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Energy efficiency

Renewable Energy Systems for Flexible Hydrogen Carrier Production Show Promising Results

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new study on Energy Conversion and Management highlights the potential of renewable energy-driven biomass utilization systems (BMGSs) for flexible hydrogen carrier production in South Korea. The research, conducted by a team of scientists from Kyung Hee University, aimed to evaluate the techno-economic and environmental feasibility of these systems under various environmental conditions. The study found that a balanced BMGS scenario achieved a self-sufficiency rate of 0.87, producing 177.2 tons of hydrogen and 3,886.9 tons of ammonia annually while minimizing CO2 emissions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used a multi-objective optimization framework coupled with pinch analysis to optimize energy efficiency, economic viability, and environmental performance of BMGSs.
  • The balanced BMGS scenario achieved a self-sufficiency rate of 0.87, producing 177.2 tons of hydrogen and 3,886.9 tons of ammonia annually.
  • The BMGS_eco scenario, which had the highest CO2 emissions, exhibited the greatest sensitivity to carbon tax rates, with a 47% decline in total economic profit.
  • The BMGS_env scenario demonstrated resilience with stable NPV25 values, exhibiting only a 2% decrease.
  • The sensitivity analysis of carbon tax rates revealed that the BMGS_grid system, relying solely on grid electricity, became unprofitable at $75/tCO2.
  • A regional analysis across six South Korean cities revealed significant variations in production costs, with Jeju Island achieving the lowest costs due to its abundant renewable resources.
  • The research highlights the importance of considering environmental and economic factors in the design and optimization of BMGSs.

Statistics:

  • 0.87: Self-sufficiency rate of the balanced BMGS scenario.
  • 177.2 tons: Annual hydrogen production of the balanced BMGS scenario.
  • 3,886.9 tons: Annual ammonia production of the balanced BMGS scenario.
  • 5,081.6 t CO2/year: CO2 emissions of the balanced BMGS scenario.
  • $15.66 million: NPV25 of the balanced BMGS scenario.
  • $0-$100 per ton of CO2: Carbon tax rates used in the sensitivity analysis.
  • 47%: Decline in total economic profit of the BMGS_eco scenario at $75/tCO2.
  • 2%: Decrease in NPV25 values of the BMGS_env scenario.

Sources:

  • Design and Optimization of the Renewable-driven Biomass Utilization System for Flexible Hydrogen Carrier Production. Energy Conversion and Management, 2025;342.
  • Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd. The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Energy Conversion and Management - www.journals.elsevier.com/energy-conversion-and-management/)
  • ChangKyoo Yoo, Kyung Hee University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Integrated Engn, Yongin 446701, South Korea.
  • Mohammad Moosazadeh, Mahmoud Kiannejad Amiri, Shahzeb Tariq, Asal Mansourimarand, and Jinwoo Park, authors of the research.

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