Can hydroelectric dams also efficiently produce electrolytic hydrogen? I was recently asked to comment on this technology, so I thought I would provide more information.
Green electrolytic hydrogen and renewable fuels made with hydrogen are expected to play an important role in Washington’s economy as it transforms to eliminate fossil fuels from the energy system, according to a recent report from the Washington Department of Commerce. The report finds that Washington has a unique opportunity to advance a green hydrogen economy at scale.
Report is found here:
https://deptofcommerce.app.box.com/s/widfnmxbo8ijt3uozpoq91jzapu4dhae
The report suggests that Washington should move quickly to produce green hydrogen and renewable fuels, as it will be critical to quickly develop new renewable energy and transmission capacity to produce the green hydrogen and other types of renewable fuels derived from hydrogen. To deploy these fuels effectively and equitably, the state should prioritize the most strategic uses and focus on environmental justice and workforce considerations.
A near-term opportunity to produce and use green hydrogen is coming this year in Douglas County. Douglas PUD is in the final phase of constructing a green hydrogen project near East Wenatchee with a commissioning date in mid-2024. The 80- by 136-foot concrete facility will house a 5MW electrolyzer, which will create around two tons of hydrogen gas a day. The infrastructure was designed with the ability to expand to 80MW with 32 tons of production capacity. The public utility will use renewable energy from its Wells Hydroelectric Project on the Columbia River to produce the renewable gas.
“In addition to producing a valuable renewable gas, we anticipate the plant will increase our ability to integrate more renewables in a manner that is cost effective, will reduce maintenance costs and free up reserve capacity to benefit our customers,” said Gary Ivory, Douglas PUD general manager
Commerce’s report identifies many sectors of the state’s economy where green hydrogen and renewable fuels are likely to play the biggest role. This includes replacing fossil-derived hydrogen used in refining and chemical production and heavy-duty transportation sectors, among others.
Additional information from the technical report, as reported by the WA Department of Commerce, includes:
- Washington will have strong demand for green electrolytic hydrogen and renewable fuels as part of a net-zero economy.
- Washington will need to rapidly scale up production of green hydrogen through electrolysis.
- Hydrogen and renewable fuels production must be developed in coordination with expanded renewable electricity capacity.
- Green hydrogen and renewable fuels should be used strategically for end uses where they are well-positioned to support efficient decarbonization.
- Importing hydrogen and renewable fuels from other states may develop as part of a cost-effective approach to accessing adequate levels of green hydrogen and renewable fuels.
- Advancing a green hydrogen economy provides a critical opportunity to create more equitable outcomes, if we focus on inclusive practices and equitable distribution of benefits.