However, developing such systems is a large and laborious process with long lead times. Therefore, it is particularly important that national and international infrastructure for energy distribution is established so that different stakeholders receive the energy they need, when they need it, and in the correct form. Simultaneously, the development of decentralised energy systems can result in situations where less national or international infrastructure is needed. This development must also be considered when planning infrastructural development.
Various energy carriers must be integrated into national and international energy systems
The development of national and international infrastructure for the future energy system relies on electricity as its foundation. Hydrogen and its derivatives, such as ammonia and methanol, are also important as alternatives to transferring electricity over long distances or as alternative energy carriers for different types of end use.
In addition, infrastructure for carbon capture and storage (CCS) must be included, as this will be necessary for a zero-emission society. Together, all these elements will create an integrated energy system, where infrastructural developments for various energy carriers must be analysed at the same time as the developments become cost effective.
SINTEF works to build knowledge on large integrated energy systems that can work across sectors as well as regional and national borders. Unified and integrated systems will be an important step towards decarbonising the energy system and facilitate the decentralised and variable production of energy that will allow us to make use of society’s total energy resources in the best possible way.
We work with the following topics:
- Integration of hydrogen into the energy system
- Production of hydrogen from natural gas via reforming and CCS
- Cost-effective energy transmission over long distances
- Strategies for transforming the European energy system to facilitate a zero-emission society
Our typical projects include:
- Analysing future needs and opportunities for energy conversion
- Performing short- and long-term analyses of energy systems
- Conducting economic analyses in connection with the development of energy infrastructure, e.g. hydrogen, CCS and renewable energy
Who do we do this for?
- Energy companies and grid companies
- Technology suppliers
- Municipalities and other stakeholders
Featured projects
- Hydrogen4EU, Industry project
- CleanExport, KSP project
- Open Entrance, EU project
