Authors: V. Shahbazbegian, H. Ameli, G. Strbac, H. Laaksonen, M. Shafie-khah

 

Abstract:

In sustainable energy transitions, the utilization of hydrogen is crucial, providing flexibility in the operation of net-zero emission renewable-based energy systems. This paper presents a study on the optimal operation of net-zero emission multi-energy future microgrids that utilize hydrogen as an alternative fuel instead of natural gas. The electrolyzers’ output is injected into the hydrogen grid to meet demand or converted back to electricity later using generating units, owing to the storage capability of pipes, called linepack. For this purpose, a detailed mathematical model is developed to simulate the main characteristics of grids (e.g., voltage, current, hydrogen flow, and pressure) as well as various components (e.g., renewable systems, electrolyzers, and hydrogen-fired units). To become more realistic, a possibilistic-robust approach is developed to account for the uncertainty arising from the lack of real-world implementation. By representing a case study, a test is performed to evaluate the possibility of employing a low-pressure gas grid to meet the demand for hydrogen. After that, the effects of electrolyzers are analyzed in the presence and absence of the uncertainty consideration approach. The result indicates that, despite hydrogen’s lower energy density compared to natural gas, it is still feasible to satisfy the same energy demand level, considering the technical characteristics of the grid. The integration of electrolyzers can reduce wind curtailment by 2 % and supplement hydrogen demand by 50 %. A higher level of conservatism in the possibilistic-robust approach leads to an increase in the mean value of the objective function and a reduction in the standard deviation under the realization of uncertain parameters, which provides the decision-makers with a more realistic insight.

 

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Authors:Mohamed Abuella, Adib Allahham, Nabila Ahmed Rufa’I, Sara Louise Walker

 

Abstract:

This study examines hydrogen-based and alternative strategies for decarbonising residential heating in the North of Tyne (NoT) region, UK, focusing on energy efficiency and conservation. A multi-system-perspective framework integrating scenario analysis and quantitative energy-system modelling is applied to assess socio-technical interventions, technology pathways (heat pumps and hydrogen boilers), and hydrogen-blending levels up to 2050. Monte Carlo simulations and a game-theoretic investment model are used to evaluate energy demand, CO2 emissions, and system costs. The results show that socio-technical interventions substantially reduce energy demand but are insufficient alone to reach net zero. Hydrogen blending provides modest emission reductions, while full electrification via heat pumps is most cost-effective in the long term, particularly with carbon capture and storage (CCS). A hybrid 50/50 heat pump–hydrogen-boiler pathway with CCS post-2040 presents a practical transition option. The findings highlight the importance of coordinated infrastructure planning and societal engagement for achieving deep heating decarbonisation.

 

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Authors: Mohamed Abuella, Adib Allahham, Nabila Ahmet Rufa’l, Sara Louise Walker

 

Abstract:

This study examines hydrogen-based and alternative strategies for decarbonising residential heating in the North of Tyne (NoT) region, UK, focusing on energy efficiency and conservation. A multi-system-perspective framework integrating scenario analysis and quantitative energy-system modelling is applied to assess socio-technical interventions, technology pathways (heat pumps and hydrogen boilers), and hydrogen-blending levels up to 2050. Monte Carlo simulations and a game-theoretic investment model are used to evaluate energy demand, CO2 emissions, and system costs. The results show that socio-technical interventions substantially reduce energy demand but are insufficient alone to reach net zero. Hydrogen blending provides modest emission reductions, while full electrification via heat pumps is most cost-effective in the long term, particularly with carbon capture and storage (CCS). A hybrid 50/50 heat pump–hydrogen-boiler pathway with CCS post-2040 presents a practical transition option. The findings highlight the importance of coordinated infrastructure planning and societal engagement for achieving deep heating decarbonisation.

