HH2E, or Hydrogen Hub and Energy, is making headlines with its strategic approach to turning intermittent solar and wind energy into a stable flow of carbon-free hydrogen, heat, and electricity. At the heart of their innovative strategy lies a significant partnership with BASF Stationary Energy Storage GmbH (BSES) and the adoption of high-capacity Sodium Sulfur batteries (NAS Batteries).
HH2E’s technology-mix is engineered to tackle one of the most significant challenges in the renewable energy sector—the intermittency of solar and wind power generation. By seamlessly integrating high-capacity batteries with electrolyzers, HH2E ensures that excess energy generated during periods of abundant sunlight or wind is not wasted but instead channeled into the production of green hydrogen or heat. This approach represents a groundbreaking way to maximize the utilization of green electrons while minimizing curtailment, a common issue with renewable energy sources. Curtailment often results in high costs for governments, a burden that HH2E aims to alleviate.
The recent contract between HH2E and BASF for 93MWh of high-capacity Sodium Sulfur batteries marks a significant step toward realizing HH2E’s green hydrogen production goals. These NAS® Batteries are renowned for their high-energy, long-duration capabilities, making them an ideal choice for balancing the intermittencies of renewable energies. What sets them apart is their impeccable safety standards, which make them a reliable option for co-locating with hydrogen production facilities.
Ina Hahndorf, a representative from HH2E, elaborated on the company’s vision, highlighting their plan to deploy scalable projects strategically across Germany. Each of these projects is designed with an initial input power capacity of 100 MW, expandable to a staggering 1 GW. The ultimate goal is to achieve a total installed capacity of 4 GW by 2030, positioning HH2E as a leader in green hydrogen production within Germany.
Frank Prechtl, representing BASF, expressed their delight in seeing their Sodium Sulfur batteries becoming the technology of choice for carbon-free hydrogen production applications, not only in Asia but now also in Europe. These batteries play a pivotal role in transforming the variable input of solar and wind energy into a consistent stream of carbon-free hydrogen, heat, and electricity. Prechtl sees this contract as the initiation of the CO2-free hydrogen age in Germany, and BASF Stationary Energy Storage GmbH is proud to be a part of this revolutionary journey.
