Travail de fin d'études et stage[BR]- Travail de fin d'études : Optimization of E-fuels Production and Water Utilisation in Remote Renewable Energy Hub with Carbon Capture and Storage[BR]- Stage

Abstract

This report explores the techno-economics of producing carbon-neutral synthetic fuel using Remote Renewable Energy Hubs (RREH). A RREH is a Power-to-X concept that aims to integrate and optimize renewable resources, designed in a remote area where high-quality renewable resources are abundant and harvested. The entire energy supply chain is modeled to characterize connectivity between technologies and processes.

The reference scenario considers the production of carbon-neutral synthetic methane, powered by solar and wind energy in Algeria, for delivery to North-western European market by 2030 for a system supplying 10 TWh annually.

The model has been developed to integrate Direct Ocean Capture (DOC), capturing carbon dioxide in the water rather than in the air. Results indicate a cost reduced by 2.94\% for the DOC scenario. Sensitivity analysis considers various parameters, including investment costs and operational flexibility, revealing configurations lowering the price by 8.28\%.

The study was then extended to account for the system’s water output, by considering it as a by-product with potential utility for local communities. Findings illustrate a scenario in which water is priced at 3.09 €/t, equivalent to the one in Europe, facilitating the provision of fresh water to thousands of residents. Other more favorable configurations offer prices reduction of 9.1\%.

A multi-hub configuration is then created to compare different hub locations economically and then see the possible interactions between them. The results show that a hub at Cap Horn, in southern Chile, can deliver synthetic methane at a cost reduced by 13.36\% compared to the reference scenario.

Finally, the Fischer-Tropsch reaction is modeled to obtain synthetic fuels for decarbonizing the transport and aviation sectors (kerosene, diesel and gasoline). The implementation of several configurations suggests costs ranging from 2.41 €/kg to 2.13 €/kg, similar to those in the scientific literature. A techno-economic study shows optimistic prices reduces by 20.7\% and the impact of a change in electrolyzer efficiency.