Advancement of Eco-Friendly Building through Hybrid Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen Implementation Scenarios

The energy transition involves moving away from conventional fossil-fuel-based energy systems, like coal, oil, and natural gas, toward renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, green hydrogen, and biomass, while also enhancing energy efficiency. This shift is motivated by the necessity to lower greenhouse gas emissions, address climate change, and secure sustainable energy for the future. For Canada, this transition is crucial to fulfilling its climate obligations under the Paris Agreement and ensuring a resilient and sustainable energy future. The potential for renewable energy and clean hydrogen to enhance the environmental sustainability of the transportation, buildings, and mining sectors arises from its ability to serve as an alternative to fossil fuels. Currently, heating represents 80% of the energy consumed in Canadian buildings, and hydrogen can be blended with LPG to help lower emissions. The paper focuses on two scenarios for a building case study, examining both the economic and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impacts. The first scenario involves using a hybrid renewable energy system to meet two different electrical demands, with 36% allocated to lighting and 54% to equipment loads. The second scenario explores the use of hydrogen mixed with LPG as fuel for thermal loads, covering 15% and 25% of the total demand.