In the quest for low-carbon industrial transformation, a novel approach is emerging that could reshape the energy landscape of industrial parks. Researchers, led by Zheng Zhang from the School of Electronic Information Engineering at Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, have proposed a model that integrates combined heat and power (CHP) units, carbon capture technologies, and power-to-gas (P2G) conversion equipment. This model, published in the journal *Energies*, introduces a reward and punishment carbon trading mechanism to regulate carbon emissions effectively.
The study aims to optimize the energy consumption structure within industrial parks by minimizing overall operating costs while considering relevant constraints. “Our goal was to create a comprehensive energy system that integrates electricity, heat, gas, and cold energy sources,” Zhang explained. “By incorporating a tiered carbon trading mechanism, we can incentivize low-carbon practices and penalize excessive emissions.”
The researchers employed the Gurobi solver through the Yalmip toolkit to address the optimization problem. Four operational scenarios were established to validate the feasibility of the proposed strategy. The results were promising: the overall expenses decreased by 12.36%, CO₂ emissions reduced by 33.37%, and renewable energy utilization increased by 36.7%.
This approach not only enhances wind power consumption capacity but also improves low-carbon economic benefits within the system. “The integration of CHP, carbon capture, and P2G technologies, coupled with a tiered carbon trading mechanism, can significantly enhance the energy consumption structure of the system,” Zhang noted.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. By adopting this model, industrial parks can achieve sustainable economic development in alignment with “dual carbon” goals—reducing both carbon emissions and energy consumption. This research could shape future developments in the field, encouraging more industries to adopt low-carbon technologies and practices.
As the world moves towards a greener future, such innovative models could play a pivotal role in transforming industrial energy systems. The study by Zhang and his team offers a glimpse into the potential of integrated energy systems and carbon trading mechanisms, paving the way for a more sustainable and economically viable energy landscape.