The supply chain configurations possible for production, storage, distribution, transportation and end use are numerous and interconnected. Each part of the hydrogen system influences and is influenced by other parts of the system. Understanding the behaviours that will emerge from these interactions requires a systems thinking approach. Planning and investing in hydrogen infrastructure through a systems lens can make us better stewards of our energy systems through better design delivering better outcomes.
Visualise hydrogen supply chain configurations
A user-friendly interface allows users to design hydrogen supply chains including production, storage, and transportation and use and explore footprints including carbon, water, financial and energy metrics. We have used a system dynamics model to represent the hydrogen supply chains. Through the Hydrogen Supply Chain Tool interface, the user can experiment with different supply chain combinations. Input your own data to explore footprints over time.
‘Understanding system-wide implications and trade-offs is critical as we accelerate investment and construction of hydrogen supply chains in a labour, water and carbon-constrained world.’ Dr Cristyn Meath, Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub, The University of Queensland.
‘The stewardship of decarbonising energy systems and industries is an enormous responsibility, and one which demands of us to think and act systemically. System thinking tools can help us visualise, represent, understand and explore the systems we are part of to help us address complex problems and deliver better outcomes.’ Dr Sue McAvoy, Systems Dynamics Lead, Sustainable Infrastructure Research Hub, The University of Queensland.
For more information or to register your interest, email the team at sirh@uq.edu.au.
Dr Sue McAvoy
Senior Research Fellow
Systems Dynamics Lead
Dr Cristyn Meath
Co-founder and Lead, Infrastructure CoLab
Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law
Dr Jurij Karlovsek
Co-founder and Lead, Infrastructure CoLab
Lecturer, School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and IT
Miss Agnes Toth-Peter
Senior Research Assistant
Systems Dynamics, Digitalisation and Circular Business Models
Ninad Jagdish
Director, BTN
To help shape the conversation between stakeholders, and foster collaboration and innovation, global leaders from industry and academia are working together on a unique project to create new knowledge in the domain of hydrogen infrastructure. Systems Dynamics models (informed by Life Cycle Assessment - LCA) will facilitate interdisciplinarity (Mattila, 2005) and a shared understanding of the potential problems and solutions paving the way to a resilient, sustainable energy future.
Simulation modelling and group model building approaches will be used to integrate the developing knowledge bases for upscaling hydrogen, and support the collaborative production of new knowledge as industry navigates a green gas energy future. The hybrid SD model will allow decision-makers to experiment with different courses of action providing both dynamic impacts and system-wide insights into trade-offs and interventions. This exciting project is part of the SIRH’s aim to increase the evidence base on the role of infrastructure in the transition to decarbonised, circular and resilient economies and communities.