Impact of power-to-gas on the cost and design of the future low-carbon urban energy system

• Published in: Applied energy Vol. 305; p. 117713
• Main Authors: Ikäheimo, Jussi, Weiss, Robert, Kiviluoma, Juha, Pursiheimo, Esa, Lindroos, Tomi J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2022
• Subjects: Design optimization; Hydrogen; Multi-vector energy networks; Optimal dispatch; Power-to-gas; Urban energy systems; Urban energy systems; Multi-vector energy networks; Optimal dispatch; Power-to-gas; Hydrogen; Design optimization
• ISSN: 0306-2619; 1872-9118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117713

Power-to-gas technology has been proposed as one component for future energy systems facing decarbonization targets. This paper presents a power-to-gas focused open optimization model for studying cost efficient design and operation of future urban energy system. The model is able to distinguish the benefits of different configurations of power-to-gas by modelling several energy vectors, including electricity, heating, and cooling alongside with different plant components. The usefulness of the built multi-vector model is illustrated by a case study where the benefits of power-to-gas are studied in the context of a medium-sized Nordic city. The results show that the city is able to reach carbon neutrality with the help of power-to-gas. Power-to-gas provides cost savings by reducing the need of heat storages and transmission capacity. The savings are greatest when the emission reduction goal is high and transmission capacity expansion is expensive. Direct air capture appears as the superior carbon dioxide source when compared to post combustion capture from flue gases due to costs and annual availability. The case study shows no economic benefit for distributed power-to-gas. •Optimization of future multi-vector urban energy system.•Different configurations of power-to-gas were compared.•Power-to-gas could reduce the total cost of a Nordic urban energy system.•The importance of direct air capture of carbon dioxide was evident.•The value of hydrogen grid injection was evaluated.