Academic achievements

Carbon capture and utilization under EU law: impermanent storage of CO₂ in products and pre-combustion carbon capture

Author: Kim Talus^a and Reza Maddahi^a

a:University of Eastern Finland

Journal of World Energy Law and Business, 17 (2024) 5, p. 295-308.

The evolving regulatory landscape within the EU demonstrates a transition from prioritizing carbon capture and storage over carbon capture and utilization towards a more equitable treatment of both approaches in relevant legislation and policy frameworks. Nevertheless, the ‘permanence’ criterion of carbon dioxide in the products remains an ongoing challenge. Within the current European legal framework, harnessing the regulatory incentives depends on how long carbon dioxide remains in carbon capture and utilization products. The study elucidates the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding carbon capture and utilization by examining recent legislative initiatives and amendments to key directives such as the Emissions Trading System Directive and the Renewable Energy Directive. Furthermore, it explores the implications of the European Union Net-zero Industry Act and the Carbon Removal Certification Framework. In addition, this article examines and explains the need for expanding the scope of carbon capture and utilization and storage by incorporating pre-combustion carbon capture through methane splitting into the definition.

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st and 2nd.

Realism at the end of the rainbow? An argument towards diversifying hydrogen in EU regulation

Author: Kim Talus^a, Jaqueline Pinto^a, Francisca Gallegos^a

a:University of Eastern Finland

Journal of World Energy Law and Business, 17 (2024) 4, p.217-233.

The European Union’s (EU) decarbonization strategy involves hydrogen as an integral pillar. Since hydrogen is a secondary energy carrier, meaning it must be manufactured, not all hydrogen is made equal. Renewable hydrogen or RFNBOs (Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origins) have been given high priority by the EU in their strategy to establish a market for hydrogen. The EU’s creation of RFNBO usage objectives is a step towards establishing a demand-side market. One such goal is to bring into the EU up to 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen. However, it is doubtful that this large amount can be reached given the strict criteria for what qualifies as renewable hydrogen and, thus, as RFNBO. This article analyses key provisions of the EU framework that affect the EU’s aim to produce and import up to 20 million tonnes of hydrogen overall. It concludes the EU’s emphasis on RFNBOs rather than a broader range of hydrogen pathways undermines the goal of rapidly developing a hydrogen market. Using turquoise hydrogen as a case study, the article shows how the EU’s decarbonization efforts would be aided, trade would be enabled, and fragmentation would be decreased if targets were expanded to encompass additional forms of hydrogen.

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

Regulating the future hydrogen trade in the EU: WTO law considerations

Author: Moritz Wüstenberg^a

a:University of Eastern Finland (until June 2023)

Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law, 41:4, 489-502.

https://doi.org/10.1080/02646811.2023.2165315 [Access through an institution, or other rights to read the journal are needed.]

The concept for the extensive use of hydrogen as an energy carrier is not new but has regained traction recently. To drive the development of the hydrogen economy, national regulatory frameworks for the hydrogen economy are emerging in many parts of the world, including the European Union. The focus of this contribution is on the interaction of the emerging EU hydrogen policies and regulations with the rules of the WTO. The key finding is that conflicts between the norms of the EU and the WTO can be avoided, but policymakers need to act for this to be accomplished.

For more information, contact the author of the article.

Investor sentiment towards hydrogen economy

Author: Julia Räisänen

Master's Thesis. LUT University. School of Business and Management. 

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2023072490919 [Open Access]

This thesis provides an overview of investor sentiment towards hydrogen economy. The sentiments of retail investors from Finland, Australia and the US towards aspects related to hydrogen, the hydrogen economy and investing in hydrogen are analysed from comments posted on online discussion forums. The second group of investors considered consists of companies that have invested or are planning to invest in green hydrogen projects in Finland. Representatives of the companies were interviewed about the final investment decisions and the Finnish hydrogen economy. The investors’ sentiment towards hydrogen-related aspects was mainly neutral or positive. The most frequently mentioned aspect group for Australian investors was related to green hydrogen and renewable energy. Finnish and US investors were also more interested in green hydrogen and renewable energy than fossils and non-green energy. The interviewees identified investment aid and the price of green electricity as the key factors influencing the investment decisions. They also argued that the focus on reducing emissions and tackling the climate change should be on the overall picture, rather than focusing on too much on definitions and individual solutions.

