Underground hydrogen storage in Australia: A review on the feasibility of geological sites

Hydrogen has attracted attention worldwide with its favourable inherent properties to contribute towards a carbon-free green energy future. Australia aims to make hydrogen as its next major export component to economize the growing global demand for hydrogen. Cost-effective and safe large-scale hydrogen storage in subsurface geology can assist Australia in meeting the projected domestic and export targets. This article discusses the available subsurface storage options in detail by first presenting the projected demand for hydrogen storage. Australia has many subsurface formations, such as depleted gas fields, salt caverns, aquifers, coal seams and abandoned underground mines, which can contribute to underground hydrogen storage. The article presents basin-wide geological information on the storage structures, the technical challenges, and the factors to consider during site selection. With the experience and knowledge Australia has in utilizing depleted reservoirs for gas storage and carbon capture and sequestration, Australia can benefit from the depleted gas reservoirs in developing hydrogen energy infrastructure. The lack of experience and knowledge associated with other geostructures favours the utilization of underground gas storage sites for the storage of hydrogen during the initial stages of the shift towards hydrogen energy. The article also provides future directions to address the identified important knowledge gaps to utilize the subsurface geology for hydrogen storage successfully.     

Climate change benefits and energy supply benefits as determinants of acceptance of nuclear power stations: Investigating an explanatory model

Several countries are currently discussing whether they will rebuild their nuclear power stations in order to continue this type of energy production in the future. The public, with its own opinion about nuclear power stations, has an influential voice in this discussion. As a result, policy makers and nuclear scientists are interested in the public's perception of nuclear power and in what determines this perception. We therefore examined an explanatory model of the public's acceptance of nuclear power based on a telephone survey among a representative sample in Switzerland. The model included such factors as risk perception, benefit perception, affective feelings, and social trust. Moreover, we distinguished between two types of benefit perception: benefit for the climate and a secure energy supply. The model fitted very well to our data and explained acceptance very well. Acceptance was mainly influenced by perceived benefits for a secure energy supply and, to a lesser extent, both by perceived benefits for the climate and by risk perception. Affective feelings about nuclear power appeared to be a central factor in the model. Implications for communication about nuclear power stations and for further research are discussed.     

Assessing the viability of the ACT natural gas distribution network for reuse as a hydrogen distribution network

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has legislated and aims to be net zero emissions by 2045. Such ambitious targets have implications for the contribution of hydrogen and its storage in gas distribution networks Therefore, we need to understand now the impacts on the gas distribution network of the transition to 100% hydrogen. Assessment of the viability of decarbonising the ACT gas network will be partly based on the cost of reusing the gas network for the safe and reliable distribution of hydrogen. That task requires each element of the natural gas safety management system to be evaluated.This article describes the construction of a test facility in Canberra, Australia used to identify issues raised by 100% hydrogen use in the medium pressure distribution network, consisting of nylon and polyethylene (PE) as a means of identifying measures necessary to ensure ongoing validity of the network's regulatory safety case.Evoenergy (the ACT's gas distribution company) have constructed a Test Facility, incorporating an electrolyser, a gas supply pressure reduction and mixing skid a replica gas network and a domestic installation with gas appliances. Jointly with Australian National University (ANU) and Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) the Company has commenced a program of “bench testing”, initially with 100% hydrogen to identify gaps in the safety case specifically focusing on the materials, work practices and safety systems in the ACT.The facility is designed to assess: ? Materials in use including aged network materials and components ? Construction and installation techniques both greenfield and live gas work ? Purging and filling techniques ? Leak detection both underground and above ground ? Emergency response and make safe techniques ? Issues associated with use of hydrogen in light commercial and domestic appliances.To educate and train: ? Technicians and gas fitters on infrastructure installation and management ? Emergency response services on responding to hydrogen related emergencies in a network environment; and ? manage public perceptions of hydrogen in a network environment.Australia has an enviable safety record for the safe and reliable transport, distribution and use of natural gas. The ACT natural gas network owned and operated by Evoenergy is one of the newest in Australia and has leveraged off the best materials and practices in Australia to build its network.The paper addresses major safety issues relating to the production/storage, distribution and consumer end use of hydrogen injected into existing gas distribution networks. The analysis is guided by the Safety Management System. The Hydrogen Testing Facility described in the paper provide tools for evaluation of hydrogen safety matters in the ACT and Australia-wide.Testing to date has confirmed that polyethylene and nylon pipe and their respective jointing techniques can contain 100% hydrogen at pressures used for the distribution of natural gas. Testing has also confirmed that current installation work practices on polyethylene and nylon pipe and joints are suitable for hydrogen service. This finding is subject to variation attributable to staff training and skill levels and further testing has been programmed as outlined in this paper.Testing of gas isolation by clamping and simulated repair on the hydrogen network has established that standard natural gas isolation techniques work with 100% hydrogen at natural gas pressures.     

