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Hopes and Fears for a Sustainable Energy Future: Enter the Hydrogen Acceptance Matrix
Feb 2024
Publication
Hydrogen-fuelled technologies for home heating and cooking may provide a low-carbon solution for decarbonising parts of the global housing stock. For the transition to transpire the attitudes and perceptions of consumers must be factored into policy making efforts. However empirical studies are yet to explore potential levels of consumer heterogeneity regarding domestic hydrogen acceptance. In response this study explores a wide spectrum of consumer responses towards the prospect of hydrogen homes. The proposed spectrum is conceptualised in terms of the ‘domestic hydrogen acceptance matrix’ which is examined through a nationally representative online survey conducted in the United Kingdom. The results draw attention to the importance of interest and engagement in environmental issues knowledge and awareness of renewable energy technologies and early adoption potential as key drivers of domestic hydrogen acceptance. Critically strategic measures should be taken to convert hydrogen scepticism and pessimism into hope and optimism by recognising the multidimensional nature of consumer acceptance. To this end resources should be dedicated towards increasing the observability and trialability of hydrogen homes in proximity to industrial clusters and hubs where the stakes for consumer acceptance are highest. Progress towards realising a net-zero society can be supported by early stakeholder engagement with the domestic hydrogen acceptance matrix.
Merging the Green-H2 Production with Carbon Recycling for Stepping Towards the Carbon Cyclic Economy
Jan 2024
Publication
Hydrogen Economy and Cyclic Economy are advocated together with the use of perennial (solar wind hydro geo-power SWHG) and renewable (biomass) energy sources for defossilizing anthropic activities and mitigating climate change. Each option has intrinsic limits that prevent a stand-alone success in reaching the target. Humans have recycled goods (metals water paper and now plastics) to a different extent since very long time. Recycling carbon (which is already performed at the industrial level in the form of CO2 utilization and with recycling paper and plastics) is a key point for the future. The conversion of CO2 into chemicals and materials is carried out since the late 1800s (Solvay process) and is today performed at scale of 230 Mt/y. It is time to implement on a scale of several Gt/y the conversion of CO2 into energy products possibly mimicking Nature which does not use hydrogen. In the short term a few conditions must be met to make operative on a large scale the production of fuels from recycled-C namely the availability of low-cost: i. abundant pure concentrated streams of CO2 ii. non-fossil primary energy sources and iii. non-fossil-hydrogen. The large-scale production of hydrogen by Methane Steam Reforming with CO2 capture (Blue-H2) seems to be a realistic and sustainable solution. Green-H2 could in principle be produced on a large scale through the electrolysis of water powered by perennial primary sources but hurdles such as the availability of materials for the construction of long-living robust electrochemical cells (membranes electrodes) must be abated for a substantial scale-up with respect to existing capacity. The actual political situation makes difficult to rely on external supplies. Supposed that cheap hydrogen will be available its direct use in energy production can be confronted with the indirect use that implies the hydrogenation of CO2 into fuels (E-fuels) an almost ready technology. The two strategies have both pros and cons and can be integrated. E-Fuels can also represent an option for storing the energy of intermittent sources. In the medium-long term the direct co-processing of CO2 and water via co-electrolysis may avoid the production/transport/ use of hydrogen. In the long term coprocessing of CO2 and H2O to fuels via photochemical or photoelectrochemical processes can become a strategic technology.
Impact of Fuel Production Technologies on Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions from Diesel and Electric–Hydrogen Hybrid Buses in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Apr 2023
Publication
In view of the GHG reduction targets to be met Brazilian researchers are looking for cleaner alternatives to energy sources. These alternatives are primarily to be applied in the transport sector which presents high energy consumption as well as high CO2 emissions. In this sense this research developed an LCI study considering two bus alternatives for the city of Rio de Janeiro: diesel-powered internal combustion buses (ICEB) and a hydrogen-powered polymer fuel cell hybrid bus (FCHB). For the FCHB three hydrogen production methods were also included: water electrolysis (WE) ethanol steam reforming (ESR) and natural gas steam reforming (NGSR). The research was aimed at estimating energy consumption including the percentage of energy that is renewable as well as CO2 emissions. The results show diesel as the energy source with the highest emissions as well as the highest fossil energy consumption. Regarding the alternatives for hydrogen production water electrolysis stood out with the lowest emissions.
