March – The Past, Present & Future of Hydrogen in Electrical Grids - Part 2

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Written by Lasantha Meegahapola

Hydrogen is gaining momentum as a major energy source in the transition toward low-carbon power systems. Hydrogen can be deployed as a source when used in fuel cells to produce electricity. At the same time, hydrogen production via the electrolysis process (also known as the power to hydrogen (PtH) technology) acts as a load. These two technologies can deliver many benefits to power grids, such as relieving network bottlenecks, maximizing renewable energy penetration, offering system flexibility, and providing system support services (e.g., frequency support services). Although hydrogen can bring many benefits to power grids, many challenges still need to be overcome when integrating hydrogen-based technologies into the power grid. This article discusses the opportunities that can be harnessed from hydrogen-based technologies and the challenges associated with the grid integration of hydrogen-based technologies.

Written by Ashtabhuj Kumar Srivastava and Bhavesh R. Bhalja

With the rapid expansion in technologies related to hydrogen applications, new perceptions addressing novel technologies are approaching the market. Consequently, there is a need to keep track of global involvements and accomplishments taking place in the field of smart hydrogen in various sectors. The same is depicted in Figure 1. In the industrial segment, it is utilized as a feedstock for refining ammonia/methanol synthesis, and to reduce iron processing.

Written by Kumari Sandhya, Akula Sathvick and Kalya Chatterjee

Modern distribution systems are addressing major challenges of pandemic, climatic and technical changes. Resilience can help systems emerge stronger by boosting their self-healing capabilities. This can be achieved by strategically dispatching mobile energy sources along with other distributed generation sources. Therefore, over the past years momentum behind hydrogen as an energy carrier has increased dramatically. Hydrogen energy is highly efficient as it has the capability to be stored and transported. Hydrogen energy is about three times efficient than gasoline so it can be harnessed for systems as large as a utility power station.

Written by Ahad Esmaeilian and Kaveh Aflaki

Hydrogen production has a long history, dating back to the 1800s when scientists discovered that water could be converted into hydrogen and oxygen through the process of electrolysis. By the 20th century, hydrogen began to be utilized as a fuel source on a large scale, primarily derived from non-renewable fossil fuels through steam methane reforming (SMR), autothermal reforming (ATR), partial oxidation (POX), coal gasification, or oil refining. The hydrogen produced from any of the mentioned methods is known as “gray hydrogen” which results in significant greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, green hydrogen is produced from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power through electrolysis. Green hydrogen has gained significant attention and investment in recent years due to its potential to be used as a low-carbon fuel for transportation, industry, and power generation.


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