Publications

Water electrolysis using a proton exchange membrane (PEM) holds substantial promise to produce green hydrogen with zero carbon discharge. Although various techniques are available to produce hydrogen gas the water electrolysis process tends to be more cost-effective with greater advantages for energy storage devices. However one of the challenges associated with PEM water electrolysis is the accumulation of gas bubbles which can impair cell performance and result in lower hydrogen output. Achieving an in-depth knowledge of bubble dynamics during electrolysis is essential for optimal cell performance. This review paper discusses bubble behaviors measuring techniques and other aspects of bubble dynamics in PEM water electrolysis. It also examines bubble behavior under different operating conditions as well as the system geometry. The current review paper will further improve the understanding of bubble dynamics in PEM water electrolysis facilitating more competent inexpensive and feasible green hydrogen production.

The global energy landscape is experiencing a transformative shift with an increasing emphasis on sustainable and clean energy sources. Hydrogen remains a promising candidate for decarbonization energy storage and as an alternative fuel. This study explores the landscape of hydrogen pricing and demand dynamics by evaluating three collaboration scenarios: market-based pricing cooperative integration and coordinated decision-making. It incorporates price-sensitive demand environmentally friendly production methods and market penetration effects to provide insights into maximizing market share profitability and sustainability within the hydrogen industry. This study contributes to understanding the complexities of collaboration by analyzing those structures and their role in a fast transition to clean hydrogen production by balancing economic viability and environmental goals. The findings reveal that the cooperative integration strategy is the most effective for sustainable growth increasing green hydrogen’s market share to 19.06 % and highlighting the potential for environmentally conscious hydrogen production. They also suggest that the coordinated decision-making approach enhances profitability through collaborative tariff contracts while balancing economic viability and environmental goals. This study also underscores the importance of strategic pricing mechanisms policy alignment and the role of hydrogen hubs in achieving sustainable growth in the hydrogen sector. By highlighting the uncertainties and potential barriers this research offers actionable guidance for policymakers and industry players in shaping a competitive and sustainable energy marketplace.

This paper aims to perform a systematic review with a bibliometric approach of the technoeconomic evaluation studies of hydrogen production. To achieve this objective a comprehensive outline of hydrogen production processes from fossil and renewable sources is presented. The results reveal that electrolysis classified as water splitting is the most investigated process in the literature since it contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and presents other advantages such as maturity and applicability energy efficiency flexibility and energy storage potential. In addition the processes of gasification classified as thermochemical and steam reforming classified as catalytic reforming are worth mentioning. Regarding the biological category there is a balance between research on photo fermentation and dark fermentation. The literature on the techno-economic evaluation of hydrogen production highlights significant gaps including a scarcity of comprehensive studies a lack of emphasis on commercial viability an absence of sensitivity analysis and the need for comparative analyses between production technologies.

To further optimize the low-carbon economy of the integrated energy system (IES) this paper establishes a two-stage P2G hydrogen-coupled electricity–heat–hydrogen–gas IES with carbon capture (CCS). First this paper refines the two stages of P2G and introduces a hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) with a hydrogen storage device to fully utilize the hydrogen energy in the first stage of power-to-gas (P2G). Then the ladder carbon trading mechanism is considered and CCS is introduced to further reduce the system’s carbon emissions while coupling with P2G. Finally the adjustable thermoelectric ratio characteristics of the combined heat and power unit (CHP) and HFC are considered to improve the energy utilization efficiency of the system and to reduce the system operating costs. This paper set up arithmetic examples to analyze from several perspectives and the results show that the introduction of CCS can reduce carbon emissions by 41.83%. In the CCS-containing case refining the P2G two-stage and coupling it with HFC and hydrogen storage can lead to a 30% reduction in carbon emissions and a 61% reduction in wind abandonment costs; consideration of CHP and HFC adjustable thermoelectric ratios can result in a 16% reduction in purchased energy costs.

This study proposes four kinds of hybrid source–grid–storage systems consisting of pho‐ tovoltaic and wind energy and a power grid including different batteries and hydrogen storage systems for Sanjiao town. HOMER‐PRO was applied for the optimal design and techno‐economic analysis of each case aiming to explore reproducible energy supply solutions for China’s industrial clusters. The results show that the proposed system is a fully feasible and reliable solution for in‐ dustry‐based towns like Sanjiao in their pursuit of carbon neutrality. In addition the source‐side price sensitivity analysis found that the hydrogen storage solution was cost‐competitive only when the capital costs on the storage and source sides were reduced by about 70%. However the hydro‐ gen storage system had the lowest carbon emissions about 14% lower than the battery ones. It was also found that power generation cost reduction had a more prominent effect on the whole system’s NPC and LCOE reduction. This suggests that policy support needs to continue to push for genera‐ tion‐side innovation and scaling up while research on different energy storage types should be en‐ couraged to serve the needs of different source–grid–load–storage systems.

