Key Takeaways
1. Europe’s first major hydrogen storage power plant is being built in Germany, focusing on iron nugget-based hydrogen storage technology.
2. The method involves oxidizing iron nuggets to store hydrogen as iron oxide, providing high energy density and safe transport options.
3. The project targets businesses needing green hydrogen but lacking access to the hydrogen core network.
4. A 20-foot container will be developed to hold 600 kg of hydrogen, with options for 800 kg and 900 kg, offering significant electricity storage capacity.
5. The initiative is supported by nearly 4 million euros from the Free State of Saxony and the European Union, aiming to enhance economic growth through innovative energy solutions.
Europe’s first major hydrogen storage power plant is under construction at the Saxonia Site Development and Management Company in Germany. The goal is to mature iron nugget-based hydrogen storage technology for commercial use and to set it up effectively as a working storage power facility. This method entails oxidizing iron nuggets to store hydrogen as iron oxide, which results in an extremely high energy density. As stated by the developers, Ambartec, these iron nuggets enable the safe and cost-effective transport of hydrogen in standard containers via truck, rail, or ship.
Importance of Green Hydrogen
This development is especially appealing to numerous businesses that require green hydrogen for their renewable energy needs but are either not linked to the hydrogen core network or won’t be in the near future.
– Uwe Pahl, Technical Director at AMBARtec
In collaboration with the Institute of Energy Process Engineering and Chemical Engineering at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, they are working on a storage technology that has already seen practical testing. They aim to finalize a 20-foot container capable of holding 600 kg of hydrogen for mass production, along with options for 800 kg and 900 kg. In the case of the latter, a container would then weigh 32 tons, translating to 30 megawatt hours of electricity. The Free State of Saxony and the European Union are providing nearly 4 million euros to support the joint effort between Ambartec AG and TU Bergakademie Freiberg (BAF).
Advancing Economic Growth
This technology holds significant promise for greatly enhancing the shift of our economy towards energy that is both environmentally friendly and climate-conscious. Research and development play a crucial role in fostering growth and productivity, ensuring that companies in Saxony stay globally competitive over the long term through innovative solutions in products and processes.
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