What is the role of hydrogen technologies within Québec energy transition?
What?
Master Thesis work
Where?
In CIRAIG’s lab (Montréal, Canada) or remotely from IPESE lab (Sion, Switzerland)
When?
From September 2024 to February 2025
Context
The government of Québec has set ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets for 2030 and 205The government of Québec has set ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets for 2030 and 2050. Québec decision-makers raised key concerns regarding hydrogen technologies, which are expected to play a major role in Québec’s energy transition towards net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the role of hydrogen has not been clearly identified yet: how will it be used, which sectors should use hydrogen rather than being electrified, what production level would then be required, and which technologies to use to fulfill this demand, what infrastructure is necessary for its transport and storage? Such questions can be addressed by optimization models, which can assess the penetration of new technologies in the energy market and identify optimal transition pathways respecting GHG reduction objectives. The present project is based upon EnergyScope, an optimization-based energy system model that has recently been adapted to Québec context. The goal of EnergyScope is to support Québec decision-makers, such as companies and governments, to conduct energy transition. In particular, the Québec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Hydro-Québec and Energir are partners of the EnergyScope project. The present master thesis work consists of an in-depth analysis of the role of hydrogen in the specific case of Québec energy transition. In particular, the nexus between hydrogen technologies and biomass resources is a main area of interest for decision-makers.
Skilss and background
The master student should have a strong understanding of energy modelling, and the energy sector in general. Knowledge of hydrogen-production technologies is a plus. In terms of skills, the student should have robust coding skills, and be able to interpret optimization models results and draw conclusions.
Objectives
Identify optimal transition scenarios for reaching Québec GHG objectives. Within these scenarios: - Assess the role of hydrogen technologies in Québec’s energy transition. - Study the biomass-hydrogen nexus within Québec’s energy system.