Roles of Low-Carbon Technologies in Future Hydrogen-Integrated Power System

Abstract

Effective supply of low-carbon hydrogen and carbon neutrality of the power system are two critical pillars of global energy system deep decarbonization. This may be particularly true for China, the current world leader in CO2 emissions and fossil fuel-based hydrogen production. To answer the “how” and “what” in this process, this paper examines the roles of low-carbon technologies in China’s future hydrogen system and their impacts on the power system transition, using an integrated energy system optimization model with domestic technology outlooks and energy demand projections. Major takeaways of the study include: (1) Since 2040, electrolytic hydrogen production represents the majority of China’s supply, with Alkaline, Proton-exchange-membrane, and Solid-oxide electrolyzers playing significant roles in the short term, since 2030, and in 2050, respectively. (2) Inter-provincial hydrogen pipelines become important energy infrastructures by 2050 to address supply-demand imbalance. (3) Hydrogen fuel cells’ development is limited in China’s decarbonized power system in 2050. (4) The application of High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor significantly improves the long-term use of Solid-oxide electrolyzers in China, which leads to a better energy transition pathway with both lower total system costs and lower CO2 emissions levels. (5) Electrolyzers as flexible electricity demands and hydrogen fuel cells as emission-free power sources lead to increment of renewable energy penetration percentage while also result in reduction of demand for flexible gas power generation and energy storages in power system decarbonization.

Keywords: hydrogen, Power system, Energy system modeling, Scenario analysis, China