Synergistic Coupling of Waste Heat and Power to Gas via PEM Electrolysis for District Heating Applications

Axel Riccardo Massulli, Lorenzo Mario Pastore (), Gianluigi Lo Basso and Livio de Santoli
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Axel Riccardo Massulli: Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy
Lorenzo Mario Pastore: Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy
Gianluigi Lo Basso: Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy
Livio de Santoli: Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-18

Abstract: This work explores the integration of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis waste heat with district heating networks (DHN), aiming to enhance the overall energy efficiency and economic viability of hydrogen production systems. PEM electrolysers generate substantial amounts of low-temperature waste heat during operation, which is often dissipated and left unutilised. By recovering such thermal energy and selling it to district heating systems, a synergistic energy pathway that supports both green hydrogen production and sustainable urban heating can be achieved. The study investigates how the electrolyser’s operating temperature, ranging between 50 and 80 °C, influences both hydrogen production and thermal energy availability, exploring trade-offs between electrical efficiency and heat recovery potential. Furthermore, the study evaluates the compatibility of the recovered heat with common heat emission systems such as radiators, fan coils, and radiant floors. Results indicate that valorising waste heat can enhance the overall system performance by reducing the electrolyser’s specific energy consumption and its levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) while supplying carbon-free thermal energy for the end users. This integrated approach contributes to the broader goal of sector coupling, offering a pathway toward more resilient, flexible, and resource-efficient energy systems.

Keywords: power to heat; power to gas; green hydrogen; levelised cost of hydrogen; low temperature district heating; PEM electrolysis; fourth generation district heating; sector coupling; smart energy systems; 100% renewable (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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