Benefits of the multi-modality formulation in hydrogen supply chain modelling

Hydrogen is recognized as a key element of future low-carbon energy systems. For proper integration, an adequate delivery infrastructure will be required, to be deployed in parallel to the electric grid and the gas network. This work adopts an optimization model to support the design of a future hydrogen delivery infrastructure, considering production, storage, and transport up to demand points. The model includes two production technologies, i.e., steam reforming with carbon capture and PV-fed electrolysis systems, and three transport modalities, i.e., pipelines, compressed hydrogen trucks, and liquid hydrogen trucks. This study compares a multi-modality formulation, in which the different transport technologies are simultaneously employed and their selection is optimized, with a mono-modality formulation, in which a single transport technology is considered. The assessment looks at the regional case study of Lombardy in Italy, considering a long-term scenario in which an extensive hydrogen supply chain is developed to supply hydrogen for clean mobility. Results show that the multi-modality infrastructure provides significant cost benefits, yielding an average cost of hydrogen that is up to 11% lower than a mono-modality configuration.

Hydrogen supply chain and production technology

Hydrogen is forecasted as an energy solution for the future thanks to its advantages of cleanliness, abundance and high energy conversion efficiency. The paper briefly introduces the hydrogen supply chain, hydrogen production technologies prevailing or expected in the future, as well as challenges that need to be addressed for a successful transition to a hydrogen-based economy.

Location Optimization of Hydrogen Refueling Stations in Hydrogen Expressway Based on Hydrogen Supply Chain Cost

Hydrogen energy is regarded as an important way to achieve carbon emission reduction. This paper focuses on the combination of the design of the hydrogen supply chain network and the location of hydrogen refueling stations on the expressway. Based on the cost analysis of the hydrogen supply chain, a multi-objective model is developed to determine the optimal scale and location of hydrogen refueling stations on the hydrogen expressway. The proposed model considers the hydrogen demand forecast, hydrogen source selection, hydrogen production and storage and transportation, hydrogen station refueling mode, etc. Taking Dalian City, China as an example, with offshore wind power as a reliable green hydrogen supply to select the location and capacity of hydrogen refueling stations for the hydrogen energy demonstration section of a certain expressway under multiple scenarios. The results of the case show that 4 and 5 stations are optimized on the expressway section respectively, and the unit hydrogen cost is $14.3 /kg H2 and $11.8 /kg H2 respectively, which are equal to the average hydrogen price in the international range. The optimization results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the model.