8 March — The role of hydrogen in future low-carbon energy systems – insights from systems modeling
Date: 8 March 2021
Time: 12:00pm EST
Location: via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Dharik S. Mallapragada
Topic: The role of hydrogen in future low-carbon energy systems – insights from systems modeling
Abstract: Deep decarbonization of the energy system is contingent on identifying pathways for eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from not only the power sector, but also other end-use sectors where direct electrification may be challenged, such as in industrial applications and heavy-duty transport. In this context, use of hydrogen (H2) produced from low-carbon pathways remains an appealing prospect. Over the past few decades, the versatility of hydrogen, both in terms of production pathways and potential end uses across multiple sectors, has led to waves of interest in a future “hydrogen economy.” Recent renewed interest in hydrogen has been spurred, in part, by expectations of a future renewables-dominant electric grid and cost declines for water electrolyzers, both of which raise the prospect of electrolytic hydrogen becoming cost-competitive with fossil fuel-based pathways, such as natural gas reforming. This presentation will explore the long-term cost-effectiveness of H2 use in multiple difficult-to-electrify end-uses using systems analysis approaches that account for: a) the scale and spatial distribution (i.e., centralized or distributed) of potential hydrogen demand; b) variability in primary energy supply (e.g., wind and solar) over multiple timescales; and c) cross-sectoral interactions stemming from multiple end-uses and production pathways associated with hydrogen.
