(98e) The Energy and Materials Transition Nexus– Multiscale Modeling and Optimization

The energy transition is propelled by the motivation to decarbonize processes and obtain viable costs-effective low-carbon technologies. This has led to a gradual shift from conventional fossil fuel sources to renewable energy. However, the realization of the energy transition necessitates a robust infrastructure, which relies heavily on the availability of resources and materials. Materials play a critical role in empowering the energy transition, serving for energy storage, electric vehicle production, grid infrastructure, and construction of wind and solar power systems [1] amongst others. As the production and procurement of these materials generate emissions, introduce additional supply chain costs and constraints, the consideration of the energy and materials transition nexus becomes essential to fully address sustainable energy challenges.

In this work, we propose a multiscale modeling and optimization decision-making framework capable of coordinating the energy and materials nexus. Based on a mixed integer optimization formulation, the framework involves various key aspects, including (i) an integrated resource-task-material-network design and scheduling model to simultaneously account for material and energy requirements for the material and energy transition supply chains, and (ii) tracking of disparate emissions originated from both materials and energy systems components. A case study focusing on a mobility transition scenario in Texas towards electric vehicles (EVs) is used to illustrate the key features and capabilities of the proposed framework, including: (i) carbon value vector utilization to produce polymeric materials, (ii) sustainable production of hydrogen [2], (iii) power generation through intermittent renewables with storage considerations, and (iv) establishing grid infrastructure for charging the EVs. The study, implemented in energiapy [3], reveals intricate interconnections between energy supply, materials production, and vehicle production, emphasizing the importance of an integrated energy-materials-mobility nexus approach.

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