Industrial and Academic Collaboration Strategies on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Development in Malaysia
Nov 2013
Publication
Hydrogen fuel cells are electrochemical power generators of high conversion efficiency and incredibly clean operation. Throughout the world the growth of fuel cell research and application has been very rapid in the last ten years where successful pilot projects on many areas have been implemented. In Malaysia approximately RM40 million has been granted to academic research institutions for fuel cell study and development. Recently Malaysia saw the emergence of its first hydrogen fuel cell developer signaling the readiness of the industrial sector to be involved in marketing the potential of fuel cells. Focusing mainly on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane fuel cell technology this paper demonstrates the efforts by Malaysian institutions both industrial and academic to promote hydrogen fuel cell education training application R&D as well as technology transfer. Emphasis is given to the existing collaboration between G-Energy Technologies and UniversitiTeknologi MARA that culminates with the successful application of a locally developed fuel cell system for a single-seated vehicle. Briefs on the potential of realizing a large-scale utilization of this clean technology into Malaysia’s mainstream power industry domestic consumers and energy consuming industries is also discussed. Key challenges are also identified where pilot projects government policy and infrastructural development is central to strengthen the prospect of hydrogen fuel cell implementation in Malaysia.
Simulating Offshore Hydrogen Production via PEM Electrolysis using Real Power Production Data from a 2.3 MW Floating Offshore Wind Turbine
Mar 2023
Publication
This work presents simulation results from a system where offshore wind power is used to produce hydrogen via electrolysis. Real-world data from a 2.3 MW floating offshore wind turbine and electricity price data from Nord Pool were used as input to a novel electrolyzer model. Data from five 31-day periods were combined with six system designs and hydrogen production system efficiency and production cost were estimated. A comparison of the overall system performance shows that the hydrogen production and cost can vary by up to a factor of three between the cases. This illustrates the uncertainty related to the hydrogen production and profitability of these systems. The highest hydrogen production achieved in a 31-day period was 17 242 kg using a 1.852 MW electrolyzer (i.e. utilization factor of approximately 68%) the lowest hydrogen production cost was 4.53 $/kg H2 and the system efficiency was in the range 56.1e56.9% in all cases.
Techno-economic Analysis of Developing an Underground Hydrogen Storage Facility in Depleted Gas Field: A Dutch Case Study
Apr 2023
Publication
Underground hydrogen storage will be an essential part of the future hydrogen infrastructure to provide flexibility and security of supply. Storage in porous reservoirs should complement storage in salt caverns to be able to meet the projected high levels of required storage capacities. To assess its techno-economic feasibility a case study of hydrogen storage in a depleted gas field in the Netherlands is developed. Subsurface modelling is performed and various surface facility design concepts are investigated to calculate the levelized cost of hydrogen storage (LCOHS). Our base case with hydrogen as cushion gas results in an LCOHS of 0.79 EUR/kg (range of 0.58–1.04 EUR/kg). Increasing the number of full-cycle equivalents from 1 to 6 lowers the storage cost to 0.25 EUR/kg. The investment cost of the cushion gas represents 76% of the total cost. With nitrogen as cushion gas LCOHS is reduced to 0.49 EUR/kg (range of 0.42–0.56 EUR/kg).