A guide to hydrogen legislation in the USA: a renewed effort (Talus and Martin 2022)

Authors: Kim Talus^a and Maxwell Martin

a: University of Eastern Finland

The Journal of World Energy Law & Business, Volume 15, Issue 6, December 2022, Pages 449–461.

Online ISSN 1754-9965

https://doi.org/10.1093/jwelb/jwac029 [Open Access]

This article will discuss how hydrogen-based energy could resolve green-energy uptake issues in the USA. In doing so, this article will first present the unique characteristics of hydrogen and its production methods. Next, this article will detail prior US hydrogen policy which often focused on research and development (R&D) rather than implementation strategies. Later, this paper will delve into the Biden Administration’s recent legislation Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the hydrogen production incentivization policies enacted. And last, this article will delve into issues that were not resolved by the recent legislation.

For more information, contact the 1st author.

Hydrogen in the United States - Developmental perspective

Authors: Kim Talus^a and Eric Smith

a: University of Eastern Finland

Ogel 2 (2021), www.ogel.org

https://www.ogel.org/article.asp?key=3966 [Subscribtion needed]

This article is discussing about the hydrogen production methods in the US and the policies since the 1990s. Currently, many sectors use grey hydrogen, and their CO₂ emissions could significantly reduce if they would use green hydrogen. The annual production of hydrogen in the US is 10 million metric tons, which is primarily utilized by the industry. Most of it is produced via SMR from natural gas, a small fraction by coal gasification, and 1 % via electrolysis. The fossil-based processes can be coupled with CCS and CCU, but electrolysis (powered by nuclear power or renewables) is considered by many to have the real potential for a zero-emission fuel chain. The first official hydrogen policy in the US entered into force in 1992 (the Energy Policy Act), which promulgated large-scale hydrogen research. Since then, the policies regarding hydrogen have been created and updated.In 2017, H2@Scale was launched to enable affordable and reliable largescale hydrogen generation, transport, storage, and utilization throughout the energy system in the US. Before green hydrogen is going to have a place in the energy mix, a lot of both, private and public funding, must be identified and spent. Also, many parts of the existing federal and state regulatory framework must be re-written.

For more information, contact the 1st author.

Electrochemical CO2 conversion in eutectic Li-Ba and Li-Ca carbonate mixtures

Authors: Emma Laasonen^a, Anafi Nur’Aini^a, Alireza Charmforoushan^b, Vesa Ruuskanen^a, Markku Niemelä^a, Tuomas Koiranen^a, Jero Ahola^a, and Jyrki M. Mäkelä^b

a: LUT University

b: Tampere University

International Journal of Electrochemical Science, Volume 19, Issue 5, 2024, 100555

ISSN 1452-3981

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijoes.2024.100555 [Open Access]

Here, the impact of electrolyte selection and electrolysis temperature on carbon morphology, energy consumption, and voltage efficiency in molten Li₂CO₃-BaCO₃ and Li₂CO₃-CaCO₃ electrolytes during 90 min 10 A constant current electrolysis are investigated. The scarcity of experimental investigations into these binary electrolytes, coupled with a lack of systematic investigation of temperature effects, necessitates further examination. The comprehensive analysis of the produced carbon reveals that both electrolyte composition and temperature influence carbon morphology. At lower temperatures the effect of electrolyte composition to the morphology is a more significant. The type and amount of metallic impurities mixed with the carbon vary depending on the electrolyte composition and electrolysis temperatures. The results from Li₂CO₃-CaCO₃ electrolyte show more promising compared to results from Li₂CO₃-BaCO₃ electrolyte in terms of product quality. Regarding electrolysis power and voltage efficiency, Li₂CO₃-CaCO₃ proves equal or superior to other electrolytes, depending on temperature. Heat generation occurs in all the experiments, which emphasizes the importance maintaining a constant electrolysis temperature in industrial processes to manage heat generation effectively.