Evaluating hydrogen risk management policy PR: Lessons learned from three hydrogen accidents in South Korea

Hydrogen energy has become a pivotal actor in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 in the era of the climate crisis. Regardless of its importance, three consecutive hydrogen safety accidents and their aftermath in South Korea have aggravated the public's acceptance of hydrogen. Hydrogen-induced risks have always existed in our society regardless of technical improvement. Here, the task of the government is to manage the hydrogen risk to prevent hydrogen disasters. This study included three steps in its research design; 1) selecting experts through snowball sampling, 2) conducting a qualitative email survey, and 3) analyzing the qualitative answer sheet by applying semantic network analysis. We found that experts' evaluations of the Korean hydrogen PR policy were positive regarding responsiveness but negative regarding openness, guidelines, and control tower. Therefore, we suggest practical policy recommendations; the central government should play an important role in cultivating professional crisis management PR personnel and others.     

Shipping Australian sunshine: Liquid renewable green fuel export

Renewable green fuels (RGF) such as hydrogen are the global energy future. Air pollution is compounded with climate change as the emissions driving both development problems come largely from the same source of fossil fuel burning. As an energy exporter, Australian energy export dominates the total energy production and the RGF has become central to the current proposal of Australian government to reach net zero emission. The hydrogen production from solar panels only on 3% of Australia's land area could compensate 10 times of Germany's non-electricity energy consumption. In the unique geographic position, Australia's RGF export attracts significant costs for long distance onboard storage and shipping. While the cost reduction of RGF production relies on technological advancement which needs a long time, the storage and shipping costs must be minimised for Australia to remain competitive in the global energy market. The present review concentrates on Australian export pathways of lifecycles of liquid renewable green fuels including renewable liquified hydrogen (LH₂), liquified methane (LCH₄), ammonia (NH₃) and methanol (CH₃OH) as liquid RGF have the advantages of adopting the existing infrastructure. This review compares the advantages and disadvantages of discussed renewable energy carriers. It is found that the cost of LH₂ pathway can be acceptable for shipping distance of up to 7000 km (Asian countries such as Japan) but ammonia (NH₃) or methanol (CH₃OH) pathways may be more cost effective for shipping distance above 7000 km for European counties such as Germany. These observations suggest the proper fuel forms to fulfill the requirements to different customers, and hence will highlight Australia's position as one of major exporters of renewable energy in the future. Detailed techno-economic analysis is worth to be done for supplying more quantitative results.     

The economic viability of nuclear power in a fossil-fuel-rich country: Australia

This paper assesses the economic viability of investment in nuclear power generation in Australia in the future and, in addition, domestic factors which may influence government policy towards such investments. It argues that the structure of the grid in Eastern Australia and the nature of the existing generator mix would require nuclear technology that has similar attributes to current combined cycle gas technology; i.e. modular construction of (relatively) small generating units, load following capability, low unit capital cost, and a general acceptance by the Australian public. The current generation of nuclear plants possesses none of these attributes. Therefore this paper concludes that it is only technology with similar characteristics to some Generation IV nuclear technology concepts that has the potential to be part of Australia's energy mix after 2030.     

Temporal change analysis of public attitude,knowledge and acceptance of hydrogen vehicles in Greater Stavanger, 2006–2009

This study examines the trends of public opinions concerning the introduction of hydrogen vehicles in Greater Stavanger as well as public attitudes towards the natural environment over the course of the three-year period. This study is based on two surveys of the hydrogen highway project (HyNor) which were collected in the Greater Stavanger region, the west coast of Norway, between 2006 and 2009 (n=2000). The results of the study highlight that – despite an increased awareness of hydrogen vehicles – the proportions of those with pro-environment attitudes who support hydrogen vehicles’ introduction decreased between 2006 and 2009. The results reveal that knowledge about sustainable environment can affect hydrogen energy's acceptance whereas the level of pro-environment attitudes can increase not only public acceptance of hydrogen vehicles, but also people's willingness to pay for hydrogen fuels. These results were consistently found throughout the observed periods, based on the Greater Stavanger's case. A set of recommendations was discussed to improve public acceptance of hydrogen vehicles, and the next avenue of research regarding analysis of public acceptance and awareness about hydrogen vehicles was proposed.     

