Hydrogen Plant Dynamic Models

Project summary

This project aims to develop a dynamic model for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) hydrogen plants within DIgSILENT PowerFactory software, addressing a critical need for the UK's power system planning, stability analysis, and operational studies.

Name Status Project reference number Start date Proposed End date
Hydrogen Plant Dynamic Models Live NIA2_NGESO079 Dec 2024 Dec 2026
 

 

Strategy theme Funding mechanism Technology Expenditure
Whole energy systems NIA_RIIO-2 Hydrogen, Modelling £440,000
Summary

As the UK government targets 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030, understanding the integration and interaction of hydrogen technologies with the grid becomes imperative. The project will focus on modelling electrolyser and fuel cell plants, analysing their scalability, and developing control systems for grid integration. 

Through Root Mean Square (RMS) and Electromagnetic Transients (EMT) simulations, the project will investigate hydrogen plants' impact on grid stability, facilitating a smoother transition to low-carbon hydrogen production. This project aligns with the UK's net-zero ambitions, enhancing energy security, decarbonisation, and supporting the broader strategy for a zero-carbon energy system transition. 

Benefits

The development of a dynamic hydrogen plant model in PowerFactory will bring substantial benefits to NESO and National Grid Gas Transmission. This project enables the detailed understanding and optimised integration of hydrogen technologies into the grid, essential for balancing and stabilising amidst growing renewable energy integration. Improving coordination between hydrogen plants and renewable energy sources, the project anticipates a reduction in renewable curtailment and significant cost savings in grid management and operation. 

This initiative accelerates the UK's transition to a low-carbon energy system, offering insights into hydrogen utilisation for grid services, including frequency regulation, voltage support, and multi-scale balancing services. The project's outcomes will foster innovation, enhance energy system reliability, contribute to the UK's net-zero goals, and support energy bill reductions for consumers, benefiting stakeholders across the energy sector. 

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