According to researchers, hydrogen should not be transported more than a few hundred kilometres. HYGCEL, a joint research project of LUT University, Tampere University, and the University of Eastern Finland, shed light on how new electricity and hydrogen infrastructures should be built in Finland.
“A comprehensive, multidisciplinary, system-level examination is crucial when developing new Power-to-X (P2X) infrastructure,” says Mari Tuomaala, project manager at LUT University.
The study shows that the transportation of P2X end products, such as synthetic fuels, always costs less than that of electricity, carbon dioxide, or hydrogen. Moreover, electricity transmission and hydrogen transportation costs are relatively close. The study indicates that P2X end products should be produced across Finland – in practice, near areas with wind turbines. The locations of the production plants would have an essential effect on infrastructure construction costs.
The study also analysed hundreds of hydrogen-related accidents, revealing human activity as their most frequent cause. In addition, the study shows that joints are the most vulnerable points in hydrogen-related structures. The safety of hydrogen production and transportation can be improved especially through training.
“Grid load can be reduced by utilising battery storage systems, but they alone are not enough to maintain regional balance. Demand flexibility is also needed,” state Professor Sami Repo and Project Manager Yrjö Majanne from Tampere University.
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Finland can profit from its electricity generation by exporting synthetic fuels and chemicals to other European countries
The HYGCEL project's calculations indicate that Finland could produce up to 1,600 TWh of wind power a year. In comparison, the transmission system operator Fingrid uses 160 TWh as the projected value for energy production in 2035. When also solar electricity is included, Finland could produce roughly ten per cent of Europe’s renewable electricity, thereby helping the EU achieve its emission targets.
Finland could further profit from its electricity generation by manufacturing emission-reducing products with a positive handprint and by exporting them to other European countries. Such products include synthetic P2X fuels and chemicals.
“Creating hydrogen markets requires establishing a functional and stable regulatory environment for hydrogen production and markets as soon as possible. That entails taking full advantage of the flexibilities allowed by EU regulations,” says Kim Talus, professor of energy law at the University of Eastern Finland.
Nevertheless, the study confirms that profitable hydrogen production is difficult and requires a range of subsidies, low interest rates, or low-cost electricity. The findings suggest that improving profitability is especially important because P2X products are always more climate-friendly than equivalent fossil products.
Moreover, the researchers point out that taking nature and landscape values into consideration significantly affects how extensively Finland can utilise its potential for renewable electricity. Also, residents’ needs should be taken into account already in the planning of investments. Projects with the most extensive approval are often ones that promote overall well-being in the area.
A follow-up study will focus on topics such as the comprehensive promotion of P2X production across Finland.
More information:
Kim Talus, professor of energy law, University of Eastern Finland, +358 50 442 3315, kim.talus@uef.fi
Sami Repo, professor of electrical engineering, University of Tampere, +358 40 8490 454, sami.repo@tuni.fi
Yrjö Majanne, project manager, University of Tampere, +358 40 1981 168, yrjo.majanne@tuni.fi
