Strategies for the Adoption of Hydrogen-Based Energy Storage Systems: An Exploratory Study in Australia

Cameron Wells, Roberto Minunno, Heap-Yih Chong () and Gregory M. Morrison
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Cameron Wells: Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
Roberto Minunno: Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
Heap-Yih Chong: School of Engineering Audit, Nanjing Audit University, Nanjing 211815, China
Gregory M. Morrison: Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 16, 1-15

Abstract: A significant contribution to the reduction of carbon emissions will be enabled through the transition from a centralised fossil fuel system to a decentralised, renewable electricity system. However, due to the intermittent nature of renewable energy, storage is required to provide a suitable response to dynamic loads and manage the excess generated electricity with utilisation during periods of low generation. This paper investigates the use of stationary hydrogen-based energy storage systems for microgrids and distributed energy resource systems. An exploratory study was conducted in Australia based on a mixed methodology. Ten Australian industry experts were interviewed to determine use cases for hydrogen-based energy storage systems’ requirements, barriers, methods, and recommendations. This study suggests that the current cost of the electrolyser, fuel cell, and storage medium, and the current low round-trip efficiency, are the main elements inhibiting hydrogen-based energy storage systems. Limited industry and practical experience are barriers to the implementation of hydrogen storage systems. Government support could help scale hydrogen-based energy storage systems among early adopters and enablers. Furthermore, collaboration and knowledge sharing could reduce risks, allowing the involvement of more stakeholders. Competition and innovation could ultimately reduce the costs, increasing the uptake of hydrogen storage systems.

Keywords: hydrogen; distributed energy resources; energy systems; mixed methodology; exploratory study; Australia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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