Hydrogenics Corporation, a developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and fuel cell power modules, announced that it along with a European consortium consisting of SINTEF, the Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Tecnalia, UniSannio, Varanger Kraft and KES will deliver a 2.5-MW electrolyzer-based energy storage system directly connected to a 45-MW wind farm in Norway.
Varanger Kraft’s wind farm, located in Raggovidda, is already one of the most efficient in Europe. However, due to limitations within the local transmission grid, the project’s capacity of 200 MW cannot currently be realized. The consortium – named Haeolus – will enable the production of clean hydrogen using some of the excess power produced from wind in the region.
“We are pleased to collaborate with other partners in this visionary project, where Hydrogenics will deliver a 2.5-MW PEM electrolyzer under very extreme conditions in Norway,” said Daryl Wilson, President, and CEO of Hydrogenics. “All operational aspects must be accurately planned to maximize hydrogen production and ensure long-term system durability. By utilizing our advanced energy storage solution, we are driving the efficiency of wind energy output in Northern Europe.”
Hydrogenics’ PEM-based electrolyzers are customizable and scalable for multi-megawatt applications – without sacrificing efficiency, response or durability – and the compactness of the company’s technology delivers energy storage in a significantly smaller plant footprint. The Haeolus system will be remotely controlled and monitored due to environmental conditions at the wind farm and lack of accessibility during winter when the area is covered by a thick layer of snow.
“Raggovidda is located in an area which probably has some of the best wind conditions on Earth,” explained Terje Skansen, CEO of Varanger Kraft. “Seeking to utilize this endless power source we have, for years, investigated opportunities to produce hydrogen based on renewable, clean wind energy. We are pleased to join with our partners in the Haeolus project and look forward to a long, beneficial collaboration.”
The Haeolus project receives funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking task force under grant agreement No. 779469. This Joint Undertaking initiative also receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, the Hydrogen Europe Industry, and Hydrogen Europe Research.
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