Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Power to gas: an option for 2060 high penetration rate of renewable energy scenario of China

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Replacing conventional fossil fuel power plants with large-scale renewable energy sources (RES) is a crucial aspect of the decarbonization of the power sector and represents a key part of the carbon-neutral strategy of China. The high penetration rate of renewable energy in the electricity system, however, implies the challenges of dealing with the intermittency and fluctuation of RES. Power to gas (P2G), which can convert surplus renewable power into a chemical form of energy (i.e., synthetic gas), can help handle this challenge and supply new energy carriers for various energy sectors. By modeling three potential 2060 energy mix scenarios in China, this paper aims to describe the possible contribution of the high penetration rate of renewable energy combined with P2G in the future sustainable energy system. Different schemes are listed and compared, and the results are used in a basic economic evaluation of the synthetic gas production cost for the P2G plants. Ideally, nearly 18 million tons of carbon dioxide would be recycled and transformed into methane (around 9.37 km3) annually in China. Considering a zero price for the excess renewable power and future costs of the components, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of the final production of methane is estimated at 0.86 $/m3SNG.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

References

  • Anghilante R, Müller C, Schmid M, Colomar D, Ortloff F, Spörl R, Brisse A, Graf F (2019) Innovative power-to-gas plant concepts for upgrading of gasification bio-syngas through steam electrolysis and catalytic methanation. Energy Convers Manag 183:462–473

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • B.P.Statistical (2016) Review of world energy, B.P Statistical, London

  • Bassano C, Deiana P, Vilardi G, Verdone N (2020) Modeling and economic evaluation of carbon capture and storage technologies integrated into synthetic natural gas and power-to-gas plants. Appl Energy 263:114590

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bogdanov D, Breyer C (2016) North-East Asian Super Grid for 100% renewable energy supply: optimal mix of energy technologies for electricity, gas and heat supply options. Energy Convers Manag 112:176–190

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bogdanov D, Farfan J, Sadovskaia K, Aghahosseini A, Child M, Gulagi A, Oyewo AS, De Souza Noel Simas Barbosa L, Breyer C (2019) Radical transformation pathway towards sustainable electricity via evolutionary steps. Nat Commun 10:1077

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buffo G, Marocco P, Ferrero D, Lanzini A, Santarelli M (2019) Chapter 15: Power-to-X and power-to-power routes, Solar Hydrogen Production. Academic Press 529–557

  • Buttler A, Spliethoff H (2018) Current status of water electrolysis for energy storage, grid balancing and sector coupling via power-to-gas and power-to-liquids: a review. Renew Sust Energ Rev 82:2440–2454

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • China Electricity Council (2021) Annual report of China's power industry in 2020. China Building Materials Industry Press, Beijing

  • Dael MV, Kreps S, Virag A, Kessels K, Remans K, Thomas D, Wilde FD (2018) Techno-economic assessment of a microbial power-to-gas plant – case study in Belgium. Appl Energy 215:416–425

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dai H, Xie X, Xie Y, Liu J, Masui T (2016) Green growth: the economic impacts of large-scale renewable energy development in China. Appl Energy 162:435–449

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Saint JM, Baurens P, Bouallou C (2014) Parametric study of an efficient renewable power-to-substitute-natural-gas process including high-temperature steam electrolysis. Int J Hydrog Energy 39:17024–17039

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deane JP, Ó Gallachóir BP, EJ MK (2010) Techno-economic review of existing and new pumped hydro energy storage plant. Renew Sust Energ Rev 14:1293–1302

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Di Salvo M, Wei M (2019) Synthesis of natural gas from thermochemical and power-to-gas pathways for industrial sector decarbonization in California. Energy 182:1250–1264

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ebbesen SD, Jensen SH, Hauch A, Mogensen MB (2014) High temperature electrolysis in alkaline cells, solid proton conducting cells, and solid oxide cells. Chem Rev 114:10697–10734

