A Framework for Hydrogen in Texas
The project team, led by University of Texas at Austin researchers, developed an economic optimization model, supported by stakeholder workshops, to determine pathways for economical expansion/build-out of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity in Texas, including steam methane reforming with CO2 capture and electrolysis paired with wind and solar power. The model identified regions in Texas that offer positive return on investment for construction of H2 production and transportation facilities (e.g., pipelines, or trucked compressed or liquefied H2 for smaller markets) to meet demand in the transportation sector. The methodologies and Monte Carlo simulation capabilities underpinning the model are transferable to other states with geologic CO2 storage and geologic H2 storage capacity.
