Hydrogen Tech World October 2024 | Page 41

[ fuel cells ]
Chelveston Renewable Energy Park

Balancing renewable power with green hydrogen storage

As the need for renewable energy increases , balancing grid demand , supply , and stability becomes more challenging . Solar , wind , and wave energy are inherently variable , often generating power when it ’ s not needed and falling short when demand is high during peak periods . This inconsistency complicates grid management , requiring advanced solutions to balance supply and demand effectively . Enter fuel cell technology .
By Greg Harris , Chief Commercial Officer , Intelligent Energy
Harnessing the power of green hydrogen
As renewable energy sources like solar , wind , and wave cannot be provided on demand , their inconsistency means that relying on more and more renewables can actually reduce the availability of ‘ dispatchable ’ power that can be managed to effectively meet the precise demands of the grid .
The fluctuating nature of renewable energy sources also poses a significant challenge when maintaining grid stability . Unlike traditional power grids that rely on an abundant supply of fossil fuels , using renewables can lead to rapid changes in power availability , creating grid inconsistencies . This instability can result in power quality issues , such as voltage sags and frequency deviations .
Harnessing the power and potential of green hydrogen , produced during the process of electrolysis using renewable electricity , provides
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 18 | October 2024 41