Hydrogen-based energy storage studied
Published on Thu, Feb 26, 2009Read More Local News
One of the obstacles associated with alternative energy sources like wind and solar is storage of the energy produced. Northwest energy industry leaders will launch a study this spring to explore a new hydrogen-based energy storage system for intermittent renewable energy sources.
Snohomish County PUD, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Northwest Hydrogen Alliance will partner on the first phase of the research project.
The technology, known as a "hydrogen hub," chemically combines hydrogen and nitrogen to create anhydrous ammonia, which can be stored and later used for energy production. Energy storage would allow BPA, the PUD and other energy providers to draw on these stored energy supplies during peak usage times, as well as to store excess energy as ammonia when energy generation exceeds customer demand.
One of the benefits of using ammonia is that infrastructure and transportation systems are already in place and it generates no harmful emissions during power production, only water vapor and nitrogen.
"Hydrogen hubs could strengthen our region's renewable energy base and stabilize overall power costs for consumers," said PUD General Manager Steve Klein. "While this technology is still at an early stage, we're excited about the potential to store all forms of renewable energy - wind, solar, hydro and wave - and tap into those stored reserves to meet demand as necessary."
The initial study phase will assess the engineering feasibility of the concept, develop designs for a prototype hydrogen hub and consider site options and transmission issues. The Alliance believes a prototype could be built within two years.
"We think hydrogen hub technology is worthy of serious study," said BPA Chief Technology Innovation Officer Terry Oliver. "Hubs may prove to be a useful new tool to help the Northwest power grid integrate new wind generation and potentially provide other benefits."
Hydrogen hubs could be used to store energy from intermittent renewable resources during periods of excess generation. In spring 2008, for example, the Northwest power system had to integrate 1,500 megawatts of wind energy at the same time hydropower output was peaking, which created price volatility in the market and decreased revenues for BPA and utilities.
Snohomish County PUD, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Northwest Hydrogen Alliance will partner on the first phase of the research project.
The technology, known as a "hydrogen hub," chemically combines hydrogen and nitrogen to create anhydrous ammonia, which can be stored and later used for energy production. Energy storage would allow BPA, the PUD and other energy providers to draw on these stored energy supplies during peak usage times, as well as to store excess energy as ammonia when energy generation exceeds customer demand.
One of the benefits of using ammonia is that infrastructure and transportation systems are already in place and it generates no harmful emissions during power production, only water vapor and nitrogen.
"Hydrogen hubs could strengthen our region's renewable energy base and stabilize overall power costs for consumers," said PUD General Manager Steve Klein. "While this technology is still at an early stage, we're excited about the potential to store all forms of renewable energy - wind, solar, hydro and wave - and tap into those stored reserves to meet demand as necessary."
The initial study phase will assess the engineering feasibility of the concept, develop designs for a prototype hydrogen hub and consider site options and transmission issues. The Alliance believes a prototype could be built within two years.
"We think hydrogen hub technology is worthy of serious study," said BPA Chief Technology Innovation Officer Terry Oliver. "Hubs may prove to be a useful new tool to help the Northwest power grid integrate new wind generation and potentially provide other benefits."
Hydrogen hubs could be used to store energy from intermittent renewable resources during periods of excess generation. In spring 2008, for example, the Northwest power system had to integrate 1,500 megawatts of wind energy at the same time hydropower output was peaking, which created price volatility in the market and decreased revenues for BPA and utilities.
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