Technology-enabled circular business models for the hybridisation of wind farms: Integrated wind and solar energy, power-to-gas and power-to-liquid systems

Abstract

The hybridisation of wind farms (HWF) through the implementation of multiple renewable energy production, storage and distribution technologies can optimise the performance and efficiency of the entire renewable energy system. Likewise, the implementation of wind-based Power-to-X (PtX) technology solutions represents an instrumental strategy to facilitate fossil fuel and pollutant emission savings in high-energy and high‑carbon intensive sectors (e.g. transportation, industry and buildings). Nevertheless, the shift towards innovative renewable energy production and consumption systems should be pursued through the implementation of circular economy (CE) strategies driven by circular business models (CBM) to optimise resource efficiency and sustainability performance. However, none of the research studies available on the HWF, and/or the development of hybrid renewable energy plants or PtX systems, have yet provided an overview of all the potential CBM typologies and configurations that can facilitate this process, including the market uptake of Power-to-Gas (PtG) and Power-to-Liquid (PtL) products. Building upon the analysis of 82 documents, including journal papers, industrial reports, R&D projects and business cases, this paper provides a comprehensive categorisation and characterisation of CBMs for the deployment and management of integrated wind and solar energy plants, and PtG (hydrogen and methane) and PtL (methanol, ammonia and e-fuels) systems. The major industrial, market and policy challenges for a resource-efficient and sustainable HWF and deployment of PtX solutions are also discussed. The findings are relevant to the renewable and low-carbon energy sector, the industry and transportation sectors, and all the stakeholders and policymakers pursuing the sustainable energy transition.