Hydrogen: Breaking Power Systems frontiers?
All recent technological changes that the power systems have gone through are derived from: (i) A more active role of the Distribution Systems (Decentralization), (ii) Advances in digital techniques and applications (Digitalization) and (iii) An increased use of renewable energy sources of intermittent nature (Decarbonization). This resulted in a remarkable transformation in the power system business as a whole. With such evolutions, the interrelation of the main Grid sectors (Generation and Transmission) with the Distribution and Prosumer side will be less and less visible, and consequently will require a careful analysis by governmental bodies and Regulators.
Such facts are well known.
Unknown is which will be the next steps into the so-called 4.0 Industrial Transformation in the power business. But, we should act predictively. In the scope of this evolutionary trend Hydrogen realization as a clean gas produced by electrolysis is becoming a reality. It represents a credible energy alternative and a very important source of flexibility for the integration of large amounts of intermittent solar and wind electricity.
As highlighted in recent reports from the International Energy Agency, on the topic of Hydrogen, statements as “there have been many false starts for hydrogen in the past; this time could be different. The time is right to tap into hydrogen’s potential to play a key role in a clean, secure and affordable energy future” are seen. We definitely need to examine and understand all changes which will be derived from this “new” form of energy. Their impact on the whole chain of the energy business will be enormous – and positive.
Hydrogen could be transformed and transported to be used either into large electrification projects for the transportation industry (e-mobility) or to be combined with CO2, to open up many opportunities for green gas production to be used in chemical and petrochemical industrial applications. Also, when produced in conjunction with large wind farm or large solar- projects during periods of overproduction could be stored in clean storage systems and utilized to transfer electricity back to the grid in periods of low energy production.
Further, recently various experimental railway systems are utilizing Hydrogen as fuel. Some car/trucks manufacturers have also launched very aggressive programs of Hydrogen powered vehicles (Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicles - FCEV).
All these recent initiatives will lead to an expansion of the traditional power system industry throughout other sectors such as electrical transportation and industrial use of gas.
This new movement has been referred to as Power-to-Gas (P2G) which is the opposite direction of the Gas-to-Power move that we are accustomed to, in which Oil companies play a role in the electricity generation business.
With the Hydrogen being available, frontiers of power companies from the traditional segments of Generation-Transmission-Distribution-Consumer, will have to be redefined and suitably expanded to deal with the sectors where this new source will be used.
Not only that, but if we think on the professional skills that will be required by the new electricity companies we can easily predict major changes.
Even more, as governmental bodies (Ministries) are normally organized by sectors (like Energy, Transportation, Industrial Development etc.) they will also be affected by all these changes and new paradigms of interrelationship.
The world is changing. Technology is a deterministic factor for the success of companies.
CIGRE is the best place for you and your company to keep pace with these developments in order to stay informed, competitive and efficient. In CIGRE all these aspects will be continuously analyzed and the information will be produced at the right moment with adequate content. Come and join us if you have not done it yet!