This research investigates the potential of using bedded salt formations for underground hydrogen storage. We present a novel artificial intelligence framework that employs spatial data analysis and multi-criteria decision-making to pinpoint the most appropriate sites for hydrogen storage in salt caverns. This methodology incorporates a comprehensive platform enhanced by a deep learning algorithm specifically a convolutional neural network (CNN) to generate suitability maps for rock salt deposits for hydrogen storage. The efficacy of the CNN algorithm was assessed using metrics such as Mean Absolute Error (MAE) Mean Squared Error (MSE) Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the Correlation Coefficient (R2 ) with comparisons made to a real-world dataset. The CNN model showed outstanding performance with an R2 of 0.96 MSE of 1.97 MAE of 1.003 and RMSE of 1.4. This novel approach leverages advanced deep learning techniques to offer a unique framework for assessing the viability of underground hydrogen storage. It presents a significant advancement in the field offering valuable insights for a wide range of stakeholders and facilitating the identification of ideal sites for hydrogen storage facilities thereby supporting informed decisionmaking and sustainable energy infrastructure development.

The growing use of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in hybrid propulsion systems is aimed at replacing traditional internal combustion engines and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Effective power distribution between the fuel cell and the energy storage system (ESS) is crucial and has led to a growing emphasis on developing energy management systems (EMSs) to efficiently implement this integration. To address this goal this study examines the performance of a fuzzy logic rule-based strategy for a hybrid fuel cell propulsion system in a small hydrogenpowered passenger vessel. The primary objective is to optimize fuel efficiency with particular attention on reducing hydrogen consumption. The analysis is carried out under typical operating conditions encountered during a river trip. Comparisons between the proposed strategy with other approaches—control based optimization based and deterministic rule based—are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. Simulation results indicated that the EMS based on fuzzy logic mechanisms was the most successful in reducing fuel consumption. The superior performance of this method stems from its ability to adaptively manage power distribution between the fuel cell and energy storage systems.

This project an essential part of the National Gas HyNTS programme endeavours to align the NTS with GB’s net zero ambitions by demonstrating the operational viability of the system with varying hydrogen blends using decommissioned assets typical of the natural gas network today ultimately aiming for 100% hydrogen conveyance. Several desktop studies were undertaken within the HyNTS programme to confirm the theoretical potential of the NTS to transport hydrogen safely and reliably. Further to these studies practical demonstration was deemed necessary to bridge the knowledge gaps and ensure the system’s transition maintains the utmost safety and reliability standards. A range of tests on decommissioned assets were conducted offline in a controlled environment to ensure robust outcomes that will ultimately start to build the safety case for a hydrogen network. The key deliverables and testing achievements of FutureGrid included: • Operational testing with natural gas and 2% 5% 20% and 100% hydrogen to verify the network’s ability to transport hydrogen and varying blends. • Standalone offline testing modules complementing evidence gathered on the main test facility. These address specific areas of concern including material permeation flange integrity asset leakage and rupture consequence which are essential for risk mitigation and safety assurance. FutureGrid is a global first facility and a critical part of National Gas’ hydrogen programme providing physical evidence of the capability of our network to transport hydrogen. It provides key evidence for hydrogen blending alongside 100% hydrogen pipelines which are planned under Project Union our Hydrogen Backbone across GB. FutureGrid is pivotal in the journey to reaching Net Zero by 2050 and is a fully operational proven technical demonstrator. FutureGrid’s repurposed assets are representative of today’s live high pressure gas network and have been subjected to testing at different blends of natural gas with hydrogen and 100% hydrogen; this was achieved with no major findings in differences in terms of how the assets interact with hydrogen. The overall project completion date was delayed from November 2023 to February 2024 due to technical issues with the newly built hydrogen re‑compressor. There were no changes made to the project costs.

In the quest for a sustainable future energy-intensive industries (EIIs) stand at the forefront of Europe’s decarbonisation mission. Despite their significant emissions footprint the path to comprehensive decarbonisation remains elusive at EU and national levels. This study scrutinises key sectors such as non-ferrous metals steel cement lime chemicals fertilisers ceramics and glass. It maps out their current environmental impact and potential for mitigation through innovative strategies. The analysis spans across Spain Greece Germany and the Netherlands highlighting sector-specific ecosystems and the technological breakthroughs shaping them. It addresses the urgency for the industry-wide adoption of electrification the utilisation of green hydrogen biomass bio-based or synthetic fuels and the deployment of carbon capture utilisation and storage to ensure a smooth transition. Investment decisions in EIIs will depend on predictable economic and regulatory landscapes. This analysis discusses the risks associated with continued investment in high-emission technologies which may lead to premature decommissioning and significant economic repercussions. It presents a dichotomy: invest in climate-neutral technologies now or face the closure and offshoring of operations later with consequences for employment. This open discussion concludes that while the technology for near-complete climate neutrality in EIIs exists and is rapidly advancing the higher costs compared to conventional methods pose a significant barrier. Without the ability to pass these costs to consumers the adoption of such technologies is stifled. Therefore it calls for decisive political commitment to support the industry’s transition ensuring a greener more resilient future for Europe’s industrial backbone.

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.