Energy planning with hydrogen deployment strategies within interconnected infrastructures using enhanced SWITCH model

Abstract

The water dimension is not adequately considered in energy models when planning for hydrogen technologies. To overcome this, three novel modules have been developed for the SWITCH energy model: one that considers water drinking systems, a second module that optimizes the size/location/type of hydrogen plants, and the buildings module to integrate buildings using hydrogen-based combined heat and power systems. The modules contribute to the research community by linking the water, hydrogen and power sectors in an energy model. The modules were tested in a case study for Durham Region, using data from 2022. The main results show that the zone of Oshawa is optimal for building a hydrogen electrolysis plant, but facing drastic changes in its power and water demands. Results also show hydrogen-based combined heat and power systems would not be economically feasible unless the price of hydrogen per kilogram is less than CAD$2.13, considering the 2022 parameters.