cost of about 2406 dollars/kW which is also set to
decrease to a cost of less than 1088 dollars/kW in the
year 2030. The cost for both biological methanation
and chemical CO
2
-Methanation is projected to fall to
900 dollars/kW and 642 dollars/kW accordingly.
Renewable electricity cost depends on location, time
of day, and availability of incentives or subsidies
(Götz et al., 2016).
Moreover, the availability of renewable energy
source for P2G operations is subject to intermittency
and seasonality. This will largely affect the reliability
and utilization of P2G facilities. Thereby, the
intermittent characteristic of renewable energy source
is a facing challenge, and it is essential to ensure a
stable and cost-effective renewable energy supply in
order to maximize the utilization of P2G assets.
There is a risk for potential hazards to occur is also
highly probably as hydrogen is highly flammable and
requires careful handling and storage to mitigate
safety risks. Another downside of the storage system
is the significant amount of water requires throughout
the whole system. It may lead to water scarcity and
raise environmental and social concerns. Also, the
infrastructure for storage, transport, and distribution
is underdeveloped. This poses challenges for scaling
up the P2G power plant’s capacity, and the
constructions of the infrastructure will lead to a heavy
financial burden.
6 FURTHER TREND
As the worldwide shift towards renewable energy
accelerates, P2G technology emerges as a pivotal
solution. It presents a long-term storage option with
its capability to convert renewable electrical energy
into gaseous chemical energy carriers. This not only
increases the flexibility of the electrical system but
also facilitates integration across different energy
systems (Götz et al., 2016). A lot of emphasis will be
placed on research and development to develop new
technologies that are more efficient and cost less.
Regarding storage, there are diverse methods to store
hydrogen and methane, including compression and
liquefaction, for efficient utilization and
transportation. The pathways for converting the
stored gas back to electricity include fuel cells, gas
turbines, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, and
synthetic fuels production. Research and
development are emphasized to offer varied options
for re-converting stored hydrogen or methane back to
usable electricity to meet different applications and
operational needs (Götz et al., 2016).
On the development and implementation front,
manufacturers are actively working on developing
electrolysis technologies to improve efficiency and
reduce costs. The United States, being one of the
largest gas power generating countries, promotes the
advancement of renewable energy technologies
through federal funding and tax incentives. The
European Union emphasizes research and
development initiatives, with international
collaboration efforts aimed at knowledge exchange
and cooperation towards achieving renewable energy
goals and mitigating climate change impacts.
In terms of technology feasibility, P2G plays a
crucial role in enhancing the overall efficiency of
energy systems, energy density, and the duration of
energy storage. Actions are being take to solve the
facing challenges related to energy loss during
storage and the speed of electricity generation. Cost
considerations include expenses for electrolyzes,
methanation, renewable electricity, and operation and
maintenance.
Overall, despite the challenges associated with
energy losses and significant capital costs, P2G
technology provides an effective solution for
integrating intermittent renewable energy sources,
enhancing grid stability and reliability, and achieving
sustainability through the production of zero or low-
carbon fuels. Moving forward, through technological
innovation and optimization of operational processes
to improve energy efficiency and density, and reduce
system costs, P2G technology is expected to realize
its greater potential in a renewable energy-dominated
future (Götz et al., 2016).
7 CONCLUSION
P2G technology emerges as a promising solution for
the renewable energy sector, including the
intermittent nature of renewable sources and the need
for long-term energy storage. P2G technology
converts excess renewable electricity into hydrogen
or methane, serving as an effective energy storage
solution. Additionally, it significantly contributes to
lowering carbon emissions within the energy system
and improving grid stability. Despite its potential,
P2G technology currently grapples with challenges
such as low efficiency in energy conversion
processes, high costs of electrolyzers and
methanation technologies, and the necessity for
significant infrastructure developments. Furthermore,
the sporadic availability of renewable energy sources
and the necessity for a stable supply underscore the
importance of ongoing research, development, and