Development of Global Hydrogen and Ammonia Zero-carbon Energy Systems

Hydrogen is expected to make a substantial contribution to decarbonising the global economy. "Green" hydrogen can be produced cheaply in regions with high solar and wind potential such as Australia, Chile and the Middle East, but is expensive to transport due to its low energy density. Ammonia produced from green hydrogen would be cheaper to transport, and could be used in the transport, commercial, residential, and industry sectors instead of hydrogen, but the potential benefits have not been previously investigated. The objective of this research project is to critically assess the long-term case for using ammonia and/or hydrogen traded globally during the transition to global net zero emissions.
The research will use the TIAM-UCL global integrated assessment model in BSEER. The student will learn to use this model through defining the supply, storage, distribution and end-uses of both hydrogen and ammonia, together with trade of each commodity. They will use decarbonisation scenario analyses to identify key characteristics, benefits, and challenges for these energy vectors. For the most competitive uses of ammonia, case studies will examine technological, economic and regulatory barriers that would impede market growth and hence decarbonisation efforts. This project will complement the hydrogen energy research programme in BSEER.