Hydropower energy storage hydrogen production

Could hydropower-based hydrogen production create new revenue streams for hydropower plants?

Hydropower-based hydrogen production could introduce opportunities for new revenue streams for hydropower plants, including from energy storage and regeneration as well as from sale of the hydrogen product to external markets.

How does hydrogen storage affect the power rating of a conversion system?

Since the hydrogen storage solution is based on open conversion systems (e.g., electrolyser and fuel cell), the stored energy volume depends only on the storage capacity, and it does not affect the power rating of the conversion systems; in this way, substantial increases in the investment costs can be avoided .

Do energy storage systems cover a 220 kW hydropower plant off-time?

Energy Storage Systems coupled to a 220 kW hydropower plant are analysed. Electric battery & integrated hydrogen system are studied. 280 MWh of battery capacity cover the 220-kW hydropower plant off-time. Batteries’ investment is lower than 40 €/kWh for the short-term storage scenario.

Is a hydrogen storage system a single energy storage solution?

On the other hand, even though the hydrogen storage system can be considered a single energy storage solution, it has been divided into two conversion systems (e.g., electrolyser and fuel cell) plus one storage (e.g., hydrogen tank) to evaluate the power and energy decoupling nature of this solution.

Is hydrogen energy storage a viable option during unusually wet years?

In addition to the identified factors shaping the viability of hybrid hydrogen production and hydroelectric generation, it is noteworthy that the integration of hydrogen energy storage offers a unique advantage during unusually wet years.

How does hydropower work?

The use of the hydropower electricity over the one withdrawn from the national grid is driven by the market cost, which is different in the two cases. When the small-scale hydropower plant’s production is higher than the LEC’s energy demand, the energy surplus is injected into the grid.