DOE OSTI · 2997469
Techno-Economic Analysis of Compressed Air Energy Storage and Hydrogen Production from Variable Renewable Energy
Abstract
This study presents the techno-economic analysis (TEA) results of integrating electrolysis hydrogen (H 2 ) production, compressed air energy storage (CAES), and H 2 -fired combustion turbines in a high variable renewable energy (VRE) market environment. The inconsistent nature of VRE creates challenges for power producers in maintaining a stable electrical grid as it is increasingly utilized. The mission of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is driving innovation and delivering energy solutions, and a multiangle approach involving H 2 production, energy storage, and next-level H 2 -fired combustion turbine generator (CTG) technologies could provide one solution for the nation’s growing electrical grid issues with increasing VRE sources. The H 2 production and CAES concept were investigated due to its ability to provide utility-scale H 2 -fueled power generation with large-scale energy storage capabilities. Two facilities with CAES and natural gas-fired CTGs (in McIntosh, Alabama, and Huntorf, Germany) have been operating for decades. In contrast, this study investigates the potential to replace the natural gas fuel with H 2 fuel. This concept has been publicly presented by both Siemens Energy and Bechtel Global Engineering, Construction & Project Management (Bechtel) at two different power generating levels. The CAES and air expansion/combustion turbine power generation in this study are primarily based on the Siemens Energy system (Bailie, Aug. 10-11, 2021) (Scheller, Feb. 21, 2023). The inclusion of a H 2 turboexpander generator is from Bechtel (Gülen, Sep. 6, 2022). A block flow diagram of the proposed process is illustrated in Exhibit ES-1.
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Teel, Troy [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, Morgantown, WV, and Albany, OR (United States)], Buchheit, Kyle L. [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, Morgantown, WV, and Albany, OR (United States)] (ORCID:0000000229653115), Pidaparti, Sandeep [National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, Morgantown, WV, and Albany, OR (United States)]. 2025-04-09. Techno-Economic Analysis of Compressed Air Energy Storage and Hydrogen Production from Variable Renewable Energy. https://doi.org/10.2172/2997469
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