Utilizing Hydrogen as Energy Storage to Address Electricity Grid Issues
摘要
Some power systems are grappling with excess electricity generation, where more power is produced than needed to meet demand, particularly across major grids. This surplus can arise from various factors, including an oversupply of electricity from power plants, low demand due to economic conditions, and inefficient consumer usage. Additionally, renewable energy systems can generate more electricity than what is needed or can be stored optimally, leading to excess energy being wasted in inefficient dump loads. To address these challenges, grid operators can use several strategies to balance supply and demand, such as adjusting power plant output and implementing hydrogen-based energy storage systems. Hydrogen (H2) can play a crucial role in renewable energy development by serving as an efficient energy storage medium. It captures excess electricity from renewables and converts it into hydrogen for later use. This stored hydrogen provides flexibility for grid balancing, helping to bridge gaps between supply and demand during fluctuations in renewable generation. Moreover, hydrogen can be transported and distributed efficiently, offering grid operators greater flexibility in managing energy resources across diverse geographical locations. Many studies have explored hydrogen's role in the power grid, and these are discussed further in this chapter.