Empowering Renewable Energy: The Role of Green Hydrogen in Stabilizing Power Grids
Key Ideas
- Research conducted in Korea shows that green hydrogen effectively supplements renewable energy sources, overcoming volatility in power grids.
- Models developed by the research team determine the optimal scale of green hydrogen systems for renewable energy integration and grid stability.
- The study highlights the economic efficiency of green hydrogen when combined with both solar and wind power, offering insights for future energy strategies.
A research team at the Korea Institute of Energy Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of green hydrogen in stabilizing the power grid by supplementing renewable energy sources. Through the electrolysis of water using electricity from solar and wind power, green hydrogen is produced without emitting carbon dioxide. The team led by Dr. Joungho Park developed a model to optimize the scale of green hydrogen systems for a renewable energy power grid. By analyzing weather data and electricity demand on Jeju Island, they determined the ideal scale aligning with the 2030 renewable energy goals.
The study focused on utilizing Power-to-Gas (P2G) technology, converting surplus renewable energy into green hydrogen to manage power grid variability. By calculating the System Levelized Cost of Electricity (sLCOE) and Loss Probability of Power Supply (LPSP), the team evaluated the economic feasibility and stability of the green hydrogen system. Results showed that while batteries are effective for solar power and green hydrogen for wind power, the optimal economic efficiency was achieved when both were combined.
Dr. Park emphasized the significance of the research in addressing power grid instability and output restrictions from expanding renewable energy. The collaboration with USC and the publication in 'Energy Conversion and Management' underscore the global relevance of the findings. This study provides valuable insights for governments and companies to develop green hydrogen strategies, supporting rational decision-making in the transition towards sustainable energy.
Topics
Power
Renewable Energy
Energy Transition
Research Findings
Economic Efficiency
Power Grid Stability
Policy Implications
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