Market diffusion strategies for the PEM fuel cell-based micro-CHP systems in the residential sector: scenario analysis

At present, one of the most prominent support mechanisms for sustainable energy is implementing Feed-in Tariffs. This study analyzes Feed-in Tariffs for distributed electricity generation in Iran and Feed-in Tariffs for electricity generated by fuel cells in other countries. Based on reviews of the regulations and the support plans for renewable energy development, CHP generators, and fuel cells, four scenarios were designed for pricing the electricity generated from the fuel cells and how to support its market development. Based on these scenarios, the Feed-in Tariffs of electricity from fuel cells or the expected amount of support for each fuel cell unit was calculated. In the case of using a production tax credit (PTC) model, assuming the total export of the generated electricity to the grid, the cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity varied by 9.89-60.78 cent/kWh based on the utilization of different PEM fuel cell products of different companies. Using Iran's small-scale generator support guideline, the electricity generation cost was calculated between 7.032 and 57.921 cents/kWh.(c) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.