Bosch, Centrica and Ceres have concluded hydrogen and electrification can work together to decarbonise the UK’s energy system – though more support is needed for the hydrogen market to deliver on its full potential.
The trio launched a whitepaper exploring the role of hydrogen in decarbonising UK power generation, placing a specific focus on the role that hydrogen can play in creating power through solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). SOFCs tend to be the size of a large fridge and can be stacked together to generate greater volumes of electricity. California in particular has already showcased their potential, highlighting how important they can be in sectors that cannot risk power outages. These include hospitals and data centres.
An integrated energy system, where hydrogen and electricity are both used strategically could lead to £38 billion in energy system savings in comparison to an energy system with limited integration.
Renewable generation is inconsistent and there will be times where it produces an excess of power, which can then be stored as hydrogen, helping to manage intermittency and reduce curtailment. There are other technologies that can pave the way for hydrogen-based power, but SOFCs have the potential to be suitable for power generation in a number of cases, according to the paper. However, with the UK hydrogen market and SOFC technology in its infancy, the government needs to introduce targeted support to ensure all the benefits of an integrated energy system can be realised.
Hydrogen to Power can be a key part of the decarbonisation puzzle, but increased certainty and clarity is needed from government, encouraging investment and technology developments. There also needs to be support for smaller-scale, distributed assets, including hydrogen turbines, engines and fuel cells, with these cited as a particular gap in policy that needs addressing. The government should ensure it is not closing any doors at this stage, ensuring all technologies can flourish on the path to net zero.
