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Power of Integration to Net-Zero

OWC investigates grid-scale electrolyser impact on renewable power system stability

OWC has contributed and launched a key technical paper, which investigates the use and impact of grid-scale electrolysers and ensuing green hydrogen production to regulate and support frequency in wind-dominated power systems.

The paper entitled “Universal Modelling and Analysis of Grid-Scale Electrolysers Frequency Response in Wind-Dominated Power Systems” was presented at the recent Powering Net Zero 2023 conference in Glasgow by the co-author and OWC Electrical and Hydrogen Engineer, Long V. Phan.

“It was great to be able to combine OWC’s multidisciplinary expertise across hydrogen technologies and electrical engineering, to contribute to this important technical study for the hydrogen and wider renewable energy market. Renewable energy sources will only increase in number, as it should be to reach our shared climate goals. However, existing grid infrastructures are not able to adequately manage increasing volumes of green energy produced, particularly with less predictable weather variables in offshore wind.

Nguyen Dinh

“This paper will be important to policymakers in showing how integrating hydrogen technologies, and specifically commercial-scale electrolyser plants, can enhance frequency performance and therefore, stable electricity generation from renewable-powered systems.”

Nguyen Dinh, OWC Head of Hydrogen

Global capacity of renewable energy reached 3,372 GW by the end of 2022. As more renewable energy comes online, where resource generation is unpredictable, the stability of power systems is at risk without solutions to manage and maintain stable frequency, with existing grid infrastructure.

The paper was written with electrical and hydrogen specialists including Prof. Nguyen Duc Tuyen at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, and includes a contribution from OWC’s Head of Hydrogen Nguyen Dinh.

It includes detailed analysis and findings from research conducted into different control strategies using electrolysers. The objective of the paper is to evaluate their contributions to maintaining inertia or the stable operations of a wind-powered grid system, where the energy resource can be unpredictable.

Jeff Fodiak

“The paper is impressive research and well written. We are proud of our colleague Long’s contribution to this emerging technical field and thankful he had the opportunity to present it at Powering Net Zero.”

Jeff Fodiak, OWC Head of Electrical Engineering

The paper also investigated other technical aspects of an electrolyser plant, including overloading capability, hydrogen buffer constraints, and economic aspects to evaluate the commercial feasibility of such a project.

OWC – part of the global consultancy ABL Group – provides a complete range of technical advisory, engineering and consultancy services to support hydrogen projects whether in production, transportation or systems, from initial concept through to operations. OWC has supported on more than 40 projects across the hydrogen landscape including power-to-x projects.


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