Net-Zero and Low Carbon Solutions for the Energy Sector

Net-Zero and Low Carbon Solutions for the Energy Sector Guide to choosing and investing in decarbonization technologies for the energy sector Net-Zero and Low Carbon Solutions for the Energy Sector proposes mature (high technology readiness level) net-zero and low carbon pathways and technologies in the energy sector, discussing net-/near-zero solutions for producing and storing power, heat, biofuel, and hydrogen, and highlighting various pathways and processes to achieve net-zero targets and address climate concerns. Each chapter provides a relevant case study to aid in the practical application of concepts, covering decarbonization solutions that have high potential to be used in the near future, such as solar-hybrid systems for net-zero power generation, CCUS-hybrid systems for low carbon power generation, pumped hydropower for power storage, commercial concentrating solar power plants for heat generation, gasification with CCUS for biofuel production, hybrid thermochemical process for hydrogen production, and more. Written from the perspective of firsthand research experience in the field, this book includes information on: * Net-zero power generation via solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, hydrogen, and marine processes * Near-zero power generation via nuclear, coal, natural gas, biomass, and ammonia processes * Mechanical and battery-based power storage and heat storage via physical and thermochemical processes * Near-zero heat generation processes and biofuels production, including biogas, biomethane, bioethanol, and biodiesel * Hydrogen production via electrolysis and thermochemical processes with CCUS and low-emission technologies for hydrogen storage Net-Zero and Low Carbon Solutions for the Energy Sector is a valuable resource for business professionals, academics, and policy makers who are active in contributing to net-zero emissions targets for keeping the atmospheric CO2 levels in an acceptable range.

Amin Mirkouei is an Associate Professor at University of Idaho, Forbes sustainability contributor, certified Professional Engineer (PE), and experienced Technologist. He has over 12 years of experience contributing and leading cross-disciplinary projects in decarbonization technologies, renewable materials, sustainable design and manufacturing, cyber-physical control and optimization, and operations research, particularly renewable fuels, green chemicals, and rare earth elements and minerals. He has published and co-authored over 50 articles in scientific journals and peer-reviewed conference proceedings.

About the Author x Acknowledgments xii Acronyms xiii List of Figures xv List of Tables xx Introduction xxii 1 Power Generation (Net-Zero Solutions) 1 1.1 Solar 3 1.2 Wind 28 1.3 Hydropower 38 1.4 Geothermal 41 1.5 Hydrogen 51 1.6 Marine 58 1.7 Case Study: Solar Hybrid Energy Systems 68 1.8 Denmark Case Study 71 2 Power Generation (Low-Carbon Solutions) 83 2.1 Nuclear 83 2.2 Coal 94 2.3 Natural Gas 105 2.4 Biomass 109 2.5 Ammonia 113 2.6 Case Study: CCUS-Hybrid Energy Systems 119 3 Power Storage 130 3.1 Battery 131 3.2 Mechanical Energy Storage 136 3.3 Case Study: Pumped Hydropower Energy Storage 142 4 Heat Generation 146 4.1 Low-Emission Technologies 147 4.2 Case Study: Geothermal Heat Pumps 150 5 Heat Storage 153 5.1 Physical 153 5.2 Thermochemical 156 5.3 Case Studies: Commercial Concentrating Solar Power Plants 159 6 Biofuel Production 164 6.1 Biogas 166 6.2 Biomethane 169 6.3 Bioethanol 175 6.4 Biodiesel 177 6.5 Case Study: Gasification with CCUS 187 7 Hydrogen Production 195 7.1 Thermochemical with CCUS 197 7.2 Electrolysis 205 7.3 Case Study: Hybrid Thermochemical Hydrogen Production 211 8 Hydrogen Storage 220 8.1 Physical-based Storage 221 8.2 Material-based Storage 226 8.3 Case Study: Aboveground and Underground Hydrogen Storage 228 Appendix 1 Opportunities to Study or Work with the Author 234 Appendix 2 Author's Publications 238 Books, Magazines, and Contributions to Other Volumes 238 Refereed Journal Publications 238 Peer-Reviewed Conference Publications 240 Appendix 3 Self-Check Questions and Answers 243 Chapter 1 243 Chapter 2 249 Chapter 3 260 Chapter 4 265 Chapter 5 267 Chapter 6 271 Chapter 7 277 Chapter 8 281 Glossary 285 Index 287