Greentech Lead Europe: Energy technology and power
electronics specialist AEG Power Solutions has been chosen by Hydrogenics,
Belgium, to provide its high efficient rectifiers for the E.ON power-to-gas
pilot plant.
In this plant any surplus power generated by wind will be
converted into pure hydrogen via electrolysis process. The hydrogen is then fed
directly into a nearby natural gas pipeline, as German gas grid can contain up
to 3 percent hydrogen.
Up to 360 m3 per hour of hydrogen can now be fed
directly into the gas grid with the hydrogen serving as a green energy storage
solution. This enables a flexible adaptation to actual energy demand and avoids
losing surplus energy. Currently, windmills still have to be turned off when
there is an oversupply of energy.
Hydrogenics, as the general contractor, provides all
components for the site including installation, connection and maintenance
service for a 5-year-period.
The 2 MW power-to-gas pilot plant is being constructed by
E.ON in Falkenhagen in the north-eastern part of Germany and is part of a wind
power generation compound.
For this project AEG PS supplied customized high
efficient rectifier units to Hydrogenics. Together with the electrolyzer and
further important components, the rectifiers were mounted in special containers
and tested at the Hydrogenics site in Belgium. The complete plant should be
operational in Q 3 2013.
Gladwyn De Vidts, chief strategy officer at AEG Power
Solutions, said, “Energy storage is one of the key challenges of renewable
energy. Hydrogen as a storage solution is one of the most promising paths
currently being explored. We’ve been a key part in several Power-to-Gas installations
and have now developed an expertise in a new market and in a technology which
is very likely going to develop quickly. It’s an important strategic step.”