Impacts of photocatalytic hydrogen production on the European energy system

TL;DR

This paper evaluates how increasing photocatalytic hydrogen production impacts the European energy system, highlighting geographic shifts, cost considerations, and strategic planning needs for sustainable integration.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of photocatalysis integration into the European energy system using an advanced optimization model, revealing geographic and economic implications.

Findings

Photocatalysis could shift hydrogen demand from Northwest to South Europe.

Costs of photocatalysis are within projected ranges, supporting its economic viability.

Strategic planning is essential to maximize benefits and avoid lock-ins.

Abstract

Especially in regions with high solar irradiation, photocatalysis presents a promising low-cost "green" hydrogen production option. Thus, this paper analyzes impacts of increasing photocatalysis shares on the European energy system using an open-source energy system optimization model covering the electricity, industry, and heating sectors with high spatial and temporal resolution. Photocatalysis deployment is investigated at various market shares by exogenously altering photocatalysis costs. The results show that integrating photocatalysis necessitates systematic adjustments since it lacks the flexible load attributes of water electrolysis. Therefore, a significant geographic shift in hydrogen production and demand from the Northwest to South Europe is expected in the case of large-scale photocatalysis adoption. Despite these challenges, installed photocatalysis shows costs within the photocatalysis cost projections. Thus, photocatalysis could contribute to a critical diversification of hydrogen production, easing material demands for other renewable technologies. Nevertheless, it requires strategic planning to avoid lock-ins and to maximize its potential.