The Hydrogen Economy A strategy proposal for encouraging growth - PowerPoint Presentation

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The Hydrogen EconomyA strategy proposal for encouraging growth

25 April, 2016Collin Allen, Daniel Ketyer, Alex Klonick, and Josh LariscyBass Connections Energy and the Environment: Design and InnovationInstructors: Dr. Emily Klein, Dr. Josiah Knight, and Chris Dougher

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Bottom LineHydrogen produced via steam reformation can and should play a more significant role in transitioning to renewable energy technologies

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Define Problem

Qualitative

Research

Quantitative Modeling

Synthesize Recommendations

How We Got Here

November - January

February - April

August - October

Key Meeting

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What We DiscoveredRenewables are severely limited by intermittencyHydrogen is an attractive option for grid energy storageTransportation integration faces significant barriers

SRM is most common and most cost effective production method4

Key QuestionsIs hydrogen a viable alternative storage method in our energy system?What are the ideal market conditions to implement a hydrogen energy economy?

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Is Hydrogen a viable alternative to the current energy system?6

Is Hydrogen a viable alternative to the current energy system?

Model AnalysisAnalyze pathways from a macroeconomic scaleConsider factors such as cost, lifetime, availability of resourcesIs there a feasible path with hydrogen?7

BottlenecksGenerationIf producing hydrogen isn’t economically feasible, pathway won’t existNear term: can technology be implementedStorageHydrogen must be competitive with battery storage developmentIs hydrogen storage possible on a larger scale?

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Non-Hydrogen Power GenerationElectricity Costs Clearly DifferRenewables have fairly competitive pricesHowever, limited by intermittency of generation and geographical location With storage, cost of solar dramatically risesFossil fuels still present reliability

Can hydrogen generation be competitive?10

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Natural Gas Generation is AppealingDecreasing natural gas costsLowering feedstock costs decrease combined cycle plant LCOEEven with carbon sequestration technology, prices can remain competitive However, decreasing natural gas costs also decrease costs of hydrogen generation through SRM

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SRM is Potentially FeasibleLow Cost Feedstock CaseReformation can produce relatively cheap energy (kWh yield per kg of H2)On a theoretical basis, efficiencies of current PEM fuel cells could generate electricity that is nearly competitive

Costs on par with carbon sequestration technology with NGCCHydrogen represents reliable alternativeWith current costs of battery storage, hydrogen is an attractive alternativeStrength lies in immediate generation capability, no reliability problemsHydrogen burns clean, can help spur further development of hydrogen storage and fuel cells14

Final RecommendationsGovernment  Incentivize use of hydrogen in electricity sectorUtilities  Invest in hydrogen production via methane steam reformation

Academia  Explore impact of new materials on cost of hydrogen production15

Further ResearchCompare lifecycle efficienciesEvaluate carbon pricing impactsForecast material cost and efficiency improvements

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Thank You!

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The Hydrogen EconomyA strategy proposal for encouraging growth

25 April, 2016Collin Allen, Daniel Ketyer, Alex Klonick, and Josh LariscyBass Connections Energy and the Environment: Design and InnovationInstructors: Dr. Emily Klein, Dr. Josiah Knight, and Chris Dougher

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