The European Hydrogen Policy Landscape
Apr 2024
Publication
This report aims to summarise the status of the European hydrogen policies and standards landscape. It is based on the information available at the European Hydrogen Observatory (EHO) platform the leading source of data and information on hydrogen in Europe (EU27 EFTA and the UK) providing an overview of the European and national policies legislations strategies and codes and standards which impact the deployment of hydrogen technologies and infrastructures. The EHO database covers a total of 29 EU policies and legislations that directly or indirectly affect the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies. To achieve its net zero ambitions the EU started with cross-cutting strategies such as the EU Green Deal and the EU Hydrogen Strategy setting forward roadmaps and targets that are to be achieved in the near future. As a next step the EU has developed legislations such as those bundled in the Fit for 55 package to meet the targets they have put forward. The implemented legislations including funding vehicles and initiatives have an impact on the whole value chain of hydrogen including production transport storage and distribution and end-uses. At national level as of July 2023 63% of the European countries have successfully published their national strategies in the hydrogen sector while 6% of the countries are currently in the draft stage. Several European countries have strategically incorporated quantitative indicators within their national strategies outlining their targets and estimates across the hydrogen value chain. This deliberate approach reflects a commitment to providing clear and measurable goals within their hydrogen strategies. A target often used in the national strategies is on electrolyser capacity as an effort to enhance the domestic renewable hydrogen production. Germany took the lead with an ambitious goal of achieving 10 GW by 2030 followed by France (6.5 GW) and Denmark (4 - 6 GW). Other targets that some of the countries use in their strategies are on the number of hydrogen refuelling stations fuel cell electric vehicles and total (renewable) hydrogen demand. A few countries also have targets on renewable hydrogen uptake in industry and hydrogen injection limit in the transmission grid. To monitor the policies and legislation that are adopted on a national level across the hydrogen value chain a survey was launched with national experts which was validated by Hydrogen Europe. In total 28 European countries have participated to the survey. On production the survey revealed that 61% of country specialists report that their country provides support for capital expenditure (CAPEX) in the development of renewable or low-carbon hydrogen production plants. Moreover 7 countries also provide support for operational expenditure (OPEX). Furthermore 8 countries have instituted official 6 permitting guidelines for hydrogen production projects while 5 countries have enacted a legal act or established an agency serving as a single point of contact for hydrogen project developers. For transmission only two countries reported to provide support schemes for hydrogen injection. Several countries have policies in place that clearly define the hydrogen limit in their transmission grid for now and in the future ranging from 0.02% up to 15% while a few countries define within their policies the operation of hydrogen storage facilities. On end-use the majority of countries totalling 71% reported to have implemented support schemes aimed at promoting the adoption of hydrogen in the mobility sector. Purchase subsidies stand out as the predominant form of support for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) with implementation observed in 17 countries. In the context of support schemes for stationary fuel applications for heating or power generation only two countries have adopted such measures. A slightly larger group of four countries do provide support for the deployment of residential and commercial heating systems utilizing hydrogen. For hydrogen end-use in industry a total of 9 countries reported to provide support schemes with a major focus on ammonia production (8) and the chemicals industry (7). On the topic of technology manufacturing 7 countries have reported to have support schemes of which grants emerge as the mainly used method (4). Exploring the latest advancements into European codes and standards relevant to the deployment of hydrogen technologies and infrastructures a total of 11 standards have been revised and developed between January 2022 and September 2023. This includes standards covering the following areas: 6 for fuel cell technologies 2 for gas cylinders 2 for road vehicles and 1 for hydrogen refuelling. Moreover 5 standards were published since September 2023 which will be added to the EHO database in its next update. This includes ISO/TS 19870:2023 which sets a methodology for determining the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production conditioning and transport of hydrogen to consumption gate. This landmark standard which was unveiled at COP28 aims to act as a foundation for harmonization safety interoperability and sustainability across the hydrogen value chain.
