Hydrogen Strategies: an Integrated Resource Planning Analysis for the Development of Hydrogen Energy Infrastructures

Proceedings of the International Hydrogen Energy Congress and Exhibition (IHEC 2005), Istanbul, Turkey, 13 - 15 July 2005 Major funding programs for RD&D started worldwide and the booming hydrogen-energy research field are clear symptoms of an increased attention focus on hydrogen as the next best energy option. How does this flourishing of activities translate into effective steps towards a hydrogen economy? What are the best options for the development of hydrogen-energy infrastructures from the embryonic stages to their well-established perspective roles in the wider regional, national and international energy economies? What are the real benefits delivered by hydrogen energy systems in terms of reduced energy dependence and environmental load of energy-related activities? What are the possible synergies and interplays with the other energy pathways? The key elements and ultimately the shape of future hydrogen energy economies will depend on their geo-economic characteristics and current energy infrastructure. In different geographic contexts, to quote some, different will be the potential primary resources for hydrogen production, different the issues associated to location and characteristics of the potential demand for hydrogenenergy services and different the issues related to the siting of hydrogen-energy infrastructure. The evolution of the energy system, the characteristics of its infrastructure, the actual and projected mix of primary sources and conversion technologies together with the characteristics demand served are key elements to understand where hydrogen systems could better fit, taking advantage of side effects and synergies with the existing energy chains. An extensive analysis of the current energy economy under the principles of Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) helps the assessment of hydrogen production potentials and to identify barriers and drivers for hydrogen-energy developments. The results of this analysis and the scoping of alternative hydrogen scenarios under the IRP approach are presented here for the case study of Tasmania (Australia). The rationale for the application of the methodology to the case studies of California (USA) and Sardinia (Italy) is also presented. The outline of a methodology for the analysis of hydrogen infrastructure development strategies integrating IRP, energy systems and GIS-based modeling is also presented.