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Reversible Power-to-Gas systems for energy conversion and storage
Gunther Glenk1, Stefan Reichelstein2
1Mannheim Institute for Sustainable Energy Studies, University of Mannheim, MIT CEEPR, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. glenk@uni-mannheim.de.
Nature Communications
|April 20, 2022
Summary
Reversible Power-to-Gas (PtG) systems, like solid oxide fuel cells, are cost-competitive for energy storage. Their flexibility ensures economic viability even with lower future hydrogen prices.
Area of Science:
- Energy Systems
- Renewable Energy Integration
- Electrochemical Engineering
Background:
- Decarbonized energy systems require integration of electricity and hydrogen markets.
- Power-to-Gas (PtG) technologies offer a pathway for this integration.
- Reversible PtG systems provide bidirectional energy conversion capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an economic viability model for reversible PtG systems.
- To assess the current cost-competitiveness of these systems in Germany and Texas.
- To project future economic viability under evolving market conditions and technological trends.
Main Methods:
- Economic modeling of reversible Power-to-Gas systems.
- Application of the model to current market data from Germany and Texas.
- Analysis of cost-competitiveness based on electricity price fluctuations and hydrogen prices.
Main Results:
- Unitized regenerative solid oxide fuel cells are cost-competitive under current conditions in Texas due to significant electricity price volatility.
- The reversibility feature is key to their economic viability.
- Economic viability is projected to persist even at substantially lower future hydrogen prices.
Conclusions:
- Reversible PtG systems, particularly solid oxide fuel cells, present a viable solution for energy storage and grid balancing.
- Their economic feasibility is strongly linked to electricity price dynamics.
- Continued technological advancements and decreasing hydrogen costs will enhance their future market penetration.
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