Speakers

Abstract:

This presentation includes new insights into the concept, theory and application of smart energy systems. The concept was introduced in 2012 and shortly after received a scientific definition. As opposed to, for instance, the smart grid concept, which puts the sole focus on the electricity sector, smart energy systems include the entire energy system in its approach to identifying suitable pathways to the green transition.

Based on the 3 rd edition of “Renewable Energy Systems” a theory of two smart energy systems hypotheses has been formulated. First, that one must take a holistic and cross-sectoral smart energy systems approach in order to be able to identify the best solutions of affordable and reliable transitions of the energy system into a carbon neutral society. Next, that subsector studies (no matter if they consider the role of a specific technology or the role of a region or country) should aim at identifying the role to play in the context of the overall system transition rather than aim at decarbonizing the sub-sector on its own.

The concept and theory have been applied to the analysis of the need for energy storage and electricity balancing in a future climate-neutral society. In five Smart Energy System Integration Levels (SESIL), progressing from a sole electricity sector focus to a fully integrated system of electricity, heating, cooling, industry, transport, and materials, optimal investments in storage and resulting levels of curtailment are identified. It is illustrated how overall least-cost solution is only identified in a fully integrated smart energy system, with affordable types of energy storage and little curtailment that cannot be found in a sole electricity sector approach.

The decarbonisation of the energy system requires the massive diffusion of renewable energy technologies. Yet, solar and wind technologies are intermittent and therefore, extra flexibility and sector coupling is needed to supply energy on demand, as well as to tackle difficult-to-decarbonise services, such as transport and industry. Energy storage and hydrogen technologies can play an important role in decarbonising our energy system in a variety of ways across the energy value chain. 

This presentation is divided into two different parts. First, the strategic roles as well as the conditions under which energy storage and hydrogen energy systems become attractive for the energy transition are discussed. Using a broad range of energy modelling methods such as techno-economic analysis, LCA, GIS, energy system analysis and the Input-Output method. The conditions at which energy storage and hydrogen technologies become attractive will be discussed, as well as their broader impacts in the energy system, and our society overall.

Secondly, the new Iberian Centre for Research in Energy Storage (CIIAE) is presented, which is jointly developed by Spain and Portugal. CIIAE aims to become an international centre of excellence in research and implementation of energy storage and hydrogen technologies to help to decarbonise our economy and society, including circular economy concepts. Research covers lab and modelling work at various scales and Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), such as atomistic simulations and new materials development, together with prototypes and final applications. Importantly, five pilot plants covering important topics including recycling of storage technologies, flow batteries, power-to-x, thermal storage and a microgrid test bed will be developed to learn about the final implementation of various storage technologies into the energy system. Ongoing research projects and future collaboration opportunities will be discussed.

To mitigate the climate change and reach a carbon neutral society before it is too late, a mix of sustainable energy technologies are needed. In this talk I will present research from my group in the area of sustainable batteries beyond Li ion, green H2 from the electrolysis of biomass derivatives as well as fuel cells free of Pt electrocatalysts for the cathodic reaction.

Batteries will continue to play a vital role in decarbonising transportation as well as in storing the intermittent renewable energy. Li ion batteries have revolutionised the electrification of transportation and contributed significantly to grid storage. However, there are increasing concerns with the availability of the minerals currently used in Li-ion batteries today, especially looking at the predicted growth of batteries demand. Diversification of battery technologies with more sustainable options in mind, not only for the raw minerals used in future batteries but also for more sustainable manufacturing practices for cells and packs are needed. In my talk I will touch on some of these sustainable practices needed to be implemented today while showing the 12 principles of “green batteries” inspired from “green chemistry” my research group introduced. I will than focus on Na-ion batteries, the next battery technology in line for commercialisation in 2024, with emphasis on our research on hard carbon anodes on understanding the fundamentals on Na ion storage using a mix of characterisation techniques coupled with electrochemistry. I will also discuss the importance of understanding and complexity of solid electrolyte interfaces.

In addition to batteries, green H2 is also a key energy vector helping our transition to net zero. Green H2 is commonly obtained from water electrolysis using various membranes such as alkaline, proton conductive, anion exchange or solid oxides. While the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction happens with a minimum amount of Pt (> 0.05 mg/cm2 )  and with a low overpotential (ηHER ~ 0.01V at 1.4 V), the anodic oxygen evolution reaction is sluggish and requires large amounts of IrOx, a critical mineral,  (<0.3mg/cm2) at high overpotentials (ηOER ~ 0.4V). The search for new electrocatalysts for PEM electrolysis with a minimal amount of Ir is crucial. I will briefly present our high throughput approach towards fundamental understanding of what controls the activity of IrOx in the search for such new catalysts using robotic platforms coupled with machine learning. I will also present our research on new substates for electrocatalytic H2 production based on biomass/plastic waste derivatives such as glycerol, ethylene glycol or 5-hydroxymethylfurfural with advantages in terms of lower potentials where the biomass/waste oxidation reactions occur and the advantages of producing other high value chemicals in addition to green H2, helping a circular economy.

When designing energy storage its essential to considered the current and future market which it will operate in. I will look at the current methods for generating revenue from energy storage, how the market is changing and how this should influence design at an early stage.