Hydrogen Intelligence - H2lligence’s Post

Recently, the energy journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews published online the latest research results in the field of carbon neutrality by Pan Liu's group at the National Key Laboratory of Water Resources Engineering and Dispatch and College of Water Resources and Hydropower, Wuhan University. The paper is titled Energy transition paradox: Solar and wind growth can hinder decarbonisation, with Li Xiao, a 2020 PhD student at the College of Water Resources and Hydropower of Wuhan University, as the first author, and Prof. Liu Pan as the corresponding author, with Wuhan University as the first signatory and corresponding author. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are highly favoured in the process of power system decarbonisation. However, with the advancement and cost reduction of solar and wind technologies, their large-scale deployment may lead to lower electricity prices in future market environments. Such price reductions may reduce long-term revenues from hydropower, thereby discouraging investment in capacity expansion and additions by hydropower (including pumped storage power plants) operators. In turn, the under-installation of hydropower (as the predominant energy storage facility) may reintroduce fossil fuels as a hedge against the intermittency associated with the large-scale deployment of solar and wind power, and may therefore lead to an unintended increase in carbon emissions. The study constructs a whole-chain planning system coupling meteorological hydrology - electricity market - hydropower expansion - electric carbon operation, and identifies the risk that a high proportion of new energy sources will inhibit hydropower expansion by lowering the future price of electricity, using Hubei Province as a study case. The study firstly constructs a meteorological and hydrological model to forecast future water, wind and light resources, arranges the sequence of generating units under the balance of supply and demand for the simulation of clearing tariffs, optimises the multi-stage expansion paths of hydropower with the goal of net present value, and finally evaluates the carbon emissions of the whole power system in the future based on the installed hydropower capacity. https://lnkd.in/eXupUJKq #QBSMScBloggers

Pumped-storage hydropower, or simply pumped hydro, is set to play an increasing role in Southeast Asia’s energy transition. This mature technology for large-scale energy storage can bolster grid reliability as fossil fuel generators are phased out in favor of renewable sources. Pumped-storage hydropower is a method of storing hydroelectric energy, used by electric power systems for load balancing. It works by pumping water from a lower-elevation reservoir to a higher one, storing energy that can later be used during periods of high electrical demand. Low-cost surplus off-peak electric power typically powers the pumps, and the stored water is released through turbines to generate power when needed. Pumped hydro projects rely heavily on specific geographical conditions, presenting obstacles in site selection and land acquisition. Many potential sites are situated in rural areas lacking necessary infrastructure like transmission lines and road access for construction. These deficiencies can lead to increased costs and project development timelines, straining project finances. Despite these challenges, pumped hydro projects offer significant socio-economic advantages to regions where they are deployed. Aside from ensuring a stable electricity supply, they can spur infrastructure growth, improving accessibility in the area.

Pleased to share my recent article published in Renewable Watch Magazine, offering insights into #India's #hydropower landscape. The piece reflects my personal views on the outlook, opportunities and challenges facing this critical #renewable #energy source. #Hydro #hydroelectric #energytransition #power #cleanenergy #RE #PSP #pumpedstorage

☀️Uncover the pivotal role of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) latest development in providing cost estimates for new solar projects! ✔️ Discover how the NREL's new tool, designed for estimating costs for new closed-loop pumped storage hydropower (PSH) plants, can revolutionize solar companies and investment decisions. ✔️ Learn about the critical significance of PSH, the leading source of grid-scale energy storage capacity in the US, contributing to about 96% in 2022. ✔️ Explore the advantages of closed-loop PSH systems, which are separated from natural waterways, making them more eco-friendly and favored by solar companies. NREL's development of a tool that calculates the potential costs of installing a new closed-loop pumped storage hydropower (PSH) plant is revolutionizing the way solar project costs are estimated. This tool can factor in myriad variables such as local geology, labor rates, and inflation, providing a comprehensive and accurate estimation. Pumped storage hydropower is a promising energy storage solution that accounts for around 96% of grid-scale energy storage capacity in the US. However, the potential for expansion has been limited due to concerns about high upfront costs. Opting for closed-loop PSH systems, which boast environmental benefits due to their separation from natural waterways, could be the answer. The tool developed by NREL helps project developers get an idea of what costs to expect when setting up such facilities, thereby improving capacity expansion modeling results, reflecting reality more accurately. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com 🌐.

