The affordable transformation of variable renewables into hydrogen, synthetic natural gas and synthetic aviation fuel has now reached technological maturity or high technological readiness levels. The renewable power-to-hydrogen step can be accomplished with various proven and reliable processes like alkaline electrolyzers, polymere electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and solid-oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) that are commercially available and assembled in containerized and scalable units. These units are usually coupled with hydrogen (buffer) storage facilities.
With additional hydrocarbon synthesis steps the hydrogen can be further processed into synthetic natural gas (SNG) or transport fuels with drop-in capability. An integrated and efficient process for the production of Fischer-Tropsch synthetic fuel suitable for aviation purposes has been successfully demonstrated e.g. by Sunfire in Dresden, Germany.
Other promising approaches to use hydrogen as long-term energy storage medium (without transforming it to hydrocarbons) is to mix it with the methane stored in the existing gas supply infrastructure and/or using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC). LOHC systems, as developed e.g. by Hydrogenious Technologies and AREVA, allow the transport of hydrogen under normal pressure and with high storage densities in the existing fuel transport infrastructure.
Next Solar Concept and its partners advise on the latest Power-to-X and hydrogen storage technologies and their integration in 100% renewable energy based supply concepts.