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • ERINDRC (2015) China 2050 high renewable energy penetration scenario and roadmap study, Energy Research Institute National Development Reform Commission, Beijing

  • Figueroa JD, Fout T, Plasynski S, McIlvried H, Srivastava RD (2008) Advances in CO2 capture technology—The U.S. Department of Energy’s Carbon Sequestration Program. Int J Greenhouse Gas Control 2:9–20

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gahleitner G (2013) Hydrogen from renewable electricity: an international review of power-to-gas pilot plants for stationary applications. Int J Hydrog Energy 38:2039–2061

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • GEIDCO (2021) China's carbon-neutral research report by 2060, Global Energy Internet Development Cooperation Organization, Beijing

  • Global Petrol Prices (2021) Natural gas prices for households. Global Petrol Prices. https://zh.globalpetrolprices.com/natural_gas_prices/

  • Götz M, Lefebvre J, Mörs F, McDaniel Koch A, Graf F, Bajohr S, Reimert R, Kolb T (2016) Renewable power-to-gas: a technological and economic review. Renew Energy 85:1371–1390

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grigoriev SA, Fateev VN, Bessarabov DG, Millet P (2020) Current status, research trends, and challenges in water electrolysis science and technology. Int J Hydrog Energy 45:26036–26058

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gutiérrez-Martín F, Rodríguez-Antón LM (2016) Power-to-SNG technology for energy storage at large scales. Int J Hydrog Energy 41:19290–19303

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gutiérrez-Martín F, Rodríguez-Antón LM (2019) Power-to-SNG technologies by hydrogenation of CO2 and biomass resources: a comparative chemical engineering process analysis. Int J Hydrog Energy 44:12544–12553

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gutiérrez-Martín F, Ochoa-Mendoza A, Rodríguez-Antón LM (2015) Pre-investigation of water electrolysis for flexible energy storage at large scales: the case of the Spanish power system. Int J Hydrog Energy 40:5544–5551

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hetti RK, Karunathilake H, Chhipi-Shrestha G, Sadiq R, Hewage K (2020) Prospects of integrating carbon capturing into community scale energy systems. Renew Sust Energ Rev 133:110193

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • IEA (2015) Technology roadmap-hydrogen and fuel cells, International Energy Agency, Paris

  • Jentsch M, Trost T, Sterner M (2014) Optimal use of power-to-gas energy storage systems in an 85% renewable energy scenario. Energy Procedia 46:254–261

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keçebaş A, Kayfeci M, Bayat M (2019) Chapter 9: Electrochemical hydrogen generation, Solar Hydrogen Production. Academic Press 299–317

  • Kezibri N, Bouallou C (2017) Conceptual design and modelling of an industrial scale power to gas-oxy-combustion power plant. Int J Hydrog Energy 42:19411–19419

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koj JC, Wulf C, Zapp P (2019) Environmental impacts of power-to-X systems - a review of technological and methodological choices in Life Cycle Assessments. Renew Sust Energ Rev 112:865–879

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lefebvre J, Götz M, Bajohr S, Reimert R, Kolb T (2015) Improvement of three-phase methanation reactor performance for steady-state and transient operation. Fuel Process Technol 132:83–90

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lefebvre J, Trudel N, Bajohr S, Kolb T (2018) A study on three-phase CO2 methanation reaction kinetics in a continuous stirred-tank slurry reactor. Fuel 217:151–159

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leonzio G, Foscolo PU, Zondervan E (2019) Sustainable utilization and storage of carbon dioxide: analysis and design of an innovative supply chain. Comput Chem Eng 131:106569

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leung DYC, Caramanna G, Maroto-Valer MM (2014) An overview of current status of carbon dioxide capture and storage technologies. Renew Sust Energ Rev 39:426–443

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lewandowska-Bernat A, Desideri U (2018) Opportunities of power-to-gas technology in different energy systems architectures. Appl Energy 228:57–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu W, Lund H, Mathiesen BV, Zhang X (2011) Potential of renewable energy systems in China. Appl Energy 88:518–525

