2019 international hydrogen energy and energy storage

What is hydrogen economy?

The hydrogen economy is a proposed system where hydrogen is produced and used extensively as the primary energy carrier. Successful development of hydrogen economy means innumerable advantages for the environment, energy security, economy, and final users.

How to develop a hydrogen economy?

One major key to wholly develop hydrogen economy is safe, compact, light and cost-efficient hydrogen storage. The conventional gaseous state storage system as pressurized hydrogen gas and liquid state storage system pose safety and cost problems to onboard applications; therefore, they do not satisfy the future goals for a hydrogen economy.

Are hydrogen storage systems economically feasible?

Techno-economic feasibility of current hydrogen storage systems is yet to be realized. None of the existing metal hydrides fulfill all the essential criteria for a practical hydrogen economy due to low hydrogen storage capacity, sluggish kinetics, and unacceptable temperatures of hydrogen absorption/desorption.

Will hydrogen storage be significant in 2050?

According to IRENA’s analysis (2019b), storage needs for integrating large shares of solar and wind power will grow significantly in 2050, compared to today. The production of a very large volume of hydrogen from renewable power in combination with hydrogen storage can help provide long-term seasonal flexibility to the system (Figure 6).

Does the US have a workstream on hydrogen?

In the US, the Department of Energy has multiple workstreams on hydrogen. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has a dedicated workstream on hydrogen from renewables, with a focus on electrolysis that includes clear targets for cost and efficiency (US DOE, 2019).

Is hydrogen a viable energy storage option for a high-renewables energy system?

Hydrogen can play a key role for seasonal storage in power systems with a high share of variable renewable energy. A recent study for Northern Europe concluded that despite the relatively low 45% cycle efficiency, power-to-gas electricity storage would be beneficial and economically viable in a high-renewables scenario for 2050.