Customers’ purchase intention for hydrogen vehicle and industrial agglomeration: Evidence from Jiangsu Province,China

The current research concentrated upon customers' consuming behaviors towards hydrogen vehicle in Jiangsu province, China. This paper discussed the associations between factors related to competitions in industries and customers' consuming behaviors. Different from previous literature, the present study explored whether industrial agglomeration would affect customers willingness to purchase hydrogen vehicles. Results from empirical analysis showed that industrial structure height in a city was positively associated with customers’ acceptance towards hydrogen vehicles. This indicated that in addition to economic and environmental factors, the agglomeration of industrial activities from industry competition would increase customers purchase intention for hydrogen vehicle.     

Potential of green ammonia production in India

The threat of climate change is forcing the world to decarbonize all economic sectors. Ammonia primarily used for fertilizer production and a potential, ‘hydrogen carrier’ currently accounts for ~27% of global hydrogen consumption and ~1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In this analysis, we assess the techno-economic potential of ammonia production using onshore wind, open-field photovoltaic and batteries for both domestic usage and export scenarios in India, which is currently one of the world's largest producer and importer of ammonia. Our results reveal that India's potential can comfortably satisfy global ammonia demand with lowest ammonia costs of 723 EUR/t_NH3 and 765 EUR/t_NH3 for the domestic and export scenario, respectively. To compete with conventional ammonia production a carbon tax of 224–335 €/t_CO2 would be required. Finally, costs of shipping liquid hydrogen and the ‘hydrogen carrier’ ammonia are similar here giving other economic, environmental and safety factors higher relevance.     

Theoretical analysis of green hydrogen from hydropower: A case study of the Northwest Columbia River system

Within the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, there is the unique opportunity to explore alternative energy management solutions of the Columbia River's multi-use hydropower system. As with various European hydropower systems that experience large variability in water runoff, but lack adequate reservoir storage capacity, the Columbia River System is a viable source for renewable hydrogen production. This paper studies the theoretical potential of green hydrogen production from excess hydropower energy from the Columbia River System. The potential surplus hydroelectric energy and hydrogen production potential from surplus energy (during March through July months) are estimated from 11 hydroelectric projects along with the Columbia River System. Results show that the system's total monthly average hydrogen production potential ranges from 2.22 × 10⁶ to 8.96 × 10⁶ kg H₂ with the utilization of surplus energy over a historical 80 water year period (1928–2008). This study concludes that hydrogen production from spilled hydropower energy and its use in the transportation sector is a viable opportunity to lead the country towards a hydrogen economy.     

Beyond an energy deal: Impacts of the Sino-Australia uranium agreement

Is the spectacular growth of Sino-Australian trade compelling Australian policy-makers to strengthen strategic support for China in the face of traditional alliances? The recently signed trade agreement under which Australia will annually export 20,000 tonnes of uranium to China for power generation for the next 20 years, will feed China's increased energy demand, allow a reduction in dependence on coal-based energy and ameliorate environmental deterioration, all matters that have become critical to China's economic growth. Yet the uranium trade will contribute only slightly to China's energy needs, and to the Australian economy. However, the trade deal was signed even though China, as a nuclear military power, is a potential threat to Australia's strongest military ally, the US. At the same time it reignited a divisive debate in Australia, covering a wide range of political, social, economic, health and environmental policy areas that reach well beyond strategic relationships. That the Australian Government will risk both internal and external criticism seems to be further recognition that Australia is becoming increasingly dependent on the continued growth of China's economy for its prosperity.     

