Recent research published in ‘Environmental Research: Energy’ sheds light on the potential of hydrogen energy storage systems, particularly the power-to-hydrogen-to-power (P-H2-P) method, as a viable alternative to traditional battery storage systems. Conducted by lead author Jacqueline A. Dowling from the California Institute of Technology and the Carnegie Institution for Science, the study evaluates how P-H2-P systems can optimize costs and efficiency across their various components—charging, storage, and discharging—separately.
One of the key findings of the research is that in electricity systems heavily reliant on wind and solar power, there is often an excess of renewable energy that goes unused, a phenomenon known as curtailment. The study argues that even with the current limitations in round-trip efficiency and higher discharge costs associated with P-H2-P systems, these methods can still be included in the least-cost solutions for energy systems. “These systems included P-H2-P in the least-cost solution, despite its low round-trip efficiency and relatively high P-H2-P power discharge costs,” Dowling noted.
The research emphasizes the importance of reducing capital costs, particularly for the discharge components of P-H2-P systems. If these costs can be lowered, there will be less curtailment of renewable energy and a greater sensitivity of electricity system costs to improvements in hydrogen conversion efficiency. This presents a significant opportunity for innovation and investment in the hydrogen sector, particularly for companies involved in renewable energy, energy storage, and infrastructure development.
Furthermore, the study highlights the potential for utilizing existing depleted natural gas reservoirs for hydrogen storage, suggesting that these sites could be repurposed to support the growing hydrogen economy. This could lead to substantial commercial opportunities for energy companies looking to adapt their infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen storage.
Overall, the findings from Dowling and her team indicate that the future of energy storage may increasingly hinge on hydrogen systems, particularly in regions where wind and solar power generation is abundant. As the industry moves toward decarbonization, understanding and investing in these opportunities could position companies at the forefront of the energy transition.
