Hydrogen as enabling factor in the pathway to net-zero carbon dioxide gas emissions

Considering Goal 7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda, the European Union established a decarbonisation roadmap aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. When energy transition process has progressed to a more advanced stage, a technical-scientific forecasting methodology is needed. In this context, numerical simulations can play a fundamental role in paving the way toward a fully renewable energy system. The authors focused on energy transition strategies in a region of Southern Italy, which is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring a stable transition. This region has high renewable energy potential with renewable electricity generation exceeding the demand. This study provides a detailed assessment of the transition pathway toward 100 % renewable energy system. Different scenarios are developed by the implementation of a “digital twin”, which is based on a comprehensive dataset of historical records related to the operational parameters of the regional power grid. To provide a well-founded decision-making basis for energy policies, the authors analyse multiple alternative scenarios. Close attention was paid on replacing coal-based energy generation with photovoltaic sources. Additionally, this study investigates the role of “hydrogen valleys” in utilizing excess electricity production so to enhance the whole system efficiency and stability. The novelty of this work lies in proposing viable scenarios for achieving a balanced and stable power grid by leveraging the existing infrastructure. Specifically, existing thermoelectric power plants were considered operating on stored hydrogen so to reduce drastically carbon dioxide emissions as well. • Energy management in the transition pathway toward 100 % renewable energy system. • Using EnergyPLAN, many scenarios are investigated to provide decision-making basis. • Energy system stability issues replacing coal-based with photovoltaic generation. • For long-term storage, hydrogen is less expensive than Li-ion battery systems. • Power-to-hydrogen-to-power pathway can be employed to stabilize the grid.