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Microsoft aims to be carbon-negative by 2030 , and data center emissions present a significant hurdle in reaching that objective . The project is the result of years of research into clean power , and the 3-MW threshold was a cause for celebration after the completion of successful testing .
In the words of Sean James , Microsoft ’ s Director of Data Center Research , “ What we just witnessed was , for the data center industry , a moon landing moment . We have a generator that produces no emissions . It ’ s mind-blowing .”
Well-founded concerns remain about how to supply hydrogen at levels required to replace diesel generators at data centers . How hydrogen will continue to expand into the market is yet to be seen , but progress so far has been encouraging .
Supporting microgrids with hydrogen
Microgrids may hold the most promising application for hydrogen in supporting the health of the power grid . After the deadly California wildfires , Pacific Gas & Electric ( PG & E ), the local utility , looked for ways to provide reliable power to essential services during Public Safety Power Shutoffs and natural disasters . The City of Calistoga selected a hybrid of batteries and hydrogen fuel cells for auxiliary power for its microgrid . The combination provides up to 48 hours of power for critical facilities like fire and police stations , as well as the region ’ s 2,000 customers , and will be the largest long-duration energy storage system in the United States .
The project by Energy Vault , called the Calistoga Resiliency Center , uses green hydrogen and provides 100 % clean energy . The stationary power PEM fuel cells replace the seasonal diesel generators used in the past . The hydrogen , stored as a liquid for higher energy density , can be refilled as needed for extended outages .
The concept is simple . During a Public Safety Power Shutoff or other long-term service interruptions , the region will disconnect from the PG & E grid . The Energy Vault system will come online and provide the necessary power until the event passes . This ‘ islanding ’ allows residents and businesses to continue operating completely independently of the larger grid . Islanding can also prevent cascading failures and avert blackouts from spreading to other regions in California .
With this technology , Calistoga residents can continue their lives without relying on diesel generators for emergency power . Silent , clean , and reliable hydrogen power replaces the noise , NOx emissions , and general inconvenience of fossil-fueled backup systems .
Activity with microgrids is not limited to the United States . Australia has a cutting-edge pilot for microgrid robustness . In Denham , Western Australia , Horizon Power is using a hybrid of renewable energy and storage systems to support its microgrid . Hydrogen is not solely used as backup power but also as primary power to complement the BESS ( battery energy storage system ).
Hydrogen will be produced from excess renewable energy from solar and wind sites that already support the region . At night or during low renewable output , the hydrogen fuel cell will produce electricity to augment the battery system , broadening the reach of renewable energy and reducing diesel reliance . The hybrid system adds resilience and redundancy to the microgrid while reducing NOx and CO 2 emissions , resulting in cleaner air and stable power for the Outback .
Hydrogen ’ s role in a resilient energy grid
There is no single solution to stabilizing the electrical grid . Numerous improvements must be made to meet growing demand while minimizing environmental and economic impacts . Hydrogen offers a promising means to ensure reliable , cost-effective power on demand , but it must be strategically integrated into the broader energy landscape .
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 19 | December 2024 45