New Zealand
The Curious Case of the Conflicting Roles of Hydrogen in Global Energy Scenarios
Oct 2019
Publication
As energy systems transition from fossil-based to low-carbon they face many challenges particularly concerning energy security and flexibility. Hydrogen may help to overcome these challenges with potential as a transport fuel for heating energy storage conversion to electricity and in industry. Despite these opportunities hydrogen has historically had a limited role in influential global energy scenarios. Whilst more recent studies are beginning to include hydrogen the role it plays in different scenarios is extremely inconsistent. In this perspective paper reasons for this inconsistency are explored considering the modelling approach behind the scenario scenario design and data assumptions. We argue that energy systems are becoming increasingly complex and it is within these complexities that new technologies such as hydrogen emerge. Developing a global energy scenario that represents these complexities is challenging and in this paper we provide recommendations to help ensure that emerging technologies such as hydrogen are appropriately represented. These recommendations include: using the right modelling tools whilst knowing the limits of the model; including the right sectors and technologies; having an appropriate level of ambition; and making realistic data assumptions. Above all transparency is essential and global scenarios must do more to make available the modelling methods and data assumptions used.
A Vision for Hydrogen in New Zealand - Green Paper
Sep 2019
Publication
Green hydrogen has the potential to play a significant role in our energy system and could play an important role in decarbonising parts of our economy.
To assist with the development of the Hydrogen Green Paper MBIE assisted by consultants Arup – held four workshops with key stakeholders in Wellington Auckland Christchurch and New Plymouth. The workshops were well attended with a range of views expressed on the potential for hydrogen in New Zealand. Following the workshops we incorporated these views into a Hydrogen Green Paper which was released for public consultation. We sought feedback from the public and wider stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities of building a hydrogen economy in New Zealand as part of our renewable energy strategy. On 2 September 2019 we released the green paper – “A vision for hydrogen in New Zealand”. Consultation ended on 25 October 2019. The green paper looked at the scope of New Zealand’s hydrogen potential to frame discussions for a national strategy.
The green paper asked 27 questions about the challenges and opportunities and the Government’s role in nine key areas:
This green paper along with the submissions will feed into a wider renewable energy strategy for New Zealand. This will outline the renewable energy pathway to a clean green carbon neutral for New Zealand by 2050.
To assist with the development of the Hydrogen Green Paper MBIE assisted by consultants Arup – held four workshops with key stakeholders in Wellington Auckland Christchurch and New Plymouth. The workshops were well attended with a range of views expressed on the potential for hydrogen in New Zealand. Following the workshops we incorporated these views into a Hydrogen Green Paper which was released for public consultation. We sought feedback from the public and wider stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities of building a hydrogen economy in New Zealand as part of our renewable energy strategy. On 2 September 2019 we released the green paper – “A vision for hydrogen in New Zealand”. Consultation ended on 25 October 2019. The green paper looked at the scope of New Zealand’s hydrogen potential to frame discussions for a national strategy.
The green paper asked 27 questions about the challenges and opportunities and the Government’s role in nine key areas:
- Hydrogen production
- Hydrogen electricity nexus
- Hydrogen for mobility
- Hydrogen for industrial processes
- Hydrogen for seasonal power generation
- Decarbonisation of our gas
- Hydrogen for export
- Innovation expands job opportunities
- Transitioning the job market
This green paper along with the submissions will feed into a wider renewable energy strategy for New Zealand. This will outline the renewable energy pathway to a clean green carbon neutral for New Zealand by 2050.
Simulation and Techno-Economic Assessment of Hydrogen Production from Biomass Gasification-Based Processes: A Review
Nov 2022
Publication
The development of low-carbon fuels from renewable resources is a key measure to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change. Biomass gasification with subsequent gas processing and purification is a promising route to produce low-carbon hydrogen. In the past decade simulation-based modelling using Aspen Plus software has supported the investigation of future potential industrial applications of this pathway. This article aims to provide a review of the modelling and economic assessment of woody biomass gasification-based hydrogen production with focus on the evaluation of the model accuracy in predicting producer gas composition in comparison with experimental data depending on the approach implemented. The assessment of comprehensive models which integrate biomass gasification with gas processing and purification highlights how downstream gas processing could improve the quality of the syngas and thus the hydrogen yield. The information in this article provides an overview of the current practices challenges and opportunities for future research particularly for the development of a comprehensive pathway for hydrogen production based on biomass gasification. Moreover this review includes a techno-economic assessment of biomass to hydrogen processes which will be useful for implementation at industrial-scale.
