Integrating Hydrogen Systems at Scale: NREL’s Electrolyzer Research (Text Version)

This is the text version of the Integrating Hydrogen Systems at Scale: NREL’s Electrolyzer Research video.

High levels of renewable energy generation can challenge the power grid.

NREL is using power-hardware-in-the-loop experiments and power systems models to demonstrate how hydrogen electrolyzers can support renewables on the grid.

Researchers verified that electrolyzers can provide the needed control to address variable generation and grid stability issues.

In a modeled 10 MW grid scenario with 50% solar penetration, electrolyzers reduced the number of voltage violations by up to 65% and used nearly 5 MWh of otherwise curtailed renewable energy.

By using excess electricity during times of low demand, electrolyzers could minimize the “duck curve” issue, while also providing high-value hydrogen.

Ultimately, increasing renewable energy utilization and lowering the cost of hydrogen.

For more information on NREL’s hydrogen and fuel cell research, visit www.nrel.gov/hydrogen/.