Drax Group has announced it is investing £80 million in a major refurbishment of its Cruachan pumped storage hydro power station in Scotland – increasing its capacity and supporting UK energy security. The renewable energy firm has appointed global hydropower technology supplier ANDRITZ as the main contractor for the Cruachan upgrade project. ANDRITZ Hydro is a supplier of electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower stations and has installed around 470 gigawatts of capacity during its more than 180 years of operations. The £80m project will see the generating capacity of two of the plant’s four units increased by a combined 40 MWs to raise the facility’s total generating capacity to 480 MWs. The units were commissioned in 1965 and contain parts, including their turbines, which are now more than 50 years old. The major upgrade to the two units will improve their operability and reliability, lengthening their lifespan. Drax’s investment is underpinned by the award of 15-year capacity market agreement worth around £221m. Pumped storage plants act like giant water batteries by using reversible turbines to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir which stores excess power from sources such as wind farms when supply outstrips demand. These same turbines are then reversed to bring the stored water back through the plant to generate power when the country needs it. The Cruachan upgrade project is separate to Drax’s plan to build a new 600 MW pumped storage power station adjacent to the existing Cruachan facility. A study by trade body Scottish Renewables estimated that the project could create and support up to 1,100 jobs. Read more ➡️ https://buff.ly/4dln7Px The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network is here to support your business - reach out to share your views, concerns and opportunities. #SCCnews #businesssupport #businessnetwork #businessvoice #businessleader Sign up for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce enewsletter at https://buff.ly/3CpsQnu

Jordan prepares to implement hydropower storage project ◾ Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh highlighted the importance of new energy storage technology and its role in integrating more renewable energy, which aligns with the global goal of keeping the earth's temperature below 1.5 degrees Celsius, especially amid the rapid climate changes. ◾ In his opening speech at the workshop “Feasibility Study of Mujib Dam for Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage,” organised in cooperation with the World Bank and the Ministry of Planning and supported by the Norwegian Embassy in Jordan, Kharabsheh expressed hope for the successful implementation of the Mujib Dam project. ◾ Kharabsheh noted that thorough planning will enable increased local energy contributions and a higher share of renewable energy in the overall energy mix, positioning Jordan as a leader in this field, according to a Ministry of Energy statement. ◾ The minister added that the sector’s strategy for 2020-2030 aims to achieve a 30 per cent share of renewable energy in electricity generation, increasing to 50 per cent by 2050. ◾ World Bank Resident Representative in Jordan Holly Benner highlighted Jordan’s promising opportunities in renewable energy, noting that the Wadi Mujib Dam project, which uses pumped storage technology, will transform the energy sector and enhance the Kingdom’s energy security. ◾ Benner added that studies on the Mujib Dam project indicate that the project will double renewable energy capacity by 2035 compared with current levels, providing storage solutions that align with the Kingdom’s vision for energy security. ◾ Mohammed Qamh, senior energy specialist at the World Bank Group, said that the World Bank is working with the Jordanian government to implement this project, helping Jordan achieve its vision of generating 50 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050. ◾ The National Electric Power Company presented the study on the project, covering emerging issues and opportunities in water storage, international experience, technical and financial assessments, and the environmental and social requirements for water storage projects. The source: Jordan Times #energyticslimited #renewableenrgy #energystorge #pumpedhydroelectricenergystorag

Watt's Up? The Rise of Renewable Energy in Southeast Asia [bassPanya] THAILAND Business Insights Series In the SEA region, the adoption of renewable energy has been experiencing a continuous upward trajectory, with certain countries exhibiting a considerable dependence on these sustainable energy sources. Hydropower, harnessed from dams, emerges as the predominant renewable energy resource within the SEA region, contributing to more than 60% of the total renewable energy output. This substantial utilization is attributed to the geographical positioning of these nations along the equator, coupled with the presence of several major rivers traversing these countries. When conducting a comparative analysis within the SEA region, Vietnam stands out as a country that has demonstrated a remarkable leap in renewable energy production. This advancement can be credited to the supportive policies implemented by the government, particularly the Feed-in Tariff, designed to incentivize investment in renewable energy. Vietnam's renewable energy portfolio, encompassing hydropower, wind, and solar energy, aggregates to over 34,000 megawatts. In contrast, Laos primarily relies on hydropower, boasting an output of over 8,500 megawatts. Looking back and anticipating future developments, the governments of the SEA region have been and will continue to deploy various investment promotion strategies aimed at bolstering renewable energy investments. This is especially notable in Indonesia and the Philippines, where substantial future investments are anticipated. Consequently, these countries warrant close observation for their potential growth in the renewable energy sector. Stay tuned and keep connected for your insights update.