The Potential for Hydrogen Ironmaking in New Zealand
Oct 2022
Publication
Globally iron and steel production is responsible for approximately 6.3% of global man-made carbon dioxide emissions because coal is used as both the combustion fuel and chemical reductant. Hydrogen reduction of iron ore offers a potential alternative ‘near-zero-CO2’ route if renewable electrical power is used for both hydrogen electrolysis and reactor heating. This paper discusses key technoeconomic considerations for establishing a hydrogen direct reduced iron (H2-DRI) plant in New Zealand. The location and availability of firm renewable electricity generation is described the experimental feasibility of reducing locally-sourced titanomagnetite irons and in hydrogen is shown and a high-level process flow diagram for a counter-flow electrically heated H2-DRI process is developed. The minimum hydrogen composition of the reactor off-gas is 46% necessitating the inclusion of a hydrogen recycle loop to maximise chemical utilisation of hydrogen and minimize costs. A total electrical energy requirement of 3.24 MWh per tonne of H2-DRI is obtained for the base-case process considered here. Overall a maximum input electricity cost of no more than US$80 per MWh at the plant is required to be cost-competitive with existing carbothermic DRI processes. Production cost savings could be achieved through realistic future improvements in electrolyser efficiency (∼ US$5 per tonne of H2-DRI) and heat exchanger (∼US$3 per tonne). We conclude that commercial H2-DRI production in New Zealand is entirely feasible but will ultimately depend upon the price paid for firm electrical power at the plant.
Techno-economic Modelling of AEM Electrolysis Systems to Identify Ideal Current Density and Aspects Requiring Further Research
Aug 2023
Publication
Hydrogen produced by water electrolysis using renewable energy is a sustainable alternative to steam reformation. As a nascent commercial technology performance and economic comparisons of anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWE) to other electrolyzer technology benchmarks are not available. We present a techno-economic model estimating AEMWE's baseline levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) at $5.79/kg considering trade-offs between current density efficiency stability capital and operating costs. The optimal current density is 1.38 A cm2 balancing stability and performance for the lowest LCOH. Using low-cost electricity and larger stack sizes AEMWE could achieve $2/kg low-carbon hydrogen. Technical improvements targeting system efficiency particularly reducing overpotentials in hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions could further reduce LCOH to $1.29/kg approaching U.S. Department of Energy cost targets. There are hopes this model could raise the profile of AEMWE's economic potential to produce green hydrogen and highlight its suitability for decarbonizing the energy sector.
Green Hydrogen Futures: Tensions of Energy and Justice Within Sociotechnical Imaginaries
May 2024
Publication
As a reformist approach to low-carbon transitions green hydrogen is often promoted as an easy replacement for fossil fuels. This substitution narrative makes this technology compelling as it offers to reduce emissions while continuing the contemporary energy system. Using ‘sociotechnical imaginaries’ this paper explores the underlying political processes on what appears to be a mostly technical vision of green hydrogen. Analysis through expert interviews in Aotearoa New Zealand revealed two contrasting energy visions one emphasizing the technical role of green hydrogen in New Zealand's transition—the green hydrogen imaginary and the other which advocated for a future motivated by social change—the alternative energy imaginary. Comparing the tensions through a lens of hydrogen justice exposed the assumptions and exclusions present in the emerging green hydrogen imaginary. This paper argues that the technocratic business as usual approach of green hydrogen depoliticizes the social nature of energy and thus risks perpetuating inequalities and harms present in the current energy system. However these critiques also suggest that there is hope for green hydrogen to be reimagined in more ethical and just ways.
Prospectivity Analysis for Underground Hydrogen Storage, Taranaki Basin, Aotearoa New Zealand: A Multi-criteria Decision-making Approach
May 2024
Publication
Seasonal underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in porous media provides an as yet untested method for storing surplus renewable energy and balancing our energy demands. This study investigates the technical suitability for UHS in depleted hydrocarbon fields and one deep aquifer site in Taranaki Basin Aotearoa New Zealand. Prospective sites are assessed using a decision tree approach providing a “fast-track” method for identifying potential sites and a decision matrix approach for ranking optimal sites. Based on expert elicitation the most important factors to consider are storage capacity reservoir depth and parameters that affect hydrogen injectivity/withdrawal and containment. Results from both approaches suggest that Paleogene reservoirs from gas (or gas cap) fields provide the best option for demonstrating UHS in Aotearoa New Zealand and that the country’s projected 2050 hydrogen storage demand could be exceeded by developing one or two high ranking sites. Lower priority is assigned to heterolithic and typically finer grained labile and clay-rich Miocene oil reservoirs and to deep aquifers that have no proven hydrocarbon containment.
No more items...