Life Cycle Assessment of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle that Employs Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Aug 2023
Publication
In recent years there has been a significant increase in the adoption of autonomous vehicles for marine and submarine missions. The advancement of emerging imaging navigation and communication technologies has greatly expanded the range of operational capabilities and opportunities available. The ENDURUNS project is a European research endeavor focused on identifying strategies for achieving minimal environmental impact. To measure these facts this article evaluates the product impacts employing the Life Cycle Assessment methodology for the first time following the ISO 14040 standard. In this analysis the quantitative values of Damage and Environmental Impact using the Eco-Indicator 99 methodology in SimaPro software are presented. The results report that the main contributors in environmental impact terms have been placed during the manufacturing phase. Thus one of the challenges is accomplished avoiding the use phase emissions that are the focus to reduce nowadays in the marine industry.
Feasibility Study on the Provision of Electricity and Hydrogen for Domestic Purposes in the South of Iran using Grid-connected Renewable Energy Plants
Dec 2018
Publication
This work presents a feasibility study on the provision of electricity and hydrogen with renewable grid connected and off-the-grid systems for Bandar Abbas City in the south of Iran. The software HOMER Pro® has been used to perform the analysis. A techno-enviro-economic study comparing a hybrid system consisting of the grid/wind turbine and solar cell is done. The wind turbine is analyzed using four types of commercially available vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). According to the literature review no similar study has been performed so far on the feasibility of using VAWTs and also no work exists on the use of a hybrid system in the studied area. The results indicated that the lowest price of providing the required hydrogen was $0.496 which was achieved using the main grid. Also the lowest price of the electricity generated was $1.55 which was obtained through using EOLO VAWT in the main grid/wind turbine/solar cell scenario. Also the results suggested that the highest rate of preventing CO2 emission which was also the lowest rate of using the national grid with 3484 kg/year was associated with EOLO wind turbines where only 4% of the required electricity was generated by the national grid.
Hydrogen Trapping and Embrittlement in Metals - A Review
Apr 2024
Publication
Hydrogen embrittlement in metals (HE) is a serious challenge for the use of high strength materials in engineering practice and a major barrier to the use of hydrogen for global decarbonization. Here we describe the factors and variables that determine HE susceptibility and provide an overview of the latest understanding of HE mechanisms. We discuss hydrogen uptake and how it can be managed. We summarize hydrogen trapping and the techniques used for its characterization. We also review literature that argues that hydrogen trapping can be used to decrease HE susceptibility. We discuss the future research that is required to advance the understanding of HE and hydrogen trapping and to develop HE-resistant alloys.
The Role of Hydrogen and H2 Mobility on the Green Transition of Islands: The Case of Anafi (Greece)
Apr 2023
Publication
The holistic green energy transition of non-interconnected islands faces several challenges if all the energy sectors are included i.e. electricity heating/cooling and mobility. On the one hand the penetration of renewable energy systems (RES) is limited due to design restrictions with respect to the peak demand. On the other hand energy-intensive heating and mobility sectors pose significant challenges and may be difficult to electrify. The focus of this study is on implementing a hybrid Wind–PV system on the non-interconnected island of Anafi (Greece) that utilizes surplus renewable energy production for both building heating through heat pumps and hydrogen generation. This comprehensive study aims to achieve a holistic green transition by addressing all three main sectors—electricity heating and transportation. The produced hydrogen is utilized to address the energy needs of the mobility sector (H2 mobility) focusing primarily on public transportation vehicles (buses) and secondarily on private vehicles. The overall RES production was modeled to be 91724 MWh with a RES penetration of 84.68%. More than 40% of the produced electricity from RES was in the form of excess electricity that could be utilized for hydrogen generation. The modeled generated hydrogen was simulated to be more than 40 kg H2/day which could cover all four bus routes of the island and approximately 200 cars for moderate use i.e. traveled distances of less than 25 km/day for each vehicle.
