Power-to-X strategies for Smart Energy Regions: a vision for green hydrogen valleys

Abstract

Future energy systems will have to face the challenge of managing surplus electricity from renewable sources. In this context, technologies like electrolyzers could play a key role since they can convert this surplus into hydrogen. The study aims to develop an energy strategy for the Campania region, in Italy, aligning with 2050 European CO₂ reduction targets. It utilizes detailed bottom-up modeling and dynamic simulations to propose a scenario emphasizing extensive integration of renewable energy sources, particularly using Power-to-Gas technologies to convert surplus electricity into hydrogen for the transportation sector. This approach leads to abating the significant surplus of around 2.4 TWh/year produced by renewables and enables it to cover about 10% of transport sector consumption by hydrogen, boosting the overall share of renewable energy.