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Evaluating Hydrogen’s Role in Energy Storage Solutions

Capacity and discharge duration comparison of energy storage methods (Source: IDTechEx)

energy for extended periods—ranging from substantial, as electrolyzer plants and storage power production from hydrogen is not likely
days to months—is particularly beneficial facilities are highly expensive. However, to occur before 2035.
during seasons characterized by low once the infrastructure is established, large Despite these hurdles, ongoing commer-
renewable-energy production. amounts of energy can be stored as hydrogen cial initiatives could see acceleration driven
However, it is crucial to acknowledge the for very long durations. Moreover, no addi- by favorable regulatory changes, emission
inherent inefficiencies and challenges asso- tional infrastructure may need to be installed, limitations and subsidies. A wide range
ciated with hydrogen as an energy storage unlike with battery systems, as production of of companies see growing opportunities
medium. Round-trip efficiency is a major hydrogen can ramp up and down. in hydrogen energy storage, ranging from
concern, often amounting to only about 36% electrolyzer suppliers to power electronics
in a gas power plant running on green hydro- OUTLOOK and hydrogen storage system providers.
gen. These inefficiencies arise from various The utilization of hydrogen in energy storage, Modular hydrogen energy storage systems
stages in power-to-gas-to-power conversions. although still in its infancy, holds substantial have already made inroads into the market.
For instance, electricity transmission can promise for broader decarbonization efforts. Additionally, larger players like power plant
result in approximately 5% energy loss due Despite the inefficiencies in round-trip developers and turbine suppliers are increas-
to grid heat losses. Electrolysis inefficiencies energy conversions, hydrogen emerges as an ingly exploring opportunities in this field.
can vary widely depending on the electrolyzer interesting solution for balancing renew- Projects and ongoing technological evolu-
technology, from about a 30% loss in alkaline able energy and storing energy for off-grid tions reinforce that hydrogen’s contribution
water electrolysis to 10% to 20% in solid oxide applications. However, the wider adoption of to energy storage is increasingly within reach.
electrolyzers. Furthermore, compressing hydrogen for electricity applications demands As renewable energy continues to claim a
hydrogen can result in a 10% to 30% energy more evolved business models to achieve larger share of the energy-generation mix,
loss, depending on the pressure used. commercial viability. the adoption of hydrogen storage solutions is
A crucial factor that adds complexity to One of the principal roadblocks to the expected to gain momentum. However, this is
the energy storage landscape is the capex widespread adoption of hydrogen is the high still only expected to happen in the long term,
associated with these technologies, par- capex associated with the development of likely post-2035, featuring a more in-depth
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ticularly as it relates to extending storage blue and green hydrogen production facilities exploration of the hydrogen value chain. ■
duration. Li-ion batteries experience a nearly and pipeline infrastructure. Added to this
linear increase in capex for longer durations, are the challenges of long timelines for salt REFERENCE
becoming financially impractical beyond six cavern development, financial risks in hydro- 1 IDTechEx recently released a market study,
hours of storage. RFBs, conversely, show a gen and renewable projects, and the need for “Hydrogen Economy 2023-2033: Production,
more tempered capex rise, primarily because robust business models for energy sales based Storage, Distribution & Applications,” which may
the scaling cost is concentrated on the on hydrogen. These multifaceted challenges be read at tinyurl.com/43djdrkd.
electrolyte storage tanks, thus making them cast doubt on the near- to medium-term fea-
economically viable for medium durations. sibility of hydrogen’s role in energy storage. Chingis Idrissov is a technology analyst at
For hydrogen storage, the upfront capex is Siemens Energy has projected that large-scale IDTechEx.

NOVEMBER 2023 | www.eetimes.eu