Binks Institute for Sustainability: Development of a digital twin of green hydrogen energy hubs

The project will investigate the development of green hydrogen energy hubs (such as the Stannochy Energy Hub, Brechin), and build a detailed understanding of the renewable energy generation, electrical power control/conversion, energy storage and electrolysis requirements. Using a systems integration approach to modelling and the development of a digital twin, the project will research local and regional prospects for small- and medium-scale hydrogen energy hubs, which are intended to decarbonise local industry in areas that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy-duty vehicles. The work will aim to gain detailed specialist knowledge of the technical (and other) challenges of developments across this sector, and work towards a system specification toolkit for future hydrogen hub development. The priorities will be identifying suitable sites based on available renewable energy resources, grid capacity, local demand, and a minimum scale/capacity of plant to be economically viable.

Dedicated wind and solar energy generation are expected to supply cheap electrical power to the electrolysis process. Ideally both resources are available at scale near to the site, to balance seasonal production, but an unconstrained grid is also essential to reach significant scale with necessary stability, and to allow export of excess generation. Electrolysis benefits from steady operation, which can be compromised by power ramping from solar photovoltaic during broken cloud conditions. Wind energy generators can also ramp, although typically over manageable time scales in the case of large turbines. Grid balancing (import/export) is required to permit sufficient scale of electrolysis plant.

Stannochy Energy Hub is sited within a constrained grid until 2028, but grid capacity cannot be assumed for this date with other developments reserving spare capacity. Future industrial production sites similar to Stannochy will be viable at sufficient scale and with local hydrogen demand agreed (e.g. local HDV fleets), relying on the grid for power balancing but with access to their own renewable energy generation to offset use, and export. The case of curtailed grid wind power may be feasible with larger projects with agreement from the grid. Larger projects require multiple industrial partners, the grid, hydrogen distribution networks, and both public and private funding. Smaller hydrogen hubs or generation centres may be able to operate at local level with a mixed energy usage approach, i.e. hydrogen used on site and sold to local industry, with excess power also used on site and exported to grid. There are also bespoke options for waste heat recovery for district heating etc.

Recent industrial projects have lacked suitable scale or the balance of green hydrogen supply with suitable infrastructure and demand. Modelling of such systems by forming a digital twin, using wind and solar databases, and detailed understanding of system dynamics, is essential to inform hydrogen outputs and monetary returns for early movers and encourage uptake, leading to development of local hydrogen hubs linked with local demand. This research project will ensure knowledge is transferred between the university and the rapidly developing hydrogen industry sector, supporting local industrial sector partners. This research will also support involvement in upcoming joint projects, such as the proposal led by Aberdeen

(https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/accelerating-the-green-economy-centres).

Ideally located next to several offshore wind farms, Dundee has ambitions to deploy hydrogen production, refuelling infrastructure and hydrogen vehicle fleets. Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) is a key site, focussed on driving innovation and R&D in sustainable mobility and low-carbon energy and offering a wide range of industrial spaces, cutting-edge research facilities and a Skills Centre of Excellence.

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Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.