The public's acceptance toward building a hydrogen fueling station near their residences: The case of South Korea

South Korea is pushing for advancing the emergence of the hydrogen economy in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote economic growth. In this regard, a significant expansion of hydrogen charging stations is scheduled, but one of the biggest obstacles to this is the public acceptance of building a hydrogen fueling station near their residences. This article collected the data on the public acceptance toward building a hydrogen fueling station on a nine-point scale from a survey of 1000 people across the country, and analyzed the factors affecting public acceptance employing the ordered probit model. The respondents' approval rate for building a hydrogen fueling station near their residences (48.0%) was slightly higher than twice the opposition rate (23.0%). However, the sum of opposition (23.0%) and neutrality or indifference (29.0%) exceeded half of the total respondents, suggesting that the government's additional efforts were needed to improve acceptance. While some factors positively influenced the public acceptance, others affected it negatively. The various implications that can be obtained from these findings for building hydrogen fueling stations are discussed.     

Issues affecting the acceptance of hydrogen fuel

While the topic of hydrogen as an alternative vehicle fuel is gaining increasing attention internationally, one significant aspect of its introduction has been given less attention than others: the public acceptance of such a new technology and fuel. After reviewing the existing literature on acceptance, risk perception and customer satisfaction, this paper describes the development of a model that illustrates important aspects in influencing a person's attitude towards a new product. “Values”, “wants” and “perception” are the three components found to influence acceptance, they themselves are affected by “social background” and “experience”. Suggestions are then given on how to use marketing methods, education projects and product exposure in order to maximise the likelihood of a successful introduction of hydrogen as an alternative fuel.     

Dynamics of Australia's LNG export performance: A modified constant market shares analysis

With continuous growth, the global LNG market is becoming increasingly competitive over time, and Australia is at the forefront. This paper makes the first attempt to analyse the dynamics of Australia's LNG export performance, using an improved Constant Market Share (CMS) model and UN Comtrade LNG trade data in four sub-periods spanning 1989 to 2017. It reveals that apart from the aggregate unfavourable Market Effect and favourable Adaptation Effect, the Competitiveness Effect has contributed the most to Australia's LNG export performance over the past three decades, particularly in Australia's existing LNG markets. A further breakdown of Australia's Competitiveness Effect quantifies the direct bilateral competition between Australia and its rivals. The results reveal that Australian LNG export performance faces challenges in the future. This study suggests that Australian LNG exporters must keep their pace with the new players, expand existing markets, and prepare for the impacts of changes in the pricing mechanism.     

The enhancement of magnetic field assisted water electrolysis hydrogen production from the compact disc recordable waste polycarbonate layer

E-waste is growing rapidly in today's data technology era while the need for green energy is critical. Current compact disc recordable (CD-R) e-waste utilization for hydrogen production by electrolysis is still classified as gray hydrogen production. This study aims to synthesize electrocatalyst for green hydrogen production from CD-R polycarbonate layer. The elemental and morphological characterizations were performed in this study along with molecular dynamics simulation and direct electrolysis experiment. The electrolysis test results shows EMF and high Bisphenol-A (BPA) content from 3 g polycarbonate produce 26000 ppm H₂ almost tripled the EMF only with 10000 ppm H₂ and doubled the EMF with 1 g polycarbonate 15000 ppm H₂. EMF and BPA cooperatively reduces water ionization energy through diamagnetic response and aromatic resonance which vibrates water molecule. Following that, the EMF slowed down OH⁻ ion movement causes the H⁺ movement towards electron become unrestricted. In conclusion, the EMF-BPA cooperation increases hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) through water ionization energy reduction and ion transfer modification.     

公众素质、外部环境对公众再生水接受态度的影响

公众对再生水的接受态度是再生水推广的关键。构建公众素质、主观规范、信息公开、政策环境、再生水接受态度与再生水接受意愿的关系假设模型,并以356份来自西安市居民问卷作为调研对象,运用结构方程模型进行实证分析。结果表明,接受态度正向影响接受意愿,其中主观规范是影响再生水接受态度的主要因素,信息公开与公众素质是次要因素,政策环境对再生水接受态度的影响不显著。     

A practical-use hydrogen gas leak detector using CARS

The purpose of this research is to develop a non-contact, fast response, practical-use hydrogen gas leak detector using Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS). To make it realize, the optimization of its practical light source was investigated minutely for this detector. The light source condition to generate the highest Anti-Stokes Raman light is obvious on the theory, while it is not matched with its practical condition under the physical constraints. In this study, the light source configuration was devised in which the laser beam (355 nm) is split into two optical paths and the Raman cell filled hydrogen gas is arranged on the one side. As a result, it was found that when its irradiation ratio (R = Stokes light/Pump light) was 0.140 ≤ R ≤ 0.173, the generation efficiency of the anti-Stokes light was high. The high generation efficiency of anti-Stokes light can be maintained even if the laser light intensity and hydrogen pressure to the Raman cell are changed. We discussed the difference between the obtained experimental results and the theoretical results. The detection limit of hydrogen gas concentration of our detector was set to 500 ppm. As a result, hydrogen gas up to 200 ppm ± 15% (lower detection limit: 157 ppm) could be measured. In addition, the measurement value of the hydrogen gas leaking from a nozzle was considered under the acceptance situation, too.     