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd...

Uncertainty Analysis for Power-to-Methanol plant regarding Economic and Flexibility Parameters

Authors: Eero Inkeri^a, Hossein Enayatizadeh^a, Jaakko Hyypiä^a, Tero Tynjälä^a, Hannu Karjunen^a, and Nashmin Hosseinpour^a

a: LUT University

Proceedings of the International Renewable Energy Storage and Systems Conference (IRES 2023)

ISSN 2589-4943

https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-455-6_9 [Open Access]

This study focuses on investigating the operational fexibility and economic parameters of a PtM system, where hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis and subsequently combined with carbon dioxide to produce methanol. The system is primarily powered by wind and solar energy, with the option to supplement with grid electricity, provided the grid usage remains within the surplus of renewable power as mandated by the rules for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO). The main objective of this research is to assess the effects of plant and economic parameters on the operation, cost breakdown, and optimal capacities of the system’s key components, namely the electrolyzer, synthesis unit, and hydrogen storage. Specifcally, the study aims to identify dominant parameters that have a signifcant impact on system capacities and overall operation. Plant fexibility is determined by the availability of part load, storage, and combination of electricity sources. By conducting a comprehensive analysis incorporating technical and economic factors, this study seeks to provide insights into the uncertainties associated with investment decisions. Ultimately, this research aims to advance the understanding of the interplay between plant fexibility, economic considerations, and the optimal capacities of PtM systems.  

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd...

E-fuels: Pathway towards cleaner future

Authors: Jouni Havukainen^a and Jani Sillman^a.

a: LUT University

Chapter in a book Decarbonization Strategies and Drivers to Achieve Carbon Neutrality for Sustainability. Elsevier.

eBook ISBN: 9780443136085

https://shop.elsevier.com/books/decarbonization-strategies-and-drivers-to-achieve-carbon-neutrality-for-sustainability/nunes/978-0-443-13607-8 

Increasing renewable electricity generation based on the solar and wind power poses requirements for the energy storage options, while there is simultaneously an increased demand for replacing fossil fuels in transport, aviation, and maritime sectors. Power-to-X (PtX) technologies provide one solution to store the electricity in a form that can be utilized as fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, synthetic natural gas, and ammonia. Even though hydrogen can be directly utilized as a fuel, its transport, storage, and use pose challenges, which lead to the development of hydrogen-based synthesis technologies. The required CO₂ for hydrocarbons produced through PtX can be captured, for example, from the flue gases of combustion or cement plants. At the same time, direct air capture (DAC) technologies are developing to provide an optional source for CO₂ that does not require combustion.  

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st and 2nd.

Assessing European supply chain configurations for sustainable e-polyethylene production from sustainable CO₂ and renewable electricity 

Authors: Gabriel Lopez^a, Tansu Galimova^a, Mahdi Fasihi^a, Dimitrii Bogdanov^a, Lauri Leppäkoski^a, Ville Uusitalo^a, and Christian Breyer^a.

a: LUT University

Energy Conversion and Management, Volume 306, 2024, 118295. Elsevier.

ISSN 0196-8904

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2024.118295 [Open Access]

The current European chemical industry is dependent on fossil fuels and the import of products is a critical component of the industry. A transition to a power-to-chemicals structure provides an opportunity to locally supply chemical feedstocks. This study develops a techno-economic model to examine the supply chain options and applies a life-cycle analysis to assess the climate impacts for e-polyethylene for four European regions of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, Spain, and Finland under seven polyethylene supply chain configurations compared to local production. A hydrogen cost of 27 €/MWh in 2050, that can be achieved in Spain and Morocco, is found to lead to ethylene production costs similar to those in Europe today, at 631 €/t. Imports of electricity-based methanol and e-polyethylene (from Chile and Morocco) lead to levelised costs ranging from 56–118% and 42–108% of locally produced e-polyethylene in the studied European regions by 2050, respectively, whereas hydrogen imports lead to 119–235% of local e-polyethylene production costs. Cradle-to-gate life-cycle results find that fully local e-polyethylene production in the studied European regions has 15–61% lower GHG-emissions than fossil polyethylene production. However, if the carbon content of the plastic is considered, negative carbon footprints can be achieved.

