Siemens Energy has teamed up with Intermountain Power Agency to carry out a feasibility report on the integration of a hydrogen energy storage facility into an integrated combined cycle power plant.
The initiative secured a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, one of four grants received by Siemens Energy at the end of 2020 to advance hydrogen applications in the U.S. power generation market.
The thesis is scheduled to begin in March at the 840MW Intermountain Generating Station in Delta, Utah. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the overall efficiency and reliability of the CO2-free power supply, which involves large-scale processing and storage of hydrogen. In addition, the analysis would explore aspects of the integration of the system into the current power plant and transmission grid, such as interaction with subsystems, size and costs.
“The study will be designed around Siemens Energy’s Silyzer technology, which uses electrolysis to generate hydrogen. The scope of our research will include hydrogen compression, storage and intelligent plant controls. This is an exciting opportunity to work with the Intermountain Power Agency on integrating the cost-efficient use of CO2-free hydrogen in a power plant on a large scale basis. The outcomes will benefit customers, advance the knowledge about using hydrogen in the US power sector, and ultimately put us one step closer to decarbonizing electricity production.”
Tim Holt, executive board member at Siemens Energy.
The Intermountain Generating Station is transitioning from coal to natural gas, with plans to integrate 30% hydrogen fuel at start-up in 2025 and 100% hydrogen by 2045. The project is to provide 840 MW of electricity to customers in Utah and Southern California.
“By switching from coal to a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen we can reduce carbon emissions by more than 75%. We are committed to being a leader in the transition to a clean energy future while taking advantage of the significant energy infrastructure already in place at the Intermountain Power Project. This study will help pave the way for the successful transition to net-zero carbon power generation.”
Dan Eldredge, general manager of Intermountain Power Agency.
