2G Cenergy has launched a dedicated hydrogen-fueled combined heat and power (CHP) system, Business Energy reports. The first two 2G Cenergy units have been deployed at an energy station within the Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt Airport in Germany. Each unit is capable of an output of 500 kW.
The hydrogen gas storage system at Brandt airport uses a magnesium hydride technology for solid storage. The system, developed by McPhy Energy in Grenoble, France, holds up to 100 kg of hydrogen produced from electrolysis and is considered a breakthrough in terms of safe hydrogen storage.
The zero-emissions storage system produces hydrogen from water via a wind-powered electrolysis process. Wind energy is produced during off-peak night hours, and the hydrogen fuels the gensets during peak shaving periods.
Siemens is currently developing a large-scale electrolysis system to convert wind energy into storable hydrogen. According to a report from Navigant Research, 38 new advanced energy storage projects were announced, deployed or started in the first six months of 2013, bringing the worldwide total to 633 energy storage projects operating or under development.
Plug Power has deployed GenKey sites at seven Walmart distribution centers. The sites combine GenDrive fuel cell units, GenFuel infrastructure construction and hydrogen fuel supply and GenCare onsite maintenance service.
Outside of large industry, North America does not have a developed hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure; however, the low emissions and relatively low cost of hydrogen fueled electricity generation makes it an attractive alternative to natural gas.
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