Assessing the role of low-emission hydrogen: A techno-economic database for hydrogen pathways modelling

Abstract

Hydrogen is globally acknowledged as a versatile energy carrier crucial for decarbonization in multiple sectors. Many countries have initiated the development of national hydrogen roadmaps and strategies, recognizing hydrogen as a strategic resource for achieving sustainable energy transitions. Formulating these guidelines for future action demands a solid technical foundation to facilitate well-informed decision-making. Energy system modelling has emerged as a significant scientific tool to assist governments and ministries in designing hydrogen pathways assessments based on scientific outcomes. The first step in the modelling process involves gathering, curating, and managing techno-economic data, a process that is often time-consuming and hindered by the unavailability and inaccessibility of data sources. This paper introduces an open techno-economic dataset encompassing key technologies within the hydrogen supply chain, spanning from production to end-use applications. Energy modelers, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders can leverage this dataset for energy planning models, with a specific focus on hydrogen pathways. The presented data is designed to promote modelling studies that are retrievable, reusable, repeatable, reconstructable, interoperable, and auditable (U4RIA1). This enhanced transparency aims to foster greater public trust, scientific reproducibility, and increased collaboration amongst academia, industry, and government in producing technical reports that underpin national hydrogen roadmaps and strategies.

Keywords

• Energy system modelling
• Energy transition
• Hydrogen economy
• OSeMOSYS
• Energy policy