 

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Authors:Khalid Alanazi, Nilay Shah, Shivika Mittal, Adam Hawkes

 

Abstract:

Global renewable hydrogen trade is expected to play a key role in decarbonizing future energy systems. Yet hydrogen exporters may deviate from perfectly competitive behaviour to influence prices, similarly to the existing fossil fuel market, with important implications for consumer welfare and the pace of the energy transition. This study develops a global renewable hydrogen trade model that captures potential strategic interactions among exporters using a Stackelberg game-theoretic framework. The model is formulated as an Equilibrium Problem with Equilibrium Constraints (EPEC) and solved under three alternative equilibria: a profit-maximizing Nash equilibrium, a cost-minimizing Nash equilibrium, and a welfare-maximizing benchmark representing perfect competition. Results indicate that producers may strategically reduce their export quantities by up to 40 % relative to perfect competition to maximize profits. Such behaviour raises prices to a minimum of 4.5 USD/kg in 2050 across major import markets, thereby significantly eroding consumer surplus. Strategic behaviour of dominant exporters also shifts trade flows, reshaping the global allocation of hydrogen supply. Sensitivity analysis further reveals that financing costs play a key role in shaping strategic producers’ behaviour, with lower financing costs helping to reduce prices and stimulate demand. These findings highlight the implications of imperfect competition in global hydrogen trade and suggest that policy measures may be needed to mitigate potential negative consequences.

 

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Authors:Jamie Blanche, Ranjeetkumar Gupta, Daniel Mitchell, Sam Harper, David Flynn

 

Abstract:

The creation of complex integrated systems is, in itself, complex. It requires immense planning and a large team of people with diverse backgrounds based in dispersed geographical locations (and countries) supposedly working to a coordinated schedule and cost. The systems engineering task is not new, but recent scales most definitely are. The world is now capable of designing and manufacturing systems whose complexity was not considered possible 10 years ago. While many are trained to think in terms of a complete system, where ‘everything’ is designed and produced by a single project team, today such systems involve integrating subsystems and components (which are also complex) that have been developed by other project teams. Inevitably, this introduces additional complexities, involving elements out of the direct control of the project, but which are essential to its overall success.

In addition to traditional systems engineering topics of hardware and software design, testability, and manufacturability, there are wider issues to be contemplated: project planning; communication language (an issue for international teams); units of measure (imperial vs. metric) used across members of the team; supply chains (pandemics, military action, and natural disasters); legal issues based on place of production and sale; the ethics associated with target use; and the threat of cyberattack. This book is the first attempt to bring many of these issues together to highlight the complexities that need to be considered in modern system design. It is neither exhaustive nor comprehensive, but it gives pointers to the topics for the reader to follow up on in more detail.

 

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Authors: Hani Muhsen, Adib Allaham, Mohammed Al-Mahmodi, Rashed Tarawneh, Asma Alkhraibat, Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli

 

Abstract:

This book offers an engaging introduction to green hydrogen and its role in changing the global energy landscape. It explains theoretical and practical aspects of the green hydrogen supply chain, including production, storage, transportation, and utilization, and explores the techno-economic aspects relevant to each stage. Through hands-on examples, readers understand how green hydrogen can be implemented across various applications. It explains Power-to-X technologies, which enable the conversion of green hydrogen into eco-friendly fuels and chemical feedstocks. Designed for students and researchers, this book simplifies complex concepts and provides a comprehensive understanding of green hydrogen’s benefits.

Key Features:

This textbook is an excellent foundational text for university students and researchers in renewable energy engineering, energy systems engineering, chemical, environmental, and mechanical engineering, and sustainable development. It is also valuable to professionals in energy, heavy industries, and the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, and policymakers with a focus on innovative clean, renewable energy.

 

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Authors: Mehmet Bozdal, Zoya Pourmirza

 

Abstract:

