(116b) Optimally Dispersed Network of Biomass Gasification to Produce Green Hydrogen

In 2023, while hydrogen stands out as a promising carbon-free energy carrier, a staggering 99% of its production remains gray, predominantly derived from natural gas and coal. However, a new paradigm is emerging: green hydrogen production from biomass gasification. This talk delves into the feasibility and advantages of establishing an optimally dispersed network of biomass gasification units across the US. An intriguing economic potential emerges when considering that multiple small-scale biomass gasification units can achieve an economy of scale akin to a single large-scale implementation. Two pivotal arguments underscore the importance of this dispersed network. Firstly, the viability of green hydrogen from biomass escalates as municipalities increasingly recognize efficiencies and capabilities in waste-to-power conversion and other derivatives like chemicals and industrial bulks. The intrinsic ability of hydrogen to stabilize grids, particularly those affected by the intermittent and seasonal outputs of renewables, enhances its value. Secondly, the transportation sector's prospective embrace of hydrogen, with fuel cell vehicles projected to command a 36% market share by 2050, hinges on the success of widespread and accessible green hydrogen production. Establishing an optimally dispersed biomass gasification network can thus play a pivotal role in realizing a sustainable hydrogen-powered future for the US.