Team proposes optimal utilization strategy for hydrogen energy in Korea

A joint analysis group has developed an vitality system mannequin optimized for Korea’s setting and proposed an optimum technique for using hydrogen vitality.

Hydrogen is being highlighted as a key useful resource for reaching the federal government’s “2050 Carbon Neutrality Scenario.” It isn’t solely a clear vitality supply in itself however may also be produced utilizing surplus energy from renewable vitality and transformed again into electrical energy when wanted, making it extremely appropriate for managing variability and working the facility grid.

Nevertheless, till now, there have been few research that quantitatively and in-depth analyze the position of hydrogen vitality at a nationwide vitality system stage. Analysis that takes into consideration Korea’s particular vitality setting is very missing, highlighting the necessity for a scientific method to assist nationwide coverage.

The research group efficiently developed the KIER-TIMES mannequin, which displays Korea’s vitality setting, primarily based on TIMES (The Built-in MARKAL-EFOM System), an vitality system evaluation mannequin by the Worldwide Vitality Company (IEA). Utilizing this mannequin, they predicted the optimum proportion of hydrogen vitality wanted to attain nationwide carbon neutrality by 2050.

The KIER-TIMES mannequin incorporates Korea’s present vitality provide and demand, future vitality wants, energy provide plans, and vitality costs. It particularly contains numerous assumptions, reminiscent of the ultimate vitality demand for 2050, as outlined within the authorities’s “2050 Carbon Neutrality Scenario Final Plan,” to make sure consistency with authorities insurance policies. Moreover, sensitivity evaluation was performed to evaluate how adjustments in these assumptions have an effect on the outcomes, thereby enhancing the mannequin’s reliability and applicability even when authorities coverage circumstances change.

The findings from the mannequin evaluation indicated that in an effort to attain carbon neutrality on the nationwide stage by 2050, hydrogen vitality must account for 27% of the general vitality provide. Moreover, forecasts recommend that hydrogen vitality’s contribution to total vitality use is predicted to rise to 25%.

As well as, the analysis group used the developed mannequin to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the proposed import share of hydrogen, enhancements in water electrolysis expertise effectivity, and using carbon seize applied sciences as outlined within the situation.

The situation units the import share of hydrogen between 80% and 82%, contemplating the potential of home renewable vitality. Nevertheless, the analysis group’s evaluation signifies that at the least 76% of hydrogen have to be imported to attain carbon neutrality, and a better import share would improve the chance of reaching this aim.

The group additionally analyzed the discount in energy consumption achievable via enhancements in water electrolysis expertise effectivity. The nationwide analysis and improvement goal for water electrolysis effectivity is about at 94%. If this goal is achieved, it’s anticipated to scale back the nation’s whole energy consumption by 6.4% and hydrogen consumption by 10.3%.

The analysis group additionally proposed a method for using carbon seize, utilization, and storage (CCUS) expertise. Their evaluation means that CCUS is simpler when utilized to blue hydrogen manufacturing amenities reasonably than being put in at pure gasoline energy crops. Growing the manufacturing of blue hydrogen may also help cut back the reliance on inexperienced hydrogen, which has greater manufacturing prices, making it a more cost effective choice.

Dr. Sang Yong Park, who led the joint analysis, acknowledged, “This study is significant as it derives the role and optimal utilization strategy for hydrogen energytaking into account Korea’s energy environment, using a methodology that aligns with international standards. We plan to expand the KIER-TIMES model to analyze the contributions of sector coupling technologies to carbon neutrality and to conduct research on their deployment and dissemination.”

In the meantime, this analysis was performed as a part of the Sector Coupling & Integration (SCI) Convergence Analysis Group undertaking, which was launched in July 2023 by the Nationwide Analysis Council of Science & Know-how. The analysis findings had been published on September 30 in Vitality.

The group was led by Dr. Park from the Nationwide Local weather Know-how Middle on the Korea Institute of Vitality Analysis (KIER) and Professor Dong Gu Choi from the Division of Industrial and Administration Engineering at POSTECH,