Publications
Publications
- 2022
- Nature Communications
Reversible Power-to-Gas Systems for Energy Conversion and Storage
By: Gunther Glenk and Stefan Reichelstein
Abstract
In the transition to decarbonized energy systems, Power-to-Gas (PtG) processes have the potential to connect the existing markets for electricity and hydrogen. Specifically, reversible PtG systems can convert electricity to hydrogen at times of ample power supply, yet they can also operate in the reverse direction to deliver electricity during times when power is relatively scarce. Here we develop a model for determining when reversible PtG systems are economically viable. We apply the model to the current market environment in both Germany and Texas and find that the reversibility feature of unitized regenerative fuel cells (solid oxide) makes them already cost-competitive at current hydrogen prices, provided the fluctuations in electricity prices are as pronounced as currently observed in Texas. We further project that, due to their inherent flexibility, reversible PtG systems would remain economically viable at substantially lower hydrogen prices in the future, provided recent technological trends continue over the coming decade.
Keywords
Decarbonization; Energy Storage; Renewable Energy; Batteries; Carbon Emissions; Green Hydrogen; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Energy; Environmental Accounting; Environmental Management; Environmental Sustainability; Green Technology; Decision Making; Investment; Operations; Energy Industry; Utilities Industry; Transportation Industry; Industrial Products Industry; Manufacturing Industry; Auto Industry; Europe; North America; South America; Africa; Asia
Citation
Glenk, Gunther, and Stefan Reichelstein. "Reversible Power-to-Gas Systems for Energy Conversion and Storage." Art. 2010. Nature Communications 13 (2022).