THE INTEGRATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES IN THE ENERGY MIX TO DECARBONIZE OUR PLANET
Renewable energies are inherently intermittent and variable, since they depend on either light intensity for photovoltaics or wind for wind power. It is therefore crucial to find a way to store the energy they produce, so that it can be used later, when the primary source is no longer available. The storage of energy from renewable sources allows the adaptation in time between energy supply and demand and also brings security and flexibility to the networks.
At present, there are either batteries or hydrogen to store energy:
- Batteries currently meet a need for storage of fairly short duration (several hours to a few days) for low to medium power and energy quantities. Their main limitations are related to their lack of compactness, their important weight, their very long recharging time for high powers as well as their life span limited by the chemical degradation of the reactions.
- Hydrogen is a key solution to accelerate the energy transition. Hydrogen is considered an “energy carrier” because it can be stored, transported and used on demand in various applications.
What is the hydrogen ecosystem?
The hydrogen ecosystem is a complex network that involves various aspects, including the production, storage, distribution, and utilization of hydrogen as an energy vector, as well as the interconnection between each step of using hydrogen as an energy vector. Fuel cells are one of the key components of the hydrogen ecosystem.
The hydrogen ecosystem has the potential to transform the way we produce, store, and use energy. With advancements in technology and infrastructure, hydrogen can become a leading energy source that is both sustainable and efficient, providing a cleaner and brighter future for generations to come.
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION, STORAGE & USAGE
Dihydrogen H₂:
Dihydrogen, commonly known as hydrogen, is a gas with chemical properties that offer major energy benefits.
- Production:
Hydrogen can be produced from various sources, such as water and hydrocarbons (coal, oil, gas). The hydrogen produced can be carbon or decarbon-based. There are different methods and sources of hydrogen production, such as water electrolysis, steam methane reformation and biomass gasification.
Considerable efforts are currently being made to move to sustainable methods of hydrogen production. Water electrolysis is an environmentally friendly method of hydrogen production that has received a lot of attention in recent years because of its potential as a clean, renewable energy source. The process involves using an electric current to break down water molecules into their constituent parts, the atoms of dihydrogen and oxygen.
One of the main advantages of water electrolysis to produce hydrogen is that it can be powered by renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power. When powered by 100% renewable energy, the resulting hydrogen is known as green hydrogen and is completely carbon-free, making it an environmentally friendly and highly sustainable option.
Switching to green hydrogen can significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuel sources. By doing so, we can help create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
- Storage:
Once produced, hydrogen, which has a very high mass density, is then stored in gaseous, liquid or solid form in tanks.
- Transport & Usage:
Hydrogen is then transported to recharge stations for heavy mobility or used to regenerate electricity through fuel cells.