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd ...

Thermal storage deployment in the framework of current electricity market design 

Authors: Jasmin Jaanto^a, Ville Sihvonen^a, Samuli Honkapuro^a, Juhani Riikonen^b, Alisdair Price^b*, Markku Ylönen^c, and Ville Kivioja^c.

a: LUT University

b: Flexens Oy Ab b*: Flexens Oy Ab until September 2023

c: Polar Night Energy Oy

2023 19th International Conference on the European Energy Market (EEM), Lappeenranta, Finland, 2023, pp. 1-7.

Electronic ISSN: 2165-4093

https://doi.org/10.1109/EEM58374.2023.10161744 [The publication will become public the 4th of September 2025 in LUTPub]

Sector coupling has a remarkable role in the optimal fulfilment of the energy transition. In order to reduce emissions of the energy sector, but also to increase the flexibility of the electricity system, clean energy production solutions offering multi-sector flexibility are needed, such as power-to-heat technologies and various thermal energy storages. In this paper, the participation of power-to-heat technologies and thermal energy storages in the electricity market are examined. In particular, the paper aims to review the key enablers, barriers, and drivers for power-to-heat and thermal energy storages in the context of electricity markets. Additionally, the technical potential of power-to-heat technologies combined with thermal energy storages are examined. The study is based on a literature review and examines especially the context of Finnish energy system and market.

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd ...

Sustainable energy transition of Greenland and its prospects as a potential Arctic e-fuel and e-chemical export hub for Europe and East Asia

Authors: Tansu Galimova^a, Rasul Satymov^a, Dominik Keiner^a, and Christian Breyer^a.

a: LUT University

Energy, Volume 286, 2024, 129605. Elsevier.

ISSN 0360-5442

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.129605 [Open Access]

Greenland’s energy system is very vulnerable to oil prices, as it relies on imported oil. Rich wind resources complementary with solar resources may enable a transition to a sustainable and self-sufficient energy system. Greenland’s transition to a 100% renewable energy system between 2019 and 2050 and its position as a potential e-fuels and e-chemicals production hub for Europe, Japan, and South Korea, has been investigated in this study using the EnergyPLAN model. The results indicate a 25% reduction in annualised costs for a fully renewable energy system compared to the reference system. Importing regions can benefit from some of the lowest-cost energy carriers in the world in 2030, and these energy carriers will continue to have a low-cost level in 2050. This study estimates that the production and export of e-fuels and e-chemicals would require up to 300,000 workers for construction and operations. Renewable energy enables a full defossilisation of Greenland’s energy system, enhances energy security, and provides opportunities for additional export revenues of up to 61 b€ annually.

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd ...

Enhancing Primary Frequency Control in Microgrids through Self-Smoothing Photovoltaic Systems

Authors: Nida Riaz^a, Lasse Peltonen^a, Sami Repo^a, and Pertti Järventausta^a.

a: Tampere University

2023 25th European Conference on Power Electronics and Applications (EPE'23 ECCE Europe), Aalborg, Denmark, 2023, pp. 1-10.

Electronic ISBN: 978-9-0758-1541-2

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23919/EPE23ECCEEurope58414.2023.10264311 [Access through an institution, or other rights to read the publication are needed.]

The intermittency of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation creates challenges for power systems frequency control which raises the need to employ fast-acting reserves e.g., battery energy storage systems (BESS) to improve the system frequency response. This paper explores the concept of orientational smoothing together with the frequency control of deloaded PV systems to improve self-balancing, reduce reliance on BESS, and ensure more consistent availability of the regulation reserves. The methodology involves EMT-type simulations for seven different cases of distributed PV orientations. These cases are studied for three different frequency control scenarios of a microgrid. The results demonstrate that PV systems with real rooftop and east-west orientations exhibit reduced frequency deviations and reduced rate of change of frequency.

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd ...

