In the vast deserts of western and northern China, a groundbreaking model is emerging that could redefine how we harness and utilize renewable energy. Led by Zehong Liu from the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization and Xiangjiang Laboratory, this innovative approach combines power-to-hydrogen and power-to-methanol technologies with oxygen-enriched combustion power generation. The goal? To tackle the challenges of accommodating renewable energy and transforming thermal power into a low-carbon solution.
China’s renewable energy sector has seen tremendous growth, driven by ambitious carbon peaking and neutrality goals. However, the intermittent nature of wind and solar power presents significant hurdles. “The randomness and volatility of wind and photovoltaic power make large-scale development challenging,” explains Liu. Current solutions, like bundling renewable energy with ultra-high voltage transmission projects, are a start, but they don’t fully address the issues of high carbon dioxide emissions and the need for carbon capture and utilization.
Enter the power-to-hydrogen-and-methanol model. This approach optimizes both energy flow and material flow, creating a synergistic system that can accommodate renewable energy while reducing the carbon footprint of thermal power. By integrating power-to-hydrogen, power-to-methanol, and oxygen-enriched combustion power generation technologies, the model offers a comprehensive solution.
The research, published in the English-language journal *Global Energy Interconnection*, establishes various models linking power to hydrogen and methanol. An 8760-hour-time-series operation simulation is incorporated into the planning model, providing a robust framework for analysis. A case study conducted on renewable energy bases in the deserts of western and northern China revealed promising results. The model significantly reduces the demand for hydrogen storage and energy storage, lowers the cost of carbon capture, and makes full use of by-product oxygen and captured carbon dioxide to produce high-value chemical raw materials.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are substantial. This model could pave the way for more efficient and sustainable energy systems, reducing costs and environmental impact. “The economic advantages are significant,” notes Liu, highlighting the potential for high-value chemical raw materials and reduced operational expenses.
As the world grapples with the challenges of renewable energy integration and carbon reduction, this research offers a glimmer of hope. By optimizing energy and material flows, the power-to-hydrogen-and-methanol model could shape the future of the energy sector, driving innovation and sustainability. The findings suggest that collaborative optimization of energy flow and material flow is not just a theoretical concept but a practical solution with real-world applications. As the energy sector continues to evolve, this model could become a cornerstone of sustainable energy practices, influencing policies and technologies worldwide.