Toward a clean energy economy: With discussion on role of hydrogen sectors

This study analyzes how advances in clean energy production technology have facilitated related economic development and intensified competition between clean energy sources and fossil fuels. A forecasting model, the Taiwan general equilibrium model–Clean Energy (TAIGEM-CE), is adopted to elucidate the role of wind, solar, tidal current, geothermal, algal biodiesel, biohydrogen, hydrogen fuel cell, biodiesel and bioethanol. Baseline results indicate that biohydrogen, hydrogen fuel cell, biofuels and wind perform satisfactorily when external support is unavailable. Additionally, strong governmental investment in clean energies significantly contributes to development of biodiesel, wind, biohydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell sectors. Results of this study provide feasible means of allocating resources to achieve a smooth transition to a clean energy economy, in which biohydrogen and fuel cell will play a prominent role.

► Evaluating solar, wind, BioH2, fuel cell, biofuels, ocean and geothermal energies. ► Introducing an alternative mechanism for fossil fuels and conventional power. ► Describing BioH2, fuel cells, biofuels and wind, which can perform well without support. ► Advocating governmental support to promote the use of biodiesel, wind, BioH2 and fuel cells. ► Emphasizing the importance of BioH2 and fuel cells in transitioning to a clean energy economy.