The US Department of Defense (DoD) has previously played a crucial role in advancing the solar power market, emerging as an early adopter and significant buyer of photovoltaic technology during the Obama administration. Now, the Pentagon is turning its attention to green hydrogen, aiming to have a similar impact on this emerging energy sector.
Green Hydrogen Takes the Stage
The latest development involves the UK-based fuel cell company, Intelligent Energy (IE). On May 7, IE announced that it will supply 600 kilowatts of hydrogen PEM fuel cells for a new microgrid project at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii. PEM stands for polymer electrolyte membrane, a common technology in today’s fuel cells.
Fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the air, producing only water as a byproduct. Unlike batteries, which need recharging, fuel cells can continuously produce electricity as long as they have a fuel supply.
The Challenge of Hydrogen Fuel
Currently, most hydrogen is produced from natural gas and coal, tying fuel cells to fossil fuels. However, efforts are underway to produce hydrogen using renewable energy sources. This involves electrolysis, a process that uses electricity (ideally from renewable sources like solar power) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. While the cost of this technology is still high, the US Department of Energy is optimistic about achieving cost parity with natural gas in the near future.
At Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the plan is to use solar power to produce green hydrogen, which will then be used in the fuel cells.
Building a Resilient Energy System
In 2017, the US Air Force Research Laboratory teamed up with the Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation to create a renewable energy microgrid project called PEARL (Pacific Energy Assurance and Resiliency Laboratory). The new fuel cell project will build on this foundation, using an existing 1.5-megawatt solar array at the base.
IE is partnering with North Dakota-based BWR Innovations to deliver a complete system that includes a 1-megawatt electrolyzer, a compressor, and hydrogen storage. BWR will also integrate the fuel cells into the existing PEARL microgrid.
“The main goal of the project is to enhance energy resilience by demonstrating the effectiveness of a solar-hydrogen storage system for microgrids,” IE explained.
Collaboration and Future Expansion
BWR announced its involvement in the green hydrogen microgrid project on April 29. This project aims to improve the understanding of operational hydrogen energy and create a model for future DoD microgrids.
The project will produce green hydrogen in both liquid and compressed gas forms. BWR is collaborating with several partners, including Pneumatic Hydraulics for the electrolyzer and storage systems, as well as various military and academic institutions.
Broader Implications
The aim is not only to demonstrate the feasibility of green hydrogen microgrids at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam but also to replicate this model at other military installations worldwide. This could significantly impact the demand for green hydrogen, providing a boost to the industry.
Fuel Cell Vehicles on the Horizon
The microgrid project also includes exploring the use of fuel cells in mobile applications. This means the DoD is looking at using hydrogen fuel cells for vehicles, particularly buses, trucks, and other heavy-duty vehicles. While passenger cars might not be the focus, companies like Stellantis are already planning to introduce fuel cell electric pickup trucks to the market.
Conclusion
The US Department of Defense is once again at the forefront of an energy revolution, this time with green hydrogen. By leveraging its purchasing power and commitment to renewable energy, the DoD could help drive down costs and increase the adoption of green hydrogen technologies, much like it did with solar power. This initiative not only enhances energy security and resilience but also supports the broader transition to a sustainable energy future.