Integrating Hydrogen Economy with High Shares of Wind and Solar Power in Finnish Energy System: Operational Modelling Approach

Author: Arttu Virtanen

Master's Thesis. Tampere University. Environmental and Energy Engrineering. 

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202304204002 [Open access]

The objective of this thesis is to increase understanding of the modelled system and to analyse the effects and regional characteristics of increasing renewable power production and hydrogen production from the viewpoint of scenario years 2035 and 2050. In the case study, the created model is validated against 2021 statistical data and the Simulations are based on economic dispatch. In the first part of the case study, increasing renewable power production replaces mainly electricity imports and power production of the CHP plants. When wind and solar power capacities are increased, Finland becomes net electricity exporter, some renewable electricity production is curtailed, electricity marginal prices are lowered, and CO₂ emissions are reduced. In the second part, renewable power production can be fully utilized, and the waste heat from electrolysers has an important role in supplying district heat, especially with higher production amounts of hydrogen. Regional distribution of renewable electricity capacity highly indicates where hydrogen and its derivatives are most profitable to produce. Consequently, most of the production is concentrated in North Ostrobothnia and western Finland.

Hydrogen transport options for a large industrial user: Analysis on costs, efficiency, and GHG emissions in steel mills

Authors: Satu Lipiäinen^a, Jani Sillman^a, Esa Vakkilainen^a, Risto Soukka^a and Mari Tuomaala^a

a: LUT University

Elsevier. Sustainable production and consumption 44 (2024): 1–13. Web.

ISSN 2352-5509

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2023.11.021 [Open access]

Hydrogen delivery to large users calls for building of new infrastructures. This study analyses five different hydrogen delivery pathways: mill-site electrolysis, pipeline transport of hydrogen in new and repurposed pipelines, pipeline transport of synthetic methane, and shipping of various products. Costs, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are evaluated using a steel mill consuming 144 kt of hydrogen. Mill-site electrolysis and both the hydrogen pipeline transport alternative seemed to be the best performers among the studied cases. Pipeline transport of synthetic methane and shipping have around 130 % and 40 % higher costs in comparison to mill-site hydrogen production and pipeline transport of hydrogen. Their energy efficiencies were the least appealing. Greenhouse gas emissions of the studied cases varies between 7.7 and 13.7 kgCO2-eq/kgH2. 

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd ...

Use of existing gas infrastructure in European hydrogen economy

Authors: Satu Lipiäinen^a, Kalle Lipiäinen^a, Antti Ahola^a and Esa Vakkilainen^a

a: LUT University

Elsevier. International journal of hydrogen energy 48.80 (2023): 31317–31329. Web.

ISSN 0360-3199

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.04.283 [Open Access]

This study improves understanding of hydrogen transport options in Europe and provides more detailed analysis on the prospects for hydrogen transport in Finland. Many European countries aim at utilizing existing gas infrastructure for hydrogen and conducted studies as well as pilot facilities have provided promising results. Hydrogen reduces the fatigue life of the pipeline, but existing pipelines can be used for hydrogen if pressure variation is maintained at a reasonable level and the maximum operation pressure is limited. Moreover, the use of existing pipelines can reduce hydrogen transport costs, but the suitability of every pipeline for hydrogen must be analyzed, and several issues must be considered. The development of hydrogen transport will vary within countries depending on the structure of the existing gas infrastructure, and on the future hydrogen use profile.

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd ...

Value creation by converting pulp mill  flue gas streams to green fuels

Authors: Hannu Karjunen^a, Tero Tynjälä^a, Katja Kuparinen^a, Esa Vakkilainen^a and Tero Joronen^b

a: LUT University

b: Tampere University

TAPPI J. 22(3): 193(2023).

