Hydrogen production potential from agricultural biomass in Punjab province of Pakistan

Depleting resources and popping environmental concerns instigate the development of sustainable and clean energy solutions. Amongst others, Hydrogen (H-2) is an imperious alternative due to the lowest emissions, higher calorific value, and usability. It has great relevance in Pakistan due to sequester Agricultural biomass potential that can be used as feedstock for H-2 production. So, this study estimates the H-2 production potential from agricultural biomass (rice, sugarcane, cotton, wheat, and maize) of Punjab, Pakistan. In doing so, simulations are performed using Aspen Plus under various conditions to derive an optimal value of H-2 output. The results indicate significant heterogeneity across districts and crop residues types. Therefore, the Geographic Information System (GIS) is used to draw the spatial distribution of optimal H-2 production across crops and districts. The simulated results reveal that Punjab province has the potential to produce 2619.90 x 10(3) Metric tons (MT)/year H-2, and the highest potential derives from sugarcane trash (1012.77 x 10(3) MT/year), followed by maize straw (433.67 x 10(3) MT/year). The estimated H-2 potential (2.62 million MT/year) can be used in industries, transportation, and urea production as a sustainable alternative in Pakistan. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study estimates the potential of hydrogen (H-2) production from agricultural biomass in Punjab, Pakistan using Aspen Plus simulations. The Geographic Information System (GIS) is utilized to map the spatial distribution of optimal H-2 production. Results indicate that Punjab province has the capacity to produce a significant amount of H-2, with sugarcane trash and maize straw showing the highest potential.