energy planning. Such analyses can help to determine how changes in cost forecasts may affect the optimal strategies for decarbonising national energy systems.
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