ISSN 0734-1415

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32964/TJ22.3.193 [Open Access]

Intermittent renewable electricity requires supporting systems in the form of sustainable hydrocarbon chemicals such as transportation fuels. Bulk chemical production fits well into a pulp mill environment. Until now, the utilization of the flue gases from conventional operation of a pulp mill has received little attention. Harnessing these flue gases into usable products could offer additional value to mill operators and diversify their product portfolio, but there are some challenges regarding the competitiveness and uncertainties regarding the commodity prices. Thus, the objective of this study is to estimate the economic competitiveness and the added value of selected side products that could be produced alongside conventional pulp and paper products. The focus of the study is on synthetic methanol, which is produced from flue gases and excess resources from the mill, with minimal interference to the pulping process. The results indicate that power-to-X systems offer one more viable pathway alternative for broadening the product portfolio of the pulp and paper sector, as well as opening new flexibility measures and services to grid stabilization. Market conditions were found to have a significant impact on the perceived profitability.

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd ...

High cost of slow energy transitions for emerging countries: On the case of Egypt’s pathway options

Authors: Mai ElSayed^a, Arman Aghahosseini^a, and Christian Breyer^a

a: LUT University

Elsevier. Renewable energy 210 (2023): 107–126. Web.

ISSN 0960-1481

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2023.04.036 [Open Access]

This study explores the energy transition pathway options for Egypt across the power, heat, transport, and desalination sectors as a representative case study for other emerging sunbelt economies. The LUT Energy System Transition Model has been used to investigate the feasibility of six scenarios, including four variations of best policy, delayed policy, and current policy scenarios. The least-cost solution, achieving 100% renewable energy and zero CO2 emissions by 2050, is dominated by solar PVs at 90% of the total primary energy demand. Key transition enablers are the excellent and low-cost solar resources, energy storage, and P2X technologies allowing high electrification and full sector coupling. The results reveal that the current and delayed policy scenarios are the most expensive pathways. Such a transition would require policy reforms that balance investment risks in emerging economies and enable its financial mobilization.

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd ...

Analysing the techno-economic impact of e-fuels and e-chemicals production for exports and carbon dioxide removal on the energy system of sunbelt countries – Case of Egypt

Authors: Mai ElSayed^a, Arman Aghahosseini^a, Upeksha Caldera, and Christian Breyer^a

a: LUT University

Elsevier. Applied energy 343 (2023): 121216-. Web.

ISSN 0306-2619

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121216 [Open Access]

Previous studies have investigated the feasibility of e-fuels and e-chemicals production for export and some CO₂ removal technologies in several regions. This study investigates the techno-economic impacts of offering such services on an exporting country’s energy system as it transitions to 100% renewable energy by 2050. Egypt is used as a representative case study for sunbelt countries with adequate land area. Four scenarios with different system configurations have been investigated using the LUT Energy System Transition Model and compared to a reference 100% domestic renewable energy system. The results show that Egypt can technically provide 5% of the required global CO₂ removal capacity starting from 2035, and 10% of Europe’s demand for e-fuels and e-chemicals starting from 2025 within land use constraints. The provision of both services enhances the domestic energy system performance by reducing the levelized costs of CO₂ and H₂ as well as other domestic cost metrics and system losses. 

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd ...

Impact of international transportation chains on cost of green e-hydrogen: Global cost of H₂ and consequences for Germany and Finland

Authors: Tansu Galimova^a, Mahdi Fasihi^a, Dimitrii Bogdanov^a, and Christian Breyer^a

a: LUT University

Elsevier. Applied energy 347 (2023): 121369-. Web.

ISSN 0306-2619

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121369 [Open Access]

Widely available and low-cost solar PVs and wind power can enable production of renewable electricity-based hydrogen at many locations throughout the world. Hydrogen is expected to emerge as an important energy carrier, but its most important role will be as feedstock for further processing to e-fuels, e-chemicals, and e-steel. This paper assesses the feasibility of e-hydrogen imports to Germany and Finland from two case regions with a high availability of low-cost renewable electricity, Chile and Morocco, in comparison to domestic supply. Special attention is paid to the transport infrastructure, which has a crucial impact on the economic viability of imports via two routes, shipping and pipelines. This study has found that in early 2020s, imported fuel costs are 39–79% and 34–100% higher and in 2050, 39-70% and 43-54% higher than e-hydrogen produced in Germany and Finland, respectively. E-Hydrogen may become a fuel that is mostly produced domestically and may be feasible for imports only in specific locations.

For more information, contact the authors of the article in the following order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd ...

