A hydrogen supply-chain model powering Australian isolated communities

This article proposes a supply chain-based green hydrogen microgrid modelling for a number of remote Australian communities. Green hydrogen can be used as an emissions-free fuel source for electricity generation in places where large-scale renewable energy production is impossible due to land availability, population, or government regulations. This research focuses on the Torres Strait Island communities in northern Australia, where the transition from diesel to renewable electricity generation is difficult due to very limited land availability on most islands. Due to geographical constraints, low population and smaller electrical load, the green hydrogen needs to be sourced from somewhere else. This research presents a green hydrogen supply chain model that leverages the land availability of one island to produce hydrogen to supply other island communities. In addition, this research presents a model of producing and transporting green hydrogen while supplying cheaper electricity to the communities at focus. The study has used a transitional scenario planning approach and the HOMER simulation platform to find the least-cost solution. Based on the results, a levelised cost of energy range of AU$0.42 and AU$0.44 was found. With the help of a green hydrogen supply chain, CO2 emissions at the selected sites could be cut by 90 %. This study can be used as a guide for small clustered communities that could not support or justify large-scale renewable generation facilities but need more opportunities to install renewable generation.</p

Hydrogen horizons: Navigating challenges and opportunities for a sustainable energy future

The escalating hydrogen demand, expected to surge eightfold by 2050 compared to 2020, poses multifaceted challenges for its energy sector deployment. Hydrogen's exceptional calorific value, ranking second at 120-142 MJ/kg, positions it as the prime energy-to-weight ratio among conventional fuels. Green hydrogen production, with readiness levels around 7-8 and commercial readiness indices of about 4-5, commands a significant 30% market share with 55-80% efficiency and production costs of 4-7/kg H2. While costs are projected to reach 1-2/kg H2 in the future, integrating various production processes is crucial, transcending mass-scale production. Metal hydride emerges as an economical hydrogen storage solution at 125/m3, while ammonia leads with a low specific energy cost of 13/GJ. Streamlined infrastructure development is imperative for efficient storage, transportation, and delivery. This exhaustive review encompasses hydrogen production, storage, costs, and applications, offering insightful analysis and guidance on hydrogen's energy carrier challenges. Achieving sustainable development goals by 2050 necessitates integrated planning, infrastructure, cost reduction, net-zero emissions, and innovative storage. Policymakers, researchers, and scientists can utilize this review as a blueprint to shape hydrogen's future role in energy

Techno-economic Assessment of a Hydrogen-based Islanded Microgrid in North-east

Currently, renewable energy-based generators are considered worldwide to achieve net zero targets. However, the stochastic nature of renewable energy systems leads to regulation and control challenges for power system operators, especially in remote and regional grids with smaller footprints. A hybrid system (i.e., solar, wind, biomass, energy storage) could minimise this issue. Nevertheless, the hybrid system is not possible to develop in many islands due to the limited land area, geographical conditions, and others. Hydrogen as a carrier of clean energy can be used in locations where the installation of extensive or medium-scale renewable energy facilities is not permissible due to population density, geographical constraints, government policies, and regulatory issues. This paper presents a techno-economic assessment of designing a green hydrogen-based microgrid for a remote island in North-east Australia. This research work determines the optimal sizing of microgrid components using green hydrogen technology. Due to the abovementioned constraints, the green hydrogen production system and the microgrid proposed in this paper are located on two separate islands. The paper demonstrates three cost-effective scenarios for green hydrogen production, transportation, and electricity generation. This work has been done using Hybrid Optimisation Model for Multiple Energy Resources or HOMER Pro simulation platform. Simulation results show that the Levelized Cost of Energy using hydrogen technology can vary from AU$0.37/kWh to AU$1.08/kWh depending on the scenarios and the variation of key parameters. This offers the potential to provide lower-cost electricity to the remote community. Furthermore, the CO2 emission could be reduced by 17,607,77 kg/year if the renewable energy system meets 100% of the electricity demand. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis in this paper shows that the size of solar PV and wind used for green hydrogen production can further be reduced by 50%. The sensitivity analysis shows that the system could experience AU$0.03/kWh lower levelized cost if the undersea cable is used to transfer the generated electricity between islands instead of hydrogen transportation. However, it would require environmental approval and policy changes as the islands are located in the Great Barrier Reef

Impact of partial alteration of diesel fuel on the performance and regulated emission of a diesel engine

