Hydrogen Energy Storage for Grid-connected Wind Farms

In this paper, local hydrogen energy storage is proposed as an alternative to grid reinforcements in rural areas with high wind power potential and weak distribution lines. Present and future production cost estimates of electricity are calculated for different wind-storage systems assuming optimal operation in a competitive power market. It is shown that hydrogen energy storage could become an economically feasible alternative to grid expansions if cost and performance goals of hydrogen technology a re obtained. The controllable power from the wind-storage system must then be valued 2-3 times higher than fluctuating power in the market. The results are based on a simple probabilistic model. Further work on a comprehensive simulation model will be c arried out, in order to investigate different operation strategies and design criteria for wind-storage systems.