The modelling and optimization of hydrogen storage as a part of power-to-x supply chain

Author: Sampo Vilve

Master's thesis. LUT School of Energy Systems. Energy technology. 

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20230905117420 [Open Access]

In this master’s thesis issues related to the costs of renewable hydrogen production, processing and storage were covered by extensive literature review. Research considering techno-economic performance of P2X systems was carried out for hydrogen production methods specifically electrolysis technologies, hydrogen compression, hydrogen storage methods, transportation, and distribution but also the end use applications. Additionally, comparison analysis was carried out through the thesis. In the second part, the gaseous hydrogen tank storage was separately evaluated as a part of e-methanol production plant. For 100-800 bar storage pressure the total levelized costs were calculated to be around 0,065-11,27 €/kgH2 where compression costs were more dominant in shorter storage durations and lower capacities but overpowered by storage costs in longer durations and higher capacities. Depending on the duration and capacities the optimal pressure varied between (from lower to higher) <100 bar and ≤520 bar depending on the case. The optimized costs for the example case went somewhat in line with the values from the literature validating the results.

Biomethanation potential in biogas and bioethanol plants in Finland

Author: Maija Ijäs

Master's thesis. Tampere University. Environmental and Energy Engineering.

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202210187668 [Open Access]

Biomethanation produces methane-rich biomethane by biologically combining H2 with CO2 stream. The main objectives of this work were to find out the biomethanation potential in a typical case study as well as in the national level of Finland and to investigate potential biomethanation’s significance in terms of biomethane production. In addition, issues related to utilizing biomethanation in Finnish biogas plants were investigated. Finland’s biomethanation potential was investigated for years 2020 and 2030, and case study’s potential for one year operation. Continuous in-situ biomethanation potential in the case study corresponded to 46 % increase in the annual biomethane production (the actual increase is likely lower). Non-continuous in-situ biomethanation (operation dependent on electricity price) could operate at 29 % of the full capacity. Integrating biomethanation to biogas plants was calculated to increase Finland’s national methane production potential by 47 % in 2020, and by 40 % in 2030. Finland’s biomethanation potential in comparison to Finland’s energy sector was found to be growing in importance by 2030, with the biogas and biomethane productions increasing.

Dynamic modelling of methanol synthesis from electrolytic hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide 

Author: Viet Hung Nguyen

Master's thesis. LUT School of Engineering Science. Chemical Technology. 

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2022120970248 [Open Access]

Power-to-methanol, in which methanol can be produced from captured CO2 and electrolytic H2, can be seen as a promising solution for CO2 emission reduction leading to diminish global warming. However, the fluctuation in the amount of H2 generated from renewable electricity via water electrolysis leads (1) to challenges with storage and (2) to a variable methanol production integrating with power and H2 generation. In this thesis, a dynamic model of crude methanol synthesis through CO2 hydrogenation was built (using Aspen Plus Dynamics) to assess the stability of control structures and the efficiencies of the process during feed stream disturbances. The results pointed out that the flow rate of the outputs (crude methanol and purging gases) and heat duties of the heat exchangers, can follow up and agree with the changes in H2 feed rate. The energy efficiency of the system is around 87-88.5 %. It was found out, that for feasible operation of heat exchanger (reactor preheater), the process should be operated at over 24.6 % loading levels.

Energy transition changing land use – estimating large-scale PV and Power-to-X potential of present peat production areas

Authors: Otto Räisänen^a, Julius Vilppo^a, Jouni Haapaniemi^a, Antti Supponen^b, Hannu Karjunen^a, Sami Repo^b, and Jukka Lassila^a

a: LUT University

b: Tampere University

2022 18th International Conference on the European Energy Market (EEM). Piscataway: IEEE, 2022. 1–6. Web.

ISSN 2165-4093

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/EEM54602.2022.9921078 [Access through an institution, or other rights to read the publication are needed.]