Development a major green industrial project in Liepaja, Latvia. The project aims to establish a large-scale hydrogen and ammonia production facility powered by renewable energy sources. Key Project Details Investment: €550 million for the hydrogen plant Annual Hydrogen Production: 75,000 metric tons (estimated annual turnover €250-300 million) Annual Ammonia Production (optional): 400,000 metric tons (estimated annual turnover €350-400 million) Renewable Energy Sources: 1,500 MW of wind and solar power Timeline: Preparatory phase in 2023-2024, development phase in 2024-2025, implementation phase in 2025-2029, and operational by 2028/2029 Project Status Land area of 151 km² secured near Liepaja for renewable energy production Land in the Port of Liepaja secured for the hydrogen/ammonia plant Power access of 500 MW secured (option to increase to 1,000 MW) Eligible for €80-100 million in infrastructure support and €40-60 million for power grid support from LIAA (Latvian Investment and Development Agency) Planning to apply for the EU Innovation Fund in March 2025 Environmental Impact Assessment underway Support from the Latvian government, Liepaja municipality, and Norwegian government The project aims to leverage Latvia's renewable energy potential, particularly wind and solar, to produce green hydrogen and ammonia. It has secured land, power access, and government support, and is currently in the preparatory and development phases. #renewables #hydrogen #powertox #netzero #carboncapture https://lnkd.in/et_F7Gax

1. Solar and wind have a smaller capacity factor than hydropower and geothermal. So 32 GW of the latter adds a lot more energy than a simple comparison of the rated capacity would suggest. 2. As I have written before, having interconnections between the main Indonesian islands is as important as having more renewables generation capacity. "Elaborating on the RUKN, Darmawan revealed the strategic allocation of resources towards bolstering Indonesia’s EBT ecosystem. The plan outlines the deployment of hydro and geothermal-based generators totalling 32 Gigawatts (GW), alongside solar and wind-based generators amounting to 28 GW. Notably, the development of green transmission lines assumes paramount importance in facilitating the seamless distribution of green electricity among islands. Addressing the infrastructural challenges, Darmawan emphasized the necessity of connecting hydro and geothermal sources with the load centers across different islands. This necessitates the establishment of green transmission lines linking Sumatra to Java, Kalimantan to Java, East Nusa Tenggara to Java, and Kalimantan to Sulawesi, which constitutes a significant project in itself." https://lnkd.in/gMzxYpzA

TES awards Canadian hydrogen hub FEED contract to AtkinsRéalis. By Charlie Currie TES’ Canadian subsidiary has awarded AtkinsRéalis a front-end engineering and design (FEED) contract for its 70,000 tonne per year green hydrogen hub in Quebec. Dubbed Projet Mauricie, two-third of the hub’s hydrogen output is planned to be used to produce electric renewable natural gas (e-NG) as a drop-in fuel for hard-to-abate industries. The remaining third is expected to be used in long-haul transport. Stéphanie Vaillancourt, President, Canada at AtkinsRéalis, said the project will “largely self-generate” renewable electricity with “behind-the-fence” wind and solar plants to produce green hydrogen. TESCanada H2 plans to establish a dedicated 1GW wind and solar farm to power the majority of the hub’s electrolysis needs, minimising the energy draw from Quebec’s grid. Expected to be commissioned in 2028, AtkinsRéalis will develop the project’s plans, execution schedule, cost estimates, environmental impact assessments and assist in permitting. The engineering firm says it will provide technical support for engineering and field activities involving geotechnical investigations and testing. Earlier this month (March 2024), TES, Engie, Mitsubishi, Osaka Gas, Sempra Infrastructure, Tokyo Gas, Toho Gas and TotalEnergies established the e-NG coalition to build a global market for the synthetic gas. Produced by subjecting green hydrogen and recycled CO2 to high-pressures at around 400oC in the presence of a nickel catalyst, e-NG is identical to natural gas on a molecular level, allowing it to be used in existing infrastructure. By 2030, TES plans to produce one million tonnes of e-NG per year to provider 15.4TWh of energy. https://lnkd.in/e2Bb3phK