Learning Level: 101: Applies to those with limited experience of the topic and seeking foundational understanding of the content.
Microgrid deployment is becoming more prevalent in the United States as energy demand grows in hard-to-electrify areas and the frequency of severe weather related outages increases nationwide. Microgrids are not immune to the widespread trends in the energy industry involving decarbonization and must start exploring new avenues to achieve a carbon-free future. Flexible peaking assets, such as diesel generators, are looked upon less favorably, while renewable energy increases its penetration into the energy market. Adding hydrogen to the system can help to decarbonize microgrids and maintain reliability for the grid’s energy needs. This presentation will focus on the enhancements that hydrogen offers to new and existing microgrids as a long-duration energy storage option and an alternative fuel source. Recent Congressional investments in decarbonization technologies and infrastructure via the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act have created an outpouring of funding. Provisions are specifically designed to support hydrogen projects in the research and development stage as well as commercial projects. Microgrids are a primed for testing new concepts on a small scale to measure advantages and challenges in addition to being strategic platforms for scaling up to utility-scale projects. Hydrogen energy storage is more suitable for long duration applications when compared to battery energy storage. Hydrogen storage can last for days due to technical and operational characteristics, unlike typical lithium-ion batteries in today’s market. Hydrogen also allows peaking assets to remain in use when acting as a fuel, thereby improving the reliability of the microgrid’s power generation.
