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Global warming

Transitioning to Low-Carbon Energy: Hydrogen Emerge as Key Solution

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research from the University of Tokyo and funded by JST SPRING and JST/JICA SATREPS program has found that the global energy sector's reliance on fossil fuels necessitates a transition to low-carbon alternatives, with hydrogen (H-2) emerging as a key solution. The study integrates chemical looping H-2 generation (CLHG) with an organic Rankine cycle, NH3 synthesis, and a 559 MW NG combined cycle (NGCC), utilizing blended NH3-H-2 or pure H-2 combustion. Process simulations and emission analyses assess four cases, achieving higher H-2 efficiency, increasing net power output, and achieving negative or zero CO2 emissions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study integrates CLHG, an organic Rankine cycle, NH3 synthesis, and a 559 MW NG combined cycle (NGCC) to utilize blended NH3-H-2 or pure H-2 combustion.
  • Process simulations and emission analyses assess four cases: BMCLHG with NH3-H-2, BM-CLHG with H-2, NG-CLHG with NH3-H-2, and NG-CLHG with H-2.
  • NG-CLHG achieves higher H-2 efficiency, while all cases increase net power output (613.85-683.59 MW).
  • Case 4 maintains high thermal efficiency (59.93%), compensating for efficiency losses.
  • BM-CLHG achieves negative CO2 emissions (-0.76 to -0.63 t-CO2/MWh), while NG-CLHG achieves zero CO2 emissions.
  • NH3-H-2 combustion reduces NOx (similar to 6.2 ppmv) but increases N2O (similar to 222 ppmv).
  • Economic analysis reveals a negative levelized cost of electricity for Cases 1 and 2 primarily due to CO2 credit revenue.
  • Stricter carbon pricing policies and CO2 storage incentives are necessary to support the adoption of CLHG.
  • Strategic site selection for CO2 storage and differentiated NG taxation can improve economic viability.

Statistics:

  • H-2 efficiency achieved by NG-CLHG: 59.93%
  • Net power output achieved by all cases: 613.85-683.59 MW
  • CO2 emissions achieved by BM-CLHG: -0.76 to -0.63 t-CO2/MWh
  • CO2 emissions achieved by NG-CLHG: 0 t-CO2/MWh
  • NOx reduced by NH3-H-2 combustion: 6.2 ppmv
  • N2O increased by NH3-H-2 combustion: 222 ppmv

Sources:

  • Decarbonization Path of Natural Gas Combined Cycle Using Chemical Looping Hydrogen Generation: Thermodynamics, Emissions, and Economics Studies. Energy, 2025;335.
  • NewsRx. Study Results from University of Tokyo in the Area of Energy Reported (Decarbonization Path of Natural Gas Combined Cycle Using Chemical Looping Hydrogen Generation: Thermodynamics, Emissions, and Economics Studies). Global Warming Focus. November 3, 2025; p 1215.

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