Hydrogen potential in industry decarbonisation: a comprehensive approach leveraging a flexible modelling framework

This work investigates the potential of hydrogen in decarbonising hard-to-abate and energy-intensive industrial sectors, such as steel, cement, and paper production, where conventional decarbonisation strategies frequently prove inadequate. The study focuses on the further development and application of the Multi-Energy System Simulator (MESS), an open-source tool designed for the analysis and planning of multi-energy systems across various temporal and spatial scales. This work extends the capabilities of MESS to encompass the entire hydrogen supply chain, from production to storage, utilisation, and conversion, thereby facilitating the investigation of hydrogen adoption in different industries. Detailed numerical models are developed to represent the operational characteristics of various hydrogen technologies, including electrolysers, compression and storage systems, and conversion systems like SOFCs and gas turbines. By computing energy and mass balances, MESS enables detailed simulations and techno-economic evaluations across various time resolutions and operational conditions. This facilitates the identification of optimal system configurations that minimise costs and enhance renewable energy integration. Key performance indicators such as the Levelised Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) and environmental impact (GHG index) are evaluated to determine hydrogen's viability for different applications. Its feasibility as an energy carrier, storage medium, renewable feedstock, or industrial heat source is explored through diverse case studies, showcasing both its strengths and limitations. The findings highlight the effectiveness of hydrogen in aiding the decarbonisation of industrial sectors, presenting solutions that can be both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. The viability of targeted solutions is also evaluated within the context of European energy markets, considering incentive schemes, cost trends, and carbon footprint factors.