Written by Mike Barrett, Renewable Energy Sector Lead
The world is going through a major energy transition. The UK is making substantial investments in renewable and low carbon energy sources to pave the way for a more sustainable future, as set out in the Government’s Clean Energy Plan 2030. While these technologies hold immense promise, they also present a unique challenge: energy storage.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) companies are acutely aware of the limitations of storing variable renewable energy. As renewable energy production increases, so does the need for BESS facilities to balance the system. With the grid struggling to keep pace, the emerging risk has been curtailment. In most cases, the underlying cause for curtailment is not the variability of renewable energy generation, but rather the inability of current electricity grids to transport the excess electricity from renewables to consumers.
However, a solution is emerging that could revolutionise energy storage and unlock the full potential of renewable sources: utilising excess battery storage for hydrogen production using electrolysers.
The Energy Storage Challenge
Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are inherently intermittent. The sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow, leading to fluctuations in energy generation.
BESS plays a critical role in balancing these fluctuations by storing excess energy during periods of high generation and releasing it when demand exceeds supply.
However, current BESS technologies have limitations in terms of storage capacity and duration. And the grid can’t, or won’t, always allow electricity stored to be sold into the grid for a lot of different, changing reasons. This is where hydrogen production comes into play.
Hydrogen: The Energy Carrier of the Future
Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that can be produced from a variety of sources, including renewable electricity. Hydrogen UK’s Hydrogen To Power Report released last month highlights hydrogen’s critical role in supporting the Clean Energy Plan 2030.
When produced using renewable energy, hydrogen becomes a fuel source that can be stored for long periods and used to generate electricity on demand. The future of hydrogen may also be unlocked through transport – hydrogen provides greater energy density than a battery of the same size, so is better for vehicles where a lot of power or a long driving range is required as a battery capable of powering these vehicles would be prohibitively heavy and large.
This makes it an ideal complement to BESS technologies, providing a means to store excess renewable energy that would otherwise be wasted.
Electrolysers: The Key to Unlocking Hydrogen’s Potential
Electrolysers are devices that use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. When powered by renewable electricity, electrolysers produce green hydrogen, a clean and sustainable fuel source.
Companies building and operating renewable energy generation and BESS can integrate electrolysers into their existing infrastructure to utilise excess renewable energy for hydrogen production.
This not only addresses the energy storage challenge but also creates a new revenue stream for these companies, whilst utilising energy that would otherwise be lost.
The Benefits of Hydrogen Production for Renewable Energy Generation and BESS Companies
By BESS and hydrogen production companies working together, there are many benefits:
- Increased Revenue: Producing and selling hydrogen can generate significant revenue for BESS companies.
- Improved Efficiency: Utilising excess renewable energy for hydrogen production improves the overall efficiency of the energy system.
- Environmental Benefits: Green hydrogen is a clean and sustainable fuel source that can help to reduce carbon emissions.
BWB: Supporting the Transition to a Hydrogen Economy
BWB Consulting is a leading engineering and environmental consultancy with extensive experience in the energy sector. We offer a comprehensive range of services to support the development and implementation of hydrogen production projects. Our expertise includes:
- Feasibility Studies: Assessing the technical viability of hydrogen production projects.
- Environmental Assessment: Conducting environmental impact assessments to ensure the sustainability of hydrogen production projects.
- Design: Developing innovative and cost-effective designs for hydrogen production facilities.
- Project Management: Overseeing and managing hydrogen production projects from conception to completion.
We already have extensive experience in the renewable energy sector, including working on Prosiect Maen Hir Solar and Storage DCO in Anglesey, Wales, and working in the hydrogen industry, notably on ITM Power’s hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing plant in Bessemer Park, Sheffield.
BWB Consulting is committed to supporting our clients in navigating this exciting new frontier and unlocking hydrogen’s full potential as a bankable asset.
