Since 2022, the new, now opened and unique in Germany “Energy Park” has been built on the campus of the University of Technology in the science city of Ulm. As part of the “Green Hydrogen Model Region”, the project is intended to research the interaction of different sustainable energy systems – the prerequisite for the success of the energy transition. The overarching goal of the research camp, in whose total costs of around EUR 3 million the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg is contributing EUR 2 million in funding, is to answer current questions about technology, environmental and climate issues. In particular, the possible applications and the prospective economic viability of hydrogen and fuel cell technology are to be clarified. As a component of the academic “real-world laboratory”, “ostermeier H2ydrogen Solutions GmbH” delivered a containerised electrolysis plant in spring 2024, into which the hydrogen fuel cell system “HyModule® S8” from “Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH” has been integrated.
Securing the green power supply with hydrogen from solar energy
The scientists of the research project primarily want to demonstrate how fluctuations in the green power grid can be compensated for with hydrogen in the future. For example, if too little electricity can be produced to cover the energy demand at times. The scenario exists if there is perhaps too little wind for wind turbines or too little sun for photovoltaic systems. In electrolysis, operated by the in-house photovoltaic system on the university roof, it is investigated how hydrogen can be used to secure the power supply, i.e. how the grid-serving mode of operation is to be evaluated. For smaller loads, the fuel cell, and for larger loads, a gas turbine powered by 100 percent hydrogen can help to compensate for grid fluctuations in the function of a kind of emergency power generator. Those responsible at Ulm University of Applied Sciences are convinced of the “radiance” of the Energy Park project for the energy transition. Because electricity is stored permanently. And it is available exactly when it is needed.
United Nations defines energy supply as a Sustainable Development Goal
The storage and conversion of energy is a key element of the future energy supply on the way from fossil fuels to renewable energies. Fuel cell and hydrogen technologies – also in connection with battery storage systems – are assessed as essential building blocks of future energy supply. In many parts of the world, the energy supply is severely limited by power outages or takes place off-grid, without connection to the central power grid. In most locations with such a decentralised energy supply, polluting generators that use fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel continue to be used to generate energy. With emission-free hydrogen fuel cells, an autonomous, decentralised, stable and sovereign energy supply can be implemented. This can make a decisive contribution to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the global climate protection goals set out in the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015.