ESB shows off power of hydrogen with fuel cell demonstrations
ESB has launched new hydrogen power generation demonstration fuel cells to showcase what is the first deployment of hydrogen to electricity in Ireland. A demonstration of this unit – produced by GeoPura, a UK-based renewable energy company, and Siemens Energy – is being hosted this week at ESB’s head office on Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin.
This type of hydrogen power unit can support the network by using fuel cell technology, converting hydrogen to electricity, to supply up to 250kW of clean power when required – with the only by-product being pure water.
The deployment of the fuel cells is the first phase of a demonstration-scale green hydrogen lighthouse project. The second phase will involve the deployment of an electrolyser at ESB’s Aghada Power Station in Co Cork – the overall project will be completed in 2025.
On completion, ESB will be able to demonstrate the conversion of electricity to hydrogen and hydrogen to electricity. This will also enable demonstrations of the role green hydrogen can play in reducing Ireland’s emissions, particularly from hard-to-abate industrial processes and certain transport applications such as heavy goods vehicles and aviation.
Jim Dollard, ESB executive director, generation & trading, said: “We know that to reach net zero in the timeframe that we have set out other sources of clean energy will be required to support the electricity system here in Ireland. At ESB, we believe green hydrogen will be one of those sources and I am really excited to be here today to see first-hand how the hydrogen power units we will deploy as part of our wider Lighthouse Project will work… ESB will use this technology to build capability and understanding of the role green hydrogen will play in the net zero energy system of the future. This will be an important energy source for backup dispatchable electricity generation at times when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining.”
Alistair Gemmell, chief business development officer at GeoPura, said: “This ambitious lighthouse project not only protects our planet but also our health, setting a strong example for others to follow and we look forward to continuing to support ESB to implement its hydrogen strategy and reduce emissions in Ireland.”
This type of unit has already supplied energy for large-scale events including festivals and television productions and replaced diesel generators in some construction settings.
ESB is planning a series of demonstrations of the units at locations across the country in late 2024 and early 2025 to showcase the versatility of hydrogen fuel cell technology in different applications.
This project supports Ireland’s National Hydrogen Strategy which identifies hydrogen’s key role in decarbonising hard-to-abate parts of the economy and enhancing energy security. Green hydrogen is produced from renewable electricity – specifically hydro, wind or solar.
TechCentral Reporters
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers