The energy and environmental systems analysis discipline evaluates the role of different energy carriers in the energy system based on energy systems modelling and environmental systems analysis. Hydrogen can play an important role in a future sustainable low-carbon energy system. However, there are challenges to overcome during the transition period from today until used in large scale. Key factors are the amount of excess electricity, availability of infrastructure, capital cost of fuel cells and electrolysers, the lower round-trip efficiency compared to direct electrification, geopolitical and limitation risks connected to the use of scare metals, the relatively costly hydrogen distribution and storage and issues related to consumers’ preferences.
Key research challenges connected to the role of hydrogen in a future sustainable low-carbon energy system are to detect and model potential show-stoppers from for instance resource limitations, cost-competitiveness, environmental performance, social acceptance, synergies and competition with other energy sectors, the supply potential, localization and hydrogen infrastructure and storage demand, interlink transport hydrogen and future systems scenarios, predict and optimize policy and regulations of transport and society in general.
