GKN Hydrogen Ensures Sustainable Emergency Power for Civil Protection in South Tyrol
Key Ideas
  • GKN Hydrogen has successfully implemented an innovative energy storage solution to provide CO2-free emergency power for a communication facility in South Tyrol.
  • The hydrogen-powered system can provide emergency power for up to four days, ensuring uninterrupted communication during weather-related power outages.
  • This project showcases a sustainable and reliable approach to emergency power supply for critical infrastructures, setting a precedent for future similar initiatives.
GKN Hydrogen, a global technology leader in metal hydride hydrogen storage, has commissioned an innovative energy storage solution to provide emergency power for a communication facility in Toblach, South Tyrol, Italy. The Provincial Office for Civil Protection within the Civil Protection Agency initiated the order to address the lack of emergency power in the outdated communication facility. The decentralized solution by GKN Hydrogen aims to ensure a sustainable and reliable emergency power supply, particularly crucial for maintaining communication for public institutions during power outages. The hydrogen-powered system is capable of providing continuous electrical output of 10 kW for up to four days, allowing the communication tower to operate without interruption until normal power supply is restored. The stored hydrogen, produced using grid electricity and electrolysis, is kept in metal powder form for years with minimal loss. When required, an integrated fuel cell converts the stored hydrogen into electricity to operate the facility. Matthias Innerbicher, the Project Manager, highlighted the significance of this project as the company's first reference in emergency power supply for critical infrastructures. This initiative is a step towards sustainable and emission-free emergency power supply, showcasing the potential for similar projects supporting critical infrastructures like rescue services and firefighting operations. The system's remote control and service team updates ensure operational readiness at all times, crucial for remote locations.
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