(3qe) Integrated Assessment and Optimization of Low-Carbon Hydrogen Production Pathways

Research Interests

My research focuses on the design of carbon capture system and the development of hydrogen economy pathways through the lens of process systems engineering (PSE). I take a holistic approach by integrating first-principles-based, high-fidelity process modeling, heat integration, techno-economic analysis (TEA), and life cycle assessment (LCA), and energy system modeling. By systematically identifying technological opportunities and critical barriers across process and system scales, my work aims to develop quantitative frameworks that support policymakers and industry stakeholders in accelerating carbon neutrality and hydrogen deployment.

WP 1. Solidification-Based Cryogenic CCUS

My doctoral research at Yonsei University focused on advancing sustainable carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) through a solidification-based cryogenic process. I developed and evaluated a cryogenic CO₂ capture process using LNG cold energy at the downstream of natural gas power plants, validating its performance through pilot plant test. This work was extended to the LNG supply chain by integrating heat between liquefaction and regasification sites, addressing repetitive energy loss caused by geographical separation. Finally, I established a circular synthetic natural gas (SNG) value chain by converting the captured CO₂ via cryogenic CCS, thereby closing CO₂ cycle. Through energy analysis, TEA and LCA, this research demonstrated how process-level innovations can scale into sustainable value-chain solutions for energy sector.

WP 2. Optimal Hydrogen Production Strategies Toward 2050

Building on my CCUS expertise and previous hydrogen projects, I recently developed a integrated platform to forecast optimal hydrogen production strategies under evolving climate policies. I classified representative hydrogen production processes and conducted system-level TEA and LCA to assess economic and environmental trade-offs. By formulating this challenge as a multi-objective linear programming (MOLP) problem, I explored optimal national strategies through 2050 considering both climate targets and policy incentives. This framework provides actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders seeking realistic and scalable pathways for hydrogen deployment.

Future Research Goals

Currently, as a visiting scholar at MIT in Prof. Shin’s group, I am extending my research to dynamic simulation and model predictive control (MPC) of the MEA-based CO₂ absorption processes. This transition allows me to engage with time-dependent operational strategies that are critical for practical industrial implementation.

Looking ahead, I am particularly interested in addressing scheduling and planning challenges across multiple time horizons, from real-time control to long-term energy system planning. I am also interested in expanding my expertise at both the molecular and unit scales through advanced computational methods. My long-term vision is to tackle problems across diverse system and time scales, connecting fundamental mechanisms with system-level decision making to deliver practical solutions that advance carbon-neutral industrial systems.

Selected Publications & Awards

[1] Kim, Y., Moon, I., Kim, J., & Lee, J. (2025). Renewable natural gas value chain based on cryogenic carbon capture, utilization and storage, and power-to-gas for a net-zero CO2 economy. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 212, 115425

[2] Noh, W., Park, S., Kim, Y., Lee, J., Kim, J., & Lee, I. (2024). Systems design and techno-economic analysis of a novel cryogenic carbon capture process integrated with an air separation unit for autothermal reforming blue hydrogen production system, Journal of Cleaner Production, 457, 142341

[3] Joo, C., Lee, J., Kim, Y., Cho, H., Gu, B., & Kim, J. (2024). A novel on-site SMR process integrated with a hollow fiber membrane module for efficient blue hydrogen production: Modeling, validation, and techno-economic analysis, Applied Energy, 354, 122227

[4] Kim, Y., Lee, J., An, N., & Kim, J. (2023). Advanced natural gas liquefaction and regasification processes: liquefied natural gas supply chain with cryogenic carbon capture and storage, Energy Conversion and Management, 292, 117349

[5] Kim, Y., Lee, J., Cho, H., & Kim, J. (2023). Novel cryogenic carbon dioxide capture and storage process using LNG cold energy in a natural gas combined cycle power plant, Chemical Engineering Journal, 456, 140980

Awards: Sejong Science Fellowship of NRF (2025-2026) for “Development of a holistic platform for forecasting hydrogen production strategies under climate policies”