Grid Frequency Fluctuation Compensation by Using Electrolysis: Literature Survey

Jacek Salaciński, Jarosław Milewski (), Paweł Ryś, Jan Paczucha and Mariusz Kłos
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Jacek Salaciński: Institute of Heat Engineering, Faculty of Power and Aeronautic Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 21/25 Nowowiejska Street, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
Jarosław Milewski: Institute of Heat Engineering, Faculty of Power and Aeronautic Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 21/25 Nowowiejska Street, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
Paweł Ryś: Institute of Heat Engineering, Faculty of Power and Aeronautic Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 21/25 Nowowiejska Street, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
Jan Paczucha: Institute of Heat Engineering, Faculty of Power and Aeronautic Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 21/25 Nowowiejska Street, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
Mariusz Kłos: Electrical Power Engineering Institute, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 75 Koszykowa Street, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-17

Abstract: This paper presents a novel literature survey on leveraging electrolysis for grid frequency stabilization in power systems with high penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs), uniquely integrating global research findings with specific insights into the Polish energy context—a region facing acute grid challenges due to rapid RES growth and infrastructure limitations. The intermittent nature of wind and solar power exacerbates frequency fluctuations, necessitating dynamic demand-side management solutions like hydrogen production via electrolysis. By synthesizing over 30 studies, the survey reveals key results: electrolysis systems, particularly PEM and alkaline electrolyzers, can reduce frequency deviations by up to 50% through fast frequency response (FFR) and primary reserve provision, as demonstrated in simulations and real-world pilots (e.g., in France and the Netherlands); however, economic viability requires enhanced compensation schemes, with current models showing unprofitability without subsidies. Technological advancements, such as transistor-based rectifiers, improve efficiency under partial loads, while integration with RES farms mitigates overproduction issues, as evidenced by Polish cases where 44 GWh of solar energy was curtailed in March 2024. The survey contributes actionable insights for policymakers and engineers, including recommendations for deploying electrolyzers to enhance grid resilience, support hydrogen-based transportation, and facilitate Poland’s target of 50.1% RESs by 2030, thereby advancing the green energy transition amid rising instability risks like blackouts in RES-heavy systems.

Keywords: electrolysis; grid frequency stabilization; renewable energy sources; demand-side management; hydrogen production (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: 2025
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