(415f) Role of Fuels in Decarbonization and Energy Transition

Energy efficient technologies are necessary to lower the carbon footprint for a transition towards clean energy in a sustainable manner. Efficient utilization of fuel resources including renewables to support the current and future energy needs while targeting grid resiliency, energy and environmental security, at an affordable cost is of significant value. Fuel played a vital role in industrialization of economies and served as a catalyst in exponential growth of technology innovation benefitting the humanity. However, traditional fuel utilization methods are not sustainable given their impact on the climate. In this context, this presentation examines what role fuels have in the transformation of end-use in buildings and industrial processes. Total thermal energy demand in the United States for the residential, commercial, and manufacturing sectors was approximately 12 quadrillion Btus, most of which is to provide heat for end uses at temperatures less than 150 deg C. Polygeneration technologies with different prime movers such as engines, fuel cells, turbines, thermophotovoltaics, thermionics, etc. offer many benefits including energy and economic savings while lowering the environmental impact. Analysis of hybrid configurations consisting of heat pumps, power systems, and renewable PV in cogeneration and trigeneration modes of operation will be presented. An understanding of the sensitivity of electrical grid's carbon intensity and tariff towards carbon footprint and energy costs, in comparison with fuel driven technologies is necessary to recognize the true value proposition of currently available energy solutions for different end consumers. Similarly, the role of low carbon, zero carbon, and carbon negative fuels such as power to gas, power to liquid, hydrogen, biogas, etc. in conjunction with polygeneration technologies will be presented.