Modelling of Fast Fueling of Pressurized Hydrogen Tanks for Maritime Applications
Apr 2023
Publication
This paper studies fast fueling of gaseous hydrogen into large hydrogen (H2) tanks suitable for maritime applications. Three modeling methods have been developed and evaluated: (1) Two-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling (2) One-dimensional wall discretized modeling and (3) Zero-dimensional modeling. A detailed 2D CFD simulation of a small H2-tank was performed and validated with data from literature and then used to simulate a large H2-tank. Results from the 2D-model show non-uniform temperature distribution inside the large tank but not in the small H2-tank. The 1D-model can predict the mean temperature in small H2-tanks but not the inhomogeneous temperature field in large H2-tanks. The 0D-model is suitable as a screening tool to obtain rough estimates. Results from the modeling of the large H2-tank show that the heat transfer to the wall during fast filling is inhibited by heat conduction in the wall which leads to an unacceptably high mean hydrogen temperature.
Assessing the Potential of Decarbonization Options for Industrial Sectors
Jan 2024
Publication
Industry emits around a quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper presents the first comprehensive review to identify the main decarbonization options for this sector and their abatement potentials. First we identify the important GHG emitting processes and establish a global average baseline for their current emissions intensity and energy use. We then quantify the energy and emissions reduction potential of the most significant abatement options as well as their technology readiness level (TRL). We find that energy-intensive industries have a range of decarbonization technologies available with medium to high TRLs and mature options also exist for decarbonizing low-temperature heat across a wide range of industrial sectors. However electrification and novel process change options to reduce emissions from high-temperature and sector-specific processes have much lower TRLs in comparison. We conclude by highlighting important barriers to the deployment of industrial decarbonization options and identifying future research development and demonstration needs.
Risk Assessment of a Hydrogen Refueling Station in an Urban Area
May 2023
Publication
After the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015 many countries worldwide focused on the hydrogen economy aiming for eco-friendly and renewable energy by moving away from the existing carbon economy which has been the primary source of global warming. Hydrogen is the most common element on Earth. As a light substance hydrogen can diffuse quickly; however it also has a small risk of explosion. Representative explosion accidents have included the Muskingum River Power Plant Vapor Cloud Explosion accident in 2007 and the Silver Eagle Refinery Vapor Cloud Explosion accident in 2009. In addition there was an explosion in a hydrogen tank in Gangneung Korea in May 2019 and a hydrogen refueling station (HRS) in Norway exploded in 2018. Despite this risk Korea is promoting the establishment of HRSs in major urban centers including downtown areas and public buildings by using the Regulatory Sandbox to install HRSs. This paper employed the Hydrogen Risk Assessment Model (HyRAM) of Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) program specialized in hydrogen energy for HRSs installed in major urban hubs. A feasibility evaluation of the site conditions of an HRS was conducted using the French land use planning method based on the results obtained through evaluation using the HyRAM and the overpressure results of PHAST 8.0. After a risk assessment we confirmed that an HRS would be considered safe even if it was installed in the city center within a radius of influence of jet fires and overpressure.
Mapping Hydrogen Initiatives in Italy: An Overview of Funding and Projects
May 2024
Publication
The global momentum towards hydrogen has led to various initiatives aimed at harnessing hydrogen’s potential. In particular low-carbon hydrogen is recognized for its crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across hard-to-abate sectors such as steel cement and heavy-duty transport. This study focuses on the presentation of all hydrogen-related financing initiatives in Italy providing a comprehensive overview of the various activities and their geographical locations. The examined funding comes from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) from projects directly funded through the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) and from several initiatives supported by private companies or other funding sources (hydrogen valleys). Specific calls for proposals within the PNRR initiative outline the allocation of funds focusing on hydrogen production in brownfield areas (52 expected hydrogen production plants by 2026) hydrogen use in hard-to-abate sectors and the establishment of hydrogen refuelling stations for both road (48 refuelling stations by 2026) and railway transport (10 hydrogen-based railway lines). A detailed description of the funded initiatives (150 in total) is presented encompassing their geographical location typology and size (when available) as well as the funding they have received. This overview sheds light on regions prioritising decarbonisation efforts in heavy-duty transport especially along cross-border commercial routes as evident in northern Italy. Conversely some regions concentrate more on local transport typically buses or on the industrial sector primarily steel and chemical industries. Additionally the study presents initiatives aimed at strengthening the national manufacturing capacity for hydrogenrelated technologies alongside new regulatory and incentive schemes for hydrogen. The ultimate goal of this analysis is to foster connections among existing and planned projects stimulate new initiatives along the entire hydrogen value chain raise an awareness of hydrogen among stakeholders and promote cooperation and international competitiveness.
