• Energy Research

Abstract A multiscale analysis is performed to evaluate the substitution of base load power production by facilities based on the storage of renewable energy using metal hydrides. At process level, a technoeconomic analysis is carried out to compute the economics and the performance of the facility. Next, a macroscopic study identifies the technology, PV solar or wind, the sizing and the regions to harvest renewable energy. The case study of Spain is considered where coal and nuclear facilities are closing down over the next decade. 205 M solar panels are to be installed to the southeast while the 8000 wind turbines are distributed into that same region and the north of the country. The production and investment costs add up to 0.30 €/kWh, before credits, and 49,000 €/kW respectively. However, the expected improvements in yields and decrease in the costs over the next decade may result in important savings.

Abstract A new energy system represents investment and job creation opportunities across any region. The use of economic and/or social criteria to locate the collecting technologies and the power production plants can strengthen the economy and mitigate the effect of the substitution of fossil based power plants. Economy growth, employment and population equity indexes and a mathematical formulation are developed to evaluate the optimal social location of renewable energy collection devices and power plants. These facilities are based on the storage of wind and solar energy in the form of metal hydride that produces power in a fuel cell using the hydrogen generated in its decomposition. The case study of Spain is considered to evaluate the substitution of base electricity since coal and nuclear facilities are closing down in June 2020 and 2030 respectively. Aiming at economic growth, a more distributed location of wind farms and PV panels is selected at a cost. If job generation is the target, only PV panels are selected and the preferred location is the Southern part of the country. However, a trade-off for the lay out can be achieved considering a multiobjective solution involving costs and social background. Substituting coal and nuclear power plants can generate over 500k jobs and help develop the regions reducing the impact of depopulation.