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu H, Andresen GB, Greiner M (2018) Cost-optimal design of a simplified highly renewable Chinese electricity network. Energy 147:534–546

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lugovoy O, Gao S, Gao J, Jiang K (2021) Feasibility study of China’s electric power sector transition to zero emissions by 2050. Energy Econ 96:105176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McDonagh S, Wall DM, Deane P, Murphy JD (2019) The effect of electricity markets, and renewable electricity penetration, on the levelised cost of energy of an advanced electro-fuel system incorporating carbon capture and utilisation. Renew Energy 131:364–371

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKenna RC, Bchini Q, Weinand JM, Michaelis J, König S, Köppel W, Fichtner W (2018) The future role of power-to-gas in the energy transition: regional and local techno-economic analyses in Baden-Württemberg. Appl Energy 212:386–400

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meylan FD, Moreau V, Erkman S (2016) Material constraints related to storage of future European renewable electricity surpluses with CO2 methanation. Energy Policy 94:366–376

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meylan FD, Piguet F-P, Erkman S (2017) Power-to-gas through CO2 methanation: assessment of the carbon balance regarding EU directives. J Energy Storage 11:16–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miao B, Chan SH (2019) The economic feasibility study of a 100-MW power-to-gas plant. Int J Hydrog Energy 44:20978–20986

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • National Bureau of Statistics of China (2018) China statistical yearbook 2017. China Statistics Press, Beijing

  • NBSC (2021b) the 2020 National Economic and Social Development Statistical of China, National Bureau of Statistics of China, Beijing. http://www.stats.gov.cn/tjsj/zxfb/202102/t20210227_1814154.html

  • NEA (2020a) Grid-connected operation of photovoltaic power generation in 2019, National Energy Administration, Beijing. http://www.nea.gov.cn/2020-02/28/c_138827923.htm

  • NEA (2020b) Grid-connected operation of wind power in 2019, National Energy Administration, Beijing. http://www.nea.gov.cn/2020-02/28/c_138827910.htm

  • NEA (2021) National Electric Power Industry Statistics in 2020, National Energy Administration, Beijing. http://www.nea.gov.cn/2021-01/20/c_139683739.htm

  • Nordhaus W (2013) The climate casino: Risk, uncertainty, and economics for a warming world. Yale University Press, New Haven

  • Olajire AA (2010) CO2 capture and separation technologies for end-of-pipe applications – a review. Energy 35:2610–2628

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Omoregbe O, Mustapha AN, Steinberger-Wilckens R, El-Kharouf A, Onyeaka H (2020) Carbon capture technologies for climate change mitigation: a bibliometric analysis of the scientific discourse during 1998–2018. Energy Rep 6:1200–1212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman FA, Aziz MMA, Saidur R, Bakar WAWA, Hainin MR, Putrajaya R, Hassan NA (2017) Pollution to solution: capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and its utilization as a renewable energy source for a sustainable future. Renew Sust Energ Rev 71:112–126

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogelj J, Luderer G, Pietzcker RC, Kriegler E, Schaeffer M, Krey V, KJNCC R (2015) Energy system transformations for limiting end-of-century warming to below 1.5 C. Nat Clim Chang 5:519–527

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt O, Gambhir A, Staffell I, Hawkes A, Nelson J, Few S (2017) Future cost and performance of water electrolysis: an expert elicitation study. Int J Hydrog Energy 42:30470–30492

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • State Grid Energy Research Institution (2018) China energy & electricity outlook. China Electric Power Press, Beijing

  • Sterner M (2009) Bioenergy and renewable power methane in integrated 100% renewable energy systems. Limiting global warming by transforming energy systems. Kassel University Press, Kassel

  • Tang B-J, Ji C-J, Hu Y-J, Tan J-X, Wang X-Y (2020) Optimal carbon allowance price in China’s carbon emission trading system: perspective from the multi-sectoral marginal abatement cost. J Clean Prod 253:119945