Smart grids utilize advanced algorithms to optimize energy distribution, enabling dynamic decision-making for energy storage (such as hydrogen production via electrolysis) and discharge strategies (including the use of hydrogen fuel cells). This integration of hydrogen into smart energy grids requires real-time data exchange to ensure system stability and enhance operational efficiency. However, the interconnected nature of cyber-physical systems presents significant cybersecurity risks for hydrogen-based energy infrastructures, and robust security measures such as an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) are required. A critical challenge in developing effective IDS solutions for hydrogen infrastructure is the scarcity of cybersecurity datasets. This research proposes a cyberphysical network simulation environment specifically designed for hydrogen energy systems to address data scarcity. The simulation framework uses data from a microgrid to a networked ecosystem of interconnected entities, including electrolyzers, fuel cells, solar panels, wind turbines, and energy consumers. The real-world hydrogen microgrid data is used to simulate man-in-the-middle attacks, ensuring an accurate representation of operational dynamics and cyber-physical interactions. The system is simulated under normal operational conditions before introducing data alteration attacks, including scaling, burst, and zeroing attacks. The resulting benchmarking dataset of healthy and 30 compromised states is a foundation for designing and evaluating IDS tailored to hydrogen-based energy infrastructures. By addressing the challenge of data scarcity in digitalized hydrogen energy systems, this research supports the development of cybersecure and resilient energy management strategies.

 

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Authors: Lukas Schirren, John Ward, Sounthisack Phommachanh, Adam Hawkes, Vignesh Sridharan

 

Abstract:

The Government of Laos continues to expand its hydropower fleet, leveraging water resources to increase renewable electricity generation. Electricity exports are crucial for government revenue and poverty alleviation, yet wet season surpluses remain underutilised due to an incomplete cross-border grid and limited domestic demand. Take-or-pay power purchase agreements (PPA) and costly imports in the dry season have contributed to Electricite du Laos USD 5.7 billion debt in 2024. Debt repayment schedules do not align with projected revenues, while planned dams are not optimally located for grid integration. Decarbonised hydrogen production by electrolysis is a government strategy to commercialise surplus electricity, reduce debt, and diversify industry. This study takes a spatial-temporal optimisation approach to identify the least-cost green hydrogen production sites. The model evaluates electrolyser technology, runoff data, time period, and local electricity demand. The results show a minimum levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of USD 3.9/kg of hydrogen by 2030.

 

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Authors: Qikun Chen, Meysam Qadrdan

 

Abstract:

Heat pumps emerge as a potential solution, leveraging the thermal inertia of building materials to provide flexibility to the power system. This paper presents a model of the power transmission system with flexible heat pumps, using the Great Britain in 2050 scenario as a case study. Four scenarios with different indoor temperature constraints are defined, to clarify the value of heat pump flexibility. Results reveal that allowing variations within the thermal comfort enables adaptive heat pump operation, avoiding energy consumption during peak times and hence reducing 28% cost. This is attributed to minimised reliance on costly hydrogen-fired generation compared to a scenario with stricter temperature constraints. Consequently, the Locational Marginal Price (LMP) of the power system with adequate flexibility is lower. Furthermore, this paper analyses the operational impact of heat pumps on other flexible units like electrolysers and energy storage units, finding a marginal effect on the latter. This is ascribed to these units’ ability to alternate between charging and discharging states, ensuring operational stability. Additionally, the study highlights the benefits of heat pump flexibility in adapting to ambient temperature fluctuations. The results illustrate that heat pumps with higher flexibility can better mitigate cost increases caused by lower temperatures.

 

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Authors:Ché Camerona, Aoife Foley, Henrik Lund, Seán McLoone

 

Abstract:

This study presents a methodology that integrates EnergyPLAN and Quintel Energy Transition Model (ETM). Quintel ETM encompasses a holistic view of energy demand and supply from a fixed base year and its user interface enables unparalleled public engagement, but it is constrained by its limited flexibility in updating deeply embedded cost parameters. This shortcoming becomes critical when considering the rapid pace of technological change and market volatility which is characteristic of contemporary energy systems. EnergyPLAN, with its focus on detailed, customizable cost analysis in heating and power sectors, compensates for these limitations by offering a user-friendly interface and a track record of validated costing approaches. This work contributes the ‘epnlink’ python library for EnergyPLAN – a flexible input-output parser with functionality that extends beyond this study. A soft-linking methodology to map ETM outputs to EnergyPLAN inputs is developed and demonstrated on a case study of Northern Ireland. Alternative pathways to net zero carbon by 2050 are explored, where infrastructure for power and non-industrial heat, and total fuel usage are costed. The demonstrated pipeline has broad applicability as a template to enhance the agility and precision of key cost projections for responsive and strategic energy planning across diverse geographical contexts.

 

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