Biological Hydrogen Methanation with Carbon Dioxide Utilization: Methanation Acting as Mediator in the Hydrogen Economy
May 2023
Publication
Hydrogen is one of the main energy carriers playing a prominent role in the future decarbonization of the economy. However several aspects regarding the transport and storage of this gas are challenging. The intermediary conversion of hydrogen into high-density energy molecules may be a crucial step until technological conditions are ready to attain a significant reduction in fossil fuel use in transport and the industrial sector. The process of transforming hydrogen into methane by anaerobic digestion is reviewed showing that this technology is a feasible option for facilitating hydrogen storage and transport. The manuscript focuses on the role of anaerobic digestion as a technology driver capable of fast adaptation to current energy needs. The use of thermophilic systems and reactors capable of increasing the contact between the H2 -fuel and liquid phase demonstrated outstanding capabilities attaining higher conversion rates and increasing methane productivity. Pressure is a relevant factor of the process allowing for better hydrogen solubility and setting the basis for considering feasible underground hydrogen storage concomitant with biological methanation. This feature may allow the integration of sequestered carbon dioxide as a relevant substrate.
Preliminary Design of a Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Powertrain for a Heavy-duty Yard Truck for Port Logistics
Jun 2021
Publication
The maritime transport and the port-logistic industry are key drivers of economic growth although they represent major contributors to climate change. In particular maritime port facilities are typically located near cities or residential areas thus having a significant direct environmental impact in terms of air and water quality as well as noise. The majority of the pollutant emissions in ports comes from cargo ships and from all the related ports activities carried out by road vehicles. Therefore a progressive reduction of the use of fossil fuels as a primary energy source for these vehicles and the promotion of cleaner powertrain alternatives is in order. The present study deals with the design of a new propulsion system for a heavy-duty vehicle for port applications. Specifically this work aims at laying the foundations for the development of a benchmark industrial cargo–handling hydrogen-fueled vehicle to be used in real port operations. To this purpose an on-field measurement campaign has been conducted to analyze the duty cycle of a commercial Diesel-engine yard truck currently used for terminal ports operations. The vehicle dynamics has been numerically modeled and validated against the acquired data and the energy and power requirements for a plug-in fuel cell/battery hybrid powertrain replacing the Diesel powertrain on the same vehicle have been evaluated. Finally a preliminary design of the new powertrain and a rule-based energy management strategy have been proposed and the electric energy and hydrogen consumptions required to achieve the target driving range for roll-on and roll-off operations have been estimated. The results are promising showing that the hybrid electric vehicle is capable of achieving excellent energy performances by means of an efficient use of the fuel cell. An overall amount of roughly 12 kg of hydrogen is estimated to be required to accomplish the most demanding port operation and meet the target of 6 h of continuous operation. Also the vehicle powertrain ensures an adequate all-electric range which is between approximately 1 and 2 h depending on the specific port operation. Potentially the hydrogen-fueled yard truck is expected to lead to several benefits such as local zero emissions powertrain noise elimination reduction of the vehicle maintenance costs improving of the energy management and increasing of operational efficiency.