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SCC (2017) National Population Development Plan (2016–2030), the State Council of China, Beijing. http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2017-01/25/content_5163309.htm

  • Vandewalle J, Bruninx K, D’haeseleer W (2015) Effects of large-scale power to gas conversion on the power, gas and carbon sectors and their interactions. Energy Convers Manag 94:28–39

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Varone A, Ferrari M (2015) Power to liquid and power to gas: an option for the German Energiewende. Renew Sust Energ Rev 45:207–218

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walker SB, Mukherjee U, Fowler M, Elkamel A (2016) Benchmarking and selection of power-to-gas utilizing electrolytic hydrogen as an energy storage alternative. Int J Hydrog Energy 41:7717–7731

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang H, Chen W, Zhang H, Li N (2020) Modeling of power sector decarbonization in China: comparisons of early and delayed mitigation towards 2-degree target. Clim Chang 162:1843–1856

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Witte J, Settino J, Biollaz SMA, Schildhauer TJ (2018) Direct catalytic methanation of biogas – part I: new insights into biomethane production using rate-based modelling and detailed process analysis. Energy Convers Manag 171:750–768

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang X, Zhang Y (2020) Environment-friendly and economical scheduling optimization for integrated energy system considering power-to-gas technology and carbon capture power plant. J Clean Prod 276:123348

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang X, Chan SH, Ho HK, Tan S-C, Li M, Li G, Li J, Feng Z (2015) Towards a smart energy network: the roles of fuel/electrolysis cells and technological perspectives. Int J Hydrog Energy 40:6866–6919

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang H, Zhang X, Yuan J (2020) Transition of China’s power sector consistent with Paris Agreement into 2050: pathways and challenges. Renew Sust Energ Rev 132:110102

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zou P, Chen Q, Yu Y, Xia Q, Kang C (2017) Electricity markets evolution with the changing generation mix: an empirical analysis based on China 2050 High Renewable Energy Penetration Roadmap. Appl Energy 185:56–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the anonymous referees and the editor of this journal. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing (Grant No. 9212017). The first author also would like to thank the financial support of the Double First-class Universities Postgraduate Training Project of North China Electric Power University.

Funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing (Grant No. 9212017).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Economics and Management, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China

    Youzhong Zhang, Xingping Zhang & Sida Feng

  2. Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117576, Singapore

    Youzhong Zhang

  3. Beijing Key Laboratory of New Energy and Low-Carbon Development, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China

    Youzhong Zhang & Xingping Zhang

Authors
  1. Youzhong Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xingping Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sida Feng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Youzhong Zhang: Conceptualization, methodology, and writing—original draft preparation and reviewing.

Xingping Zhang: Supervision and writing—reviewing and editing.

Sida Feng: Writing—original draft preparation and reviewing.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xingping Zhang.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Conflict of interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Ilhan Ozturk

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Appendix

Appendix

Nomenclature

RES

Renewable energy sources

AEL

Alkaline electrolysis

P2G

Power-to-gas

PEMEL

Proton exchange membrane electrolysis

LCOE

Levelized cost of energy

SOEL

Solid oxide electrolysis

GHG

Greenhouse gases

GE

General Electric Co.

CO2

Carbon dioxide

CEC

China Electricity Council

IEA

The International Energy Agency

NEA

National Energy Administration

P2H

Power to hydrogen

SNG

Syngas

P2X

Power to other energy sources

GDP

Gross domestic product

P2L

Power to liquid

DAC

Direct air capture

P2C

Power to chemicals

CAPEX

Capital expenditures

CCS

Carbon capture schemes

O&M

Operation and maintenance costs

GEIDCO

The Global Energy Internet Development Cooperation Organization

OECD

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zhang, Y., Zhang, X. & Feng, S. Power to gas: an option for 2060 high penetration rate of renewable energy scenario of China. Environ Sci Pollut Res 29, 6857–6870 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-16137-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-16137-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation