Hitachi Energy is joining forces with the US Department of Energy’s ‘H2@Scale in Texas and Beyond’ project. This initiative aims to advance the production and use of renewable hydrogen. Collaborating with partners like GTI Energy, Frontier Energy, and The University of Texas Austin, Hitachi Energy is bringing its expertise to the table.
What is the H2@Scale Project?
The ‘H2@Scale’ project explores various hydrogen production methods. This includes setting up a vehicle refueling station and deploying a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Most of the project’s activities will take place at the University of Texas JJ Pickle Research Center in Austin. The goal is to evaluate how efficient and cost-effective it is to generate hydrogen from renewable resources. This project is one of the largest of its kind, focusing on renewable hydrogen production, onsite storage, and its practical uses. It aims to establish hydrogen as a key player in reducing carbon emissions in Texas.
Why is Hitachi Energy Involved?
Hitachi Energy is known for its expertise in integrating renewable energy sources with power grids. They also specialize in managing various energy sources. Anthony Allard, Executive Vice President and Region Head of North America at Hitachi Energy, says, “As hydrogen emerges as a critical element in decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries, Hitachi Energy remains dedicated to drive innovation and sustainability on a global scale.”
The Importance of Clean Hydrogen
Clean hydrogen is vital for reducing carbon emissions in sectors like metals, fertilizers, chemicals, and oil and gas. It can also power remote construction sites and provide clean backup power. Producing clean hydrogen is energy-intensive, with electricity playing a key role. Hitachi Energy is involved in every step of the hydrogen value chain, from project design and planning to ensuring grid compliance and managing assets.
Hands-On Involvement
Hitachi Energy’s researchers will work directly with demonstration equipment. They will install non-invasive monitoring tools and develop procedures to optimize the demonstration site. Their collaboration will help gather crucial data on power quality and system design. This will support future large-scale hydrogen plants.
Looking to the Future
Project teams will study the feasibility of scaling up hydrogen production and usage. They will develop a strategic plan for the ‘H2@Scale’ project in the Port of Houston and the Gulf Coast region. The teams will also explore existing hydrogen pipelines, potential hydrogen users, and industrial networks. This will help identify the environmental and economic benefits of hydrogen in the region.
