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Lignite versus H2 power plant

Lignite versus H2 power plant

Lignite versus H2 power plant
© Stefan Oest

A stable energy supply in the future can only be ensured with the storage of energy on a large scale. On the basis of the liquid organic hydrogen carrier system (LOHC) and with the aid of PEM electrolysis and solid oxide fuel cells, the dimensions and above all the capacity of a storage power plant to replace…

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What exactly is power-to-X?

What exactly is power-to-X?

Illustration of power-to-X processes, products and applications
Illustration of power-to-X processes, products and applications, © WZB

Efforts to transform the energy sector have so far focused on increasing renewable generation capacity to lay the foundation for a future energy system. This has made the use of electricity in the heat and transportation markets all the more important, since electric power is an efficient means of generating and using renewable sources of energy.

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Japan: Forcing the SOFC technology

Japan: Forcing the SOFC technology

Hama

Hama-Wind-Turbine in Yokohama, © Toyota

In December 2017, there were 91 public hydrogen refueling stations operating in Japan, with another 10 in development, putting the country well on its way to its short-term goal of 160 by 2020. The deployment of stations has been one of Japan’s hydrogen success stories, despite daunting costs and a lack of initial demand. (more…)

Meta-Study: Hydrogen Is Competitive

Meta-Study: Hydrogen Is Competitive

CoverRenewably sourced hydrogen has recently gained considerable importance in several economic sectors at once. The automotive and fuel industry sees it primarily as a way to power fuel cell vehicles, whereas its main use in the natural gas industry is for grid feed-in. The diversity of applications means that different industries will employ different technological and economic strategies for utilizing hydrogen. To compare strategies and examine the combined utilization potential, the National Organization Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW) and the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW) decided to join forces (more…)

Federal Ministry for the Environment improves CHP support

Federal Ministry for the Environment improves CHP support

SOLIDpower_ENGEN2500-web

“Sales talk” during the Hanover trade show (Source: SOLIDpower)

At the end of 2014 the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Construction and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) revised the mini CHP (combined heat and power) impulse program. It has now been in force since 1st January 2015, and has brought with it a range of new developments for FC heating equipment in particular, as fuel cells are more effective than conventional heating elements, a factor that is henceforth receiving funding. With this revision, the BMUB has used an (more…)