Biodiesel has become one of the promising solutions for the future energy crisis. This study aims to assess the effect of alteration of fuel (replacing diesel with biodiesel) on the performance and regulated emission in a diesel engine. Biodiesel blends (WCB20) was prepared by mixing 20% of waste cooking oil biodiesel with 80% diesel fuel using a homogeneous mixture. The performance and regulated emission of WCB20 have been evaluated in a multi-cylinder diesel engine at various speeds with a full load condition and compared with diesel fuel. The results indicated that WCB20 offers 6.52% less brake power and 9.01% lower brake thermal efficiency whereas, 36.15% and 32.16% higher BSFC and BSEC in comparison to diesel fuel, respectively. However, regulated emission results showed that WCB20 significantly decrease carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and hydrocarbon by 38.93%, 15.46%, and 21.20% respectively but slightly increase the NOx emission (13.79%). Finally, it can be concluded that partial alteration of conventional diesel fuel using 20% waste cooking oil biodiesel can indicatively reduce the harmful emission

A study on green hydrogen-based isolated microgrid

This paper assesses the techno-economic feasibility of a green hydrogen-based microgrid for a remote Australian island. Hydrogen can be used to provide clean energy in areas where large-scale renewable energy sources are not feasible owing to geography, government regulations, or regulatory difficulties. This study not only identifies the appropriate component size for a hydrogen-based microgrid but also provides an economic perspective of decarbonising Thursday Island in Torres Straits, Queensland, Australia. Due to geographical constraints, the green hydrogen production system needs to be distinct from the electrical network. This research shows how to produce green hydrogen, transport it, and generate power at a low cost. The study was performed utilising the HOMER simulation platform to find the least cost solution. The simulation results demonstrate an AU$0.01 reduction in Levelised Cost of Energy compared to the present electricity generation cost which is AU$0.56. The inclusion of a green hydrogen system will potentially minimise CO2 emissions by 99.6% while ensuring almost 100% renewable penetration. The results of this study will also serve as a guide for the placement of hydrogen-based microgrids in similar remote locations around the world where numerous remote energy systems are located close to each other

Advancing energy storage: The future trajectory of lithium-ion battery technologies

Lithium-ion batteries are pivotal in modern energy storage, driving advancements in consumer electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and grid energy storage. This review explores the current state, challenges, and future trajectory of lithium-ion battery technology, emphasizing its role in addressing global energy demands and advancing sustainability. Despite achieving energy densities up to 300 Wh/kg, cycle lives exceeding 2000 cycles, and fast-charging capabilities, lithium-ion batteries face significant challenges, including safety risks, resource scarcity, and environmental impacts. Recycling inefficiencies and the need for sustainable material alternatives further underscore the urgency for innovation. This paper highlights recent breakthroughs in silicon-based anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and advanced cell designs, which promise to push energy densities beyond 400 Wh/kg and extend cycle lives to over 5000 cycles. Additionally, alternative battery technologies, such as solid-state, sodium-ion, and metal-air systems, are explored for their potential to complement or surpass lithium-ion batteries in specific applications. By bridging the gap between academic research and real-world implementation, this review underscores the critical role of lithium-ion batteries in achieving decarbonization, integrating renewable energy, and enhancing grid stability. Collaborative efforts among researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers are essential to overcoming these challenges and driving the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.</p

Stone fruit seed: A source of renewable fuel for transport

This study investigated the suitability of stone fruit seed as a source of biodiesel for transport. Stone fruit oil (SFO) was extracted from the seed and converted into biodiesel. The biodiesel yield of 95.75% was produced using the alkaline catalysed transesterification process with a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 6:1, KOH catalyst concentration of 0.5 wt% (weight %), and a reaction temperature of 55◦ C for 60 min. The physicochemical properties of the produced biodiesel were determined and found to be the closest match of standard diesel. The engine performance, emissions and combustion behaviour of a four-cylinder diesel engine fuelled with SFO biodiesel blends of 5%, 10% and 20% with diesel, v/v basis, were tested. The testing was performed at 100% engine load with speed ranging from 200 to 2400 rpm. The average brake specific fuel consumption and brake thermal efficiency of SFO blends were found to be 4.7% to 15.4% higher and 3.9% to 11.4% lower than those of diesel, respectively. The results also revealed that SFO biodiesel blends have marginally lower in-cylinder pressure and a higher heat release rate compared to diesel. The mass fraction burned results of SFO biodiesel blends were found to be slightly faster than those of diesel. The SFO biodiesel 5% blend produced about 1.9% higher NOx emissions and 17.4% lower unburnt HC with 23.4% lower particulate matter (PM) compared to diesel fuel. To summarise, SFO biodiesel blends are recommended as a suitable transport fuel for addressing engine emissions problems and improving combustion performance with a marginal sacrifice of engine efficiency.</p