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  • Estimate of the wind energy needed to replace natural gas with hydrogen, and electrify heat pumps and automobiles in Massachusetts
Title: Estimate of the wind energy needed to replace natural gas with hydrogen, and electrify heat pumps and automobiles in Massachusetts
To meet 2050 decarbonization goals, Massachusetts will not be able to rely on carbon intensive energy sources (e.g. natural gas and gasoline) and hydrogen has been considered a replacement. To produce hydrogen without carbon emissions, renewable energy sources will be used to power electrolyzer stacks. However, renewable energy sources will also be in high demand for other energy sectors, such as automobiles and electrification. This paper estimates the amount of wind energy needed to replace natural gas with hydrogen and electrify automobiles. Comparisons are also made for a scenario in which heat pumps are used to replace natural gas. These energy sectors represent the bulk of energy consumed within Massachusetts and are of high interest to stakeholders globally. The analysis reveals the daunting amount of wind energy needed for replacement and that it is highly unlikely for hydrogen to replace natural gas in time to meet the state’s climate goals.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1916715
PAR ID:
10435178
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
SAGE Publications
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Wind Engineering
Volume:
47
Issue:
6
ISSN:
0309-524X
Format(s):
Medium: X Size: p. 1182-1200
Size(s):
p. 1182-1200
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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