Scenario-based investigation of the role of hydrogen in the future Korean energy system

Future energy systems increasingly rely on renewable energy sources in combination with flexible backup systems such clean hydrogen (H2) based power generation. The role of H2 in the power sector is however not yet completely clear, as multiple technology options exist and their usage heavily depends on the future enegy mix as well as energy demand.

Target:

This master’s thesis aims to evaluate the role of H2-based power plants in the future energy system of South Korea, which has set an ambitious upscaling strategy on the use of clean H2. Different technologies, including gas turbines, combustion engines, and fuel cells, shall be compared in a simulation study using the model framework LEC ENERsim. Different scenarios and sensitivies will be defined in alignment with Korean project partners, taking into account various boundary conditions such as energy imports, combined heat and power demands, and system load. The results will be evaluated based on total costs, efficiency, and resilience.

Tasks:

Familiarization with LEC ENERsim framework and project contents
Setup of macro-energy system model of Korea in LEC ENERsim
Definition of scenarios and sensitivities
Simulation and optimization of systems, evaluation of results
Documentation and writing of master thesis

Your profile: You are interested in future energy system solutions, enjoy working in collaborative teams, and have first experience in hands-on simulation and programming (for example using python or Matlab).

Starting date: To be agreed

Duration: Approximately 6 months

Contact:

Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Nicole Wermuth, +43 (316) 873-30087, nicole.wermuth@ivt.tugraz.at

Dr. Bernhard Thaler, +43 (316) 873-30111, bernhard.thaler@lec.tugraz.at