Study on the hydrogen demand in China based on system dynamics model

Reasonable estimation of hydrogen energy and other renewable energy demand of China's medium and long-term energy is of great significance for China's medium and long-term energy plan. Therefore, based on both China's future economic development and relative economic theory and system dynamics theory, this article analyzes qualitatively the internal factors and external factors of hydrogen energy demand system, and makes the state high and low two assumptions about China's medium and long-term hydrogen demand according to the different speed of China's economic development. After the system dynamic model setting up export and operation, the output shows the data changes of the total hydrogen demand and the four kinds of hydrogen demand. According to the analysis of the output, two conclusions are concluded: The secondary industry, not the tertiary industry (mainly the transportation), should be firstly satisfied by the hydrogen R&D and support of Government policy. Change of Chinese hydrogen demand scale, on basis of its economic growth, can not be effective explained through Chinese economic growth rate, and other influencing factor and mechanism should be probed deeply.     

Economic and environmental impact analysis of carbon tariffs on Chinese exports

As an alternative measure for the proposal of border tax adjustments (BTAs) advocated by the countries that seek to abate CO₂ emissions (hereafter referred to as ‘abating countries’), export carbon tax (ECT) voluntarily conducted by the developing countries has been widely discussed in recent years. This paper uses the multi-regional and multi-commodity computable general equilibrium (CGE) model and the GTAP8.1 database to investigate the economic and environmental effects of carbon tariffs on Chinese exports. The following three policy scenarios are considered: 1) the abating countries implement cap-and-trade emission programs without BTAs; 2) the unilaterally abating countries levy import tariffs and export subsidies on non-abating countries; and, 3) the abating countries implement unilateral climate policies combined with ECT imposed by China. The ECT policy of China is evaluated with a carbon price set at 17 US$/t-CO₂. Results illustrate that the ECT voluntarily implemented by China is ineffective in reducing its domestic CO₂ emissions. Moreover, ECT merely has a minor impact on global emissions. Finally, the competitiveness of China's energy-intensive and trade-exposed (EITE) industries suffers substantial losses if export tariffs are imposed. However, China's gains in terms of welfare and gross domestic product (GDP) would be slightly improved if an ECT policy is implemented, compared to the scenario where China is subjected to BTAs levied by the abating coalition. In the light of the tradeoff between tariff revenue for welfare and competiveness losses of the EITE industries, it is therefore difficult to conclude that carbon tariff on Chinese exports is an alternative policy to BTAs.     

Evaluation of strategic directions for supply and demand of green hydrogen in South Korea

Currently, worldwide efforts are being made to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement signed in 2015. Renewable energy, with solar and wind power as representative examples, focuses on hydrogen as a means of supplementing the intermittency in operation. Moreover, 17 advanced countries, including Australia and Europe, announced policies related to hydrogen, and Korea joined the ranks by announcing a roadmap to revitalize the hydrogen economy in 2019. As of 2020, the unit price of renewable energy in Korea is 0.1 $/kWh and 0.12 $/kWh for solar and wind power, respectively, which are more than five times higher than those of the world's best. The significant difference is due to the low utilization of power plants stemming from environmental factors. Consequently, securing the economic feasibility for the production of green hydrogen in Korea is difficult, and the evaluation of various policies is required to overcome these shortcomings. Currently, Korea's policy on renewable energy is focused on solar power, and despite the goal for a power generation of 57,483 GWh/year centered on offshore wind power by 2034, plans for utilization are lacking. By harnessing such energy, producing a percentage of the total green hydrogen required from the hydrogen economy roadmap can be realized, but securing economic feasibility may be difficult. Therefore, reinforcements in policies for the production of green hydrogen in Korea are required, and implementation of foreign policies for overseas cooperation in hydrogen production and import is necessary.