The role of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in providing security for the UK energy system

• Published in: Energy policy Vol. 171; p. 113286
• Main Authors: Al-Mufachi, Naser A., Shah, Nilay
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2022
• Subjects: Decarbonisation; Energy security; Energy system; Fuel cell technology; Hydrogen technology; Energy security; Energy system; Decarbonisation; Fuel cell technology; Hydrogen technology
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2022.113286

It is not yet well understood how hydrogen and fuel cell technology could perform in the UK energy system (ES) and what influence it may have in contributing towards its security. This article aims to discuss the potential of a hydrogen economy examining its ability to reduce dependency on fossil fuels sourced both domestically and internationally. A snapshot of the hydrogen economy is presented introducing the latest development in hydrogen production technologies and distribution infrastructure. It has been postulated that with the introduction of a CO2 tax, integrating carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) systems with commercial hydrogen production technologies such as steam methane reforming (SMR), coal gasification (CG) and biomass gasification could significantly reduce the levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH) production. The role of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in coupling the building, transport and industrial sectors has been demonstrated. Decarbonisation of heat in the UK is expected to incur a large cost for transitioning the incumbent network and it is expected that government assistance will be necessary to lessen the burden on consumers. Deployment of fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) systems and integration into the UK ES could make great strides towards improving its security. •CO2 tax applied to incumbent hydrogen production technologies can reduce costs.•Carbon capture and sequestration with H2 production methods to reduce costs.•Fuel cell combined heat and power systems to decarbonise the UK energy system.•Hydrogen and fuel cell technology are capable of coupling various energy sectors.