Hydrogen and Battery Storage Technologies for Low-Cost Energy Decarbonization in Distribution Networks

Abstract

Deep energy decarbonization cannot be achieved without high penetration of renewables. At higher renewable energy penetrations, the variability and intermittent nature of solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity can cause ramping issues with existing fossil fuel generation, requiring longer term energy storage to increase the reliability of grid operation. A proton exchange membrane electrolyzer can produce H 2 and serves as a utility controllable load. The produced H 2 can then be stored and converted back into electricity, or mixed with natural gas, or used as transportation fuel, or chemical feedstock. This paper considers the perspective of the distribution system operator that operates the distributed energy resources on a standard IEEE 33-node distribution network considering the technical and physical constraints with the goal of minimizing total investment and operation cost. Different case studies, at very high PV penetrations are considered to show the challenges and path to net-zero emission energy production using H 2 energy. Sensitivity of utility PV costs and electrolyzer capital costs on producing H 2 at $1/kg are presented showing that the distribution network could produce 100% renewable electricity and H 2 could be produced at a cost of $1/kg by 2050 with conservative cost estimates and by 2030 with accelerated cost declines.