Motivation
Identifying the problem
Strathclyde University installed the natural gas CHP in 2018 as part of their goal to reduce their environmental footprint (Morales and Roberts, 2021). However, although natural gas is a less carbon-intensive fossil fuel source than other alternatives like coal, it is still very carbon intensive. The current system was calculated to have produced 15403 tCO2e- in the year 2020. In order to become net zero carbon emissions by 2040 as the University has planned (Climate Change, 2021), therefore a new system with a low, or zero carbon intensity is required.
The UK government pledged in 2019 to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in doing so launched a call for evidence to investigate future options for CHP plants (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, 2020). Cogeneration of power, such as in CHP plants demonstrates lower environmental impacts and generally higher energy efficiencies, therefore exploring a CHP system with a carbon neutral fuel source would be desirable, this is why Hydrogen has been considered within the project. However, as this is an emerging technology there are limitations. Water source heat pumps (WSHP) provide an alternative, low carbon stream of energy, with carbon footprint merely dependant on the carbon intensity of the electricity grid; which in Scotland with the majority of Electricity Supplied by a Renewable source the intensity is low and predicted to keep falling (Ambrose, 2021). The Scottish government have pledged that by 2030, electricity networks will be smarter and more efficient to support growing electrification to meet decarbonisation needs (Scottish Government, 2019). Also, by 2030 that the grid national gas will have adapted, to support the delivery of low carbon gas (Scottish Government, 2019).
Motivating Bodies
The Scottish government has set out a hydrogen assessment, including pathways to use hydrogen within Industrial CHP plants in future scenarios within Scotland (Scottish Government, 2020). The supporting bodies, funding and collaboration on the development of hydrogen technologies show great potential for financial support and investment into a Scenario within the University campus that may include the use of hydrogen. Similarly, many of the stakeholders interested in hydrogen, may also be interested in other avenues of low carbon energy infrastructure, such as the water source heat pump.
Organisations that support such projects, and may potentially collaborate with a future for Strathclyde scenarios presented on this website are listed below (Scottish Government, 2020);
ENERGY TRANSITION FUND
The fund totals at £62 million and supports energy sectors and developments within them, including Hydrogen development.
LOCAL ENERGY CHALLENGE FUND
The fund totals at £20 million, supporting and providing funding for projects such as the Levenmouth Community Energy Project and "Surf'n'Turf" - with the future potential developments of the DH network, creating a clean energy source for the Innovation District of Glasgow --> This fund may be interested in supporting the project.
LOW CARBON INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSITION PROGRAMME
A large fund, known to have involvement in the H100 Feasibility Study of hydrogen delivery through the gas network in Fife. The fund not only supports hydrogen development projects but also other low carbon infrastructure, such as water source heat pumps.
BEIS-INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY CHALLENGE FUND
Known to support industrial decarbonisation, where all of the scenarios presented throughout this project fall under the category of.
OFGEM- RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE
The WSHP from the river Clyde falls under the requirements to be met by the RHI, providing a stream of income.
OFGEM- NETWORK INNOVATION COMPETITION AND ALLOWANCE
The competition and allowance funds would create an opportunity by which these innovative solutions to decarbonise the heat supplying the DH network at Strathclyde can compete for. The use of a hybrid hydrogen and water source heat pump system is truly innovative, providing a great opportunity for the project.
There are many more funds, competitions and potential investors within the projects, all with the same driving factor- reaching the goal of carbon neutral by 2050.