Due to EU Climate policies the use of peat as an energy source is winding down. In Finland there was approximately 900 km ² of active peat production area in 2021 and it has been proposed that these now unused areas could be suitable for housing large scale solar PV installations. In this paper a geo-spatial analysis of the solar PV potential of the peat production areas in Finland with relation to existing power delivery infrastructure is studied. The P2X potential of the PV generation is also estimated in relation to P2X related infrastructure. The main results of this study show that the peat production areas have significant potential for PV energy generation, and they are largely located nearby power grid infrastructure. Possible capacity problems in existing networks resulting from utilizing a large portion of the potential could be alleviated with P2X. It was shown that peat production areas are also located close to P2X transport and end use infrastructure. P2X could be used for the needs of the transportation sector, heavy industries or transferred via existing gas pipelines.

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Operation of P2X-Related Processes Based on Advanced Data-Driven Methods: A Comprehensive Review 

Authors: Mehar Ullah^a, Daniel Gutierrez-Rojas^a, Eero Inkeri^a, Tero Tynjälä^a, and Pedro H. J. Nardelli^a.

a: LUT University

Energies 2022, 15, 8118. MDPI.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en15218118 [Open Access]

This study is a systematic analysis of selected research articles about P2X-related processes. One of the most supported actions against global warming is to employ renewable energy resources, some of which are intermittent, such as solar and wind. This brings the need for large-scale, longer-period energy storage solutions. In this sense, the P2X process chain could play this role: renewable energy can be converted into storable hydrogen, chemicals, and fuels via electrolysis and subsequent synthesis with CO₂. The main contribution of this study is to provide a systematic articulation of advanced data-driven methods and latest technologies such as the IoT, big data analytics, and machine learning for the efficient operation of P2X-related processes. We summarize our findings into different working architectures and illustrate them with a numerical result that employs a machine learning model using historic data to define operational parameters for a given P2X process.

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Climate change performance of hydrogen production based on life cycle assessment

Authors: Gulam Husain Patel^a, Jouni Havukainen^a, Mika Horttanainen^a, Risto Soukka^a and Mari Tuomaala^a

a: LUT University 

Royal Society of Chemistry. Green chemistry : an international journal and green chemistry resource :GC, 2024, 26, 992-1006.

DOI: 10.1039/D3GC02410E [Open Access]

This study aims to compare the climate change impacts and the main factors affecting them for grey (SMR), blue (SMR-CCS), turquoise (TDM), and green hydrogen (PEM electrolysis) production. For grey, blue, and turquoise hydrogen two routes for natural gas are considered: 1. pipeline from Russia and 2. LNG from the USA. For green hydrogen, two options for renewable energy are considered: 1. wind and 2. solar. LCA results showed that green hydrogen has the lowest emissions [kgCO₂/kgH₂]: green 1. 0.6 and 2. 2.5, turquoise 1. 6.1 and 2. 8.3, blue 1. 7.6 and 2. 9.3, and grey 1. 12.3 and 2. 13.9. LCA results showed that green hydrogen has the 80-95% lower emissions compared to grey hydrogen, meeting the RED II directive. For turquoise hydrogen the impact will be lower if the carbon by-product (Solid carbon) is sequestrated or utilized.

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Lessons learned and recommendations from analysis of H₂ incidents and accidents to support risk assessment for the H₂ economy

Authors: Rami Alfasfos^a, Jani Sillman^a, and Risto Soukka^a

a: LUT University 

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 60, pp. 1203-1214. Elsevier.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.02.226 [Open Access]

This study addresses challenges associated with hydrogen’s physio-chemical characteristics and the need for safety and public acceptance as a precursor to the emerging hydrogen economy. It highlights the gap in existing literature regarding lessons learned from events in the green hydrogen production value chain. The study aims to use the documented lessons learned from previous hydrogen-related events to assist in enhancing safety measures and to guide stakeholders on how to avoid and mitigate future hydrogen-related events. Given the potential catastrophic consequences, robust safety systems are essential for hydrogen economy development. The work underscores the importance of human and operational factors as root causes of these events. The paper recommends establishing a specialized hydrogen-related event database to support risk assessment and risk mitigation, thus catering to the growing hydrogen industry’s needs, and facilitating quick access to critical information for stakeholders in the private and public sectors.

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