Exploring the potential future role of superconducting energy pipelines in the Italian electricity and hydrogen transmission systems

Hydrogen is considered one of the main actors in achieving the decarbonization of the energy sector by 2050. Whilst hydrogen production technologies are already available at an industrial scale, cost-effective solutions for large-scale hydrogen transmission remain limited. In this context, the SuperConducting Energy Pipeline (SCEP) is studied. This technology is capable of simultaneously transporting electricity and liquid hydrogen through a superconducting cable surrounded by an annular pipeline containing liquid hydrogen. Energy System Optimization Models (ESOMs) enable the creation of scenarios to assess the cost-competitiveness of emerging technologies thanks to their detailed techno-economic characterization of energy technologies. This work aims to evaluate the cost-competitiveness of SCEP technology compared to conventional transmission options. The study involves the development of a model instance based on the TEMOA-Italy open-source modelling framework, able to identify the most cost-effective solutions for the investigated future scenarios. The model developed for this study focuses on the Italian power and hydrogen sectors and features regional resolution. Several scenarios concerning emission reduction targets, hydrogen generation from biomass, and involving different assumptions for the techno-economic performance of SCEP are investigated to identify the conditions determining the cost-effectiveness of the technology. The variation in the installed capacity of SCEP technology between adjacent regions is assessed by varying both its investment cost and the costs of traditional electricity transmission, simulating an increase in copper cost. SCEP becomes a cost-effective solution when assuming 70% reduction in its future investment cost, and 30% if assuming a double cost for traditional lines with respect to the historical values. The installation of SCEP encourages hydrogen generation centralized in regions with higher renewable capacities. The model created is a useful tool to consider regional specificities while representing the Italian power system. SCEP technology appears as a potential solution that may contribute to Italy’s decarbonization objectives, although its deployment would depend on specific cost and policy conditions.