Techno-economic Modelling of Zero-emission Marine Transport with Hydrogen Fuel and Superconducting Propulsion System: Case Study of a Passenger Ferry
Mar 2023
Publication
This paper proposes a techno-economic model for a high-speed hydrogen ferry. The model can describe the system properties i.e. energy demand weight and daily operating expenses of the ferry. A novel aspect is the consideration of superconductivity as a measure for cost saving in the setting where liquid hydrogen (LH2) can be both coolant and fuel. We survey different scenarios for a high-speed ferry that could carry 300 passengers. The results show that despite higher energy demand compressed hydrogen gas is more economical compared with LH2 for now; however constructing large-scale hydrogen liquefaction plants make it competitive in the future. Moreover compressed hydrogen gas is restricted to a shorter distance while LH2 makes longer distances possible and whenever LH2 is accessible using a superconducting propulsion system has a beneficial impact on both energy and cost savings. These effects strengthen if the operational time or the weight of the ferry increases.
Magnesium-Based Hydrogen Storage Alloys: Advances, Strategies, and Future Outlook for Clean Energy Applications
May 2024
Publication
Magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys have attracted significant attention as promising materials for solid-state hydrogen storage due to their high hydrogen storage capacity abundant reserves low cost and reversibility. However the widespread application of these alloys is hindered by several challenges including slow hydrogen absorption/desorption kinetics high thermodynamic stability of magnesium hydride and limited cycle life. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth overview of the recent advances in magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys covering their fundamental properties synthesis methods modification strategies hydrogen storage performance and potential applications. The review discusses the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of magnesium-based alloys as well as the effects of alloying nanostructuring and surface modification on their hydrogen storage performance. The hydrogen absorption/desorption properties of different magnesium-based alloy systems are compared and the influence of various modification strategies on these properties is examined. The review also explores the potential applications of magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys including mobile and stationary hydrogen storage rechargeable batteries and thermal energy storage. Finally the current challenges and future research directions in this field are discussed highlighting the need for fundamental understanding of hydrogen storage mechanisms development of novel alloy compositions optimization of modification strategies integration of magnesium-based alloys into hydrogen storage systems and collaboration between academia and industry.
Semi-Systematic Literature Review on the Contribution of Hydrogen to Universal Access to Energy in the Rationale of Sustainable Development Goal Target 7.1
Feb 2023
Publication
As part of the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) SDG target 7.1 recognizes universal electrification and the provision of clean cooking fuel as two fundamental challenges for global society. Faltering progress toward SDG target 7.1 calls for innovative technologies to stimulate advancements. Hydrogen has been proposed as a versatile energy carrier to be applied in both pillars of SDG target 7.1: electrification and clean cooking. This paper conducts a semi-systematic literature review to provide the status quo of research on the application of hydrogen in the rationale of SDG 7.1 covering the technical integration pathways as well as the key economic environmental and social aspects of its use. We identify decisive factors for the future development of hydrogen use in the rationale of SDG target 7.1 and by complementing our analysis with insights from the related literature propose future avenues of research. The literature on electrification proposes that hydrogen can serve as a backup power supply in rural off-grid communities. While common electrification efforts aim to supply appliances that use lower amounts of electricity a hydrogen-based power supply can satisfy appliances with higher power demands including electric cook stoves while simultaneously supporting clean cooking efforts. Alternatively with the exclusive aim of stimulating clean cooking hydrogen is proposed to be used as a clean cooking fuel via direct combustion in distribution and utilization infrastructures analogous to Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). While expected economic and technical developments are seen as likely to render hydrogen technologies economically competitive with conventional fossil fuels in the future the potential of renewably produced hydrogen usage to reduce climate-change impacts and point-of-use emissions is already evident today. Social benefits are likely when meeting essential safety standards as a hydrogen-based power supply offers service on a high tier that might overachieve SDG 7.1 ambitions while hydrogen cooking via combustion fits into the existing social habits of LPG users. However the literature lacks clear evidence on the social impact of hydrogen usage. Impact assessments of demonstration projects are required to fill this research gap.
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