Hydrogen fuel - an alternative to traditional fuels

The relevance of the research lies in the development of a concept for transitioning to hydrogen fuel in the heating supply system of the Murmansk region. The Murmansk region possesses unique natural resources and harsh climatic conditions, making it an exceptional area for the implementation of hydrogen technologies. The article presents the results of modeling the operation of wind power plants (WPP), projected generation capacities, and the prospects for using hydrogen in the heating supply system of the Murmansk region. This work examines the possibilities of utilizing "green" electricity generated from renewable energy sources—nuclear, wind, and hydroelectric power plants—to replace traditional fuels such as diesel and fuel oil. Objective: To address the fuel supply issue in the Murmansk region and develop a technology for producing hydrogen fuel, followed by its combustion in the region's existing energy equipment. Methods: The Winpro software was used for modeling the operational modes of equipment, with subsequent hourly power distribution in the Smartren software suite.Results: The conducted research demonstrated the feasibility of modernizing the existing infrastructure, including boiler houses and electrical networks, for the implementation of hydrogen technologies. For example, co-combustion of hydrogen with traditional types of fuel is proposed, which will reduce the specific consumption of hydrocarbon fuels, lower the carbon footprint, and decrease harmful emissions. The study also analyzes the carbon footprint generated from the combustion of various types of fuel, showing that "green" hydrogen has significant advantages in this regard. It is shown that the transition to hydrogen technologies can not only improve the environmental situation in the Murmansk region but also become an economically viable solution that attracts investments and fosters the development of new technologies in the region. Hydrogen can partially replace traditional fuel in the form of fuel oil; considering the transportation of fuel oil to the boiler house, its fuel preparation, and emissions from fuel oil use, the cost of hydrogen will be competitive. Thus, this research, using the example of the Murmansk region, demonstrates the potential for implementing hydrogen technologies for the sustainable development of the region.

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