In the quest for carbon neutrality, the building sector stands as a formidable frontier. Buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption and emissions, making them a prime target for decarbonization efforts. A recent study published in the Journal of Engineering Sciences and Technology, led by ZHU Xinrong, sheds light on the promising role of hydrogen energy in transforming buildings into low-carbon powerhouses. The research delves into the intricate stages of hydrogen energy utilization, from production to application, offering a roadmap for the energy sector’s future.
The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like wind and solar has long posed a challenge for meeting buildings’ energy demands consistently. However, hydrogen energy, with its potential for storage and flexible use, could be the key to unlocking a low-carbon future for buildings. “Hydrogen production via electrolysis of water using renewable energy is still in its early stages,” notes ZHU Xinrong, “but with further reductions in the cost of wind and solar power generation, and improvements in long-distance hydrogen storage and transportation, this method may become a primary means of hydrogen production in the future.”
The study outlines several pathways for hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. Proton exchange membrane electrolyzers, for instance, show great promise in absorbing fluctuating wind and photovoltaic power. For transportation, liquid hydrogen via vehicles and ships, pure hydrogen pipelines, and natural gas pipelines blended with hydrogen are emerging as viable options.
In buildings, hydrogen can be utilized in various ways: blending with natural gas, using pure hydrogen, converting hydrogen to methane, and applying hydrogen fuel cell cogeneration systems. The research categorizes specific forms of building hydrogen utilization systems, including combinations with photovoltaic hydrogen storage, solar thermal systems, ground source heat pumps, hydrogen fuel vehicles, batteries, and even fossil fuel systems. These systems not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance energy efficiency and resilience.
Practical cases of hydrogen application in buildings, from residential homes to office buildings and communities, are detailed in the study. These examples highlight the modes and key parameters of hydrogen utilization, providing a tangible glimpse into the future of low-carbon buildings. However, the journey is not without challenges. “High costs, particularly for hydrogen fuel cells, remain a key obstacle to the broader promotion of hydrogen energy,” ZHU Xinrong acknowledges. Despite this, the study finds that photovoltaic hydrogen production is already competitive with other methods like natural gas reforming and methanol-based production.
The commercial implications of this research are vast. As the energy sector grapples with the transition to a low-carbon economy, hydrogen energy presents a compelling opportunity. The study’s findings can serve as a reference for promoting and applying hydrogen energy in buildings, driving innovation and investment in the sector. Moreover, the research underscores the need for breakthroughs in key technologies such as renewable hydrogen production, fuel cells, and combined heat and power generation to reduce the cost of hydrogen utilization.
The study’s insights are particularly relevant for China, where most hydrogen-related equipment currently relies on imports. By matching building load characteristics with different energy storage systems and evaluating the comprehensive performance of hydrogen energy systems, China can pave the way for a hydrogen-powered future. The research, published in the Journal of Engineering Sciences and Technology, offers a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of hydrogen energy utilization in buildings, setting the stage for a low-carbon revolution in the building sector. As the world races towards carbon neutrality, hydrogen energy could very well be the game-changer the energy sector has been waiting for.