SMA Solar Technology, through its subsidiary SMA Altenso, has reached a significant milestone. The recent progression into the gigawatt realm highlights SMA’s capabilities in integrating renewables with hydrogen technologies. Central to this development is the container solution that facilitates the conversion of alternating current into direct current, enabling efficient electrolysis for hydrogen production. This advancement is poised to power Namibia’s Cleanergy Solutions project, furthering SMA’s reputation as a trailblazer in sustainable energy applications.
Data from the Namibia project reveals an ambitious integration of photovoltaics, battery storage, and hydrogen production. Altenso’s strategic commitment is clearly underlined by its expansive portfolio, consisting of over 80 projects generating green hydrogen primarily from photovoltaics (PV) and wind energy. Jens Eiko Birkholz, overseeing Sales & Business Development at Altenso, emphasized the capacity to produce up to 130,000 tons of green hydrogen annually—a vital step towards industrial decarbonization.
Market analysis suggests that global hydrogen energy applications are exponentially growing, driven by technological innovations and the demand for cleaner energy solutions. SMA CEO Jürgen Reinert acknowledges the critical role of stable grid integration in the hydrogen energy sector, highlighting the innovative technologies developed by SMA that enable efficient load control and integration with existing grids. Altenso’s current role extends beyond simple deployment; it involves comprehensive system integration, particularly evident in its work on Namibia’s Atlantic coast project, which combines PV with a battery storage system and power-to-gas solutions.
Hydrogen production in Namibia, which leverages grid-friendly IGBT technology designed specifically by SMA, is scheduled for 2025. The project utilizes this advanced rectifier solution, compatible with various electrolyzer types, ensuring flexibility across numerous applications. Notably, the project incorporates integrated grid services such as fault ride-through and dynamic reactive power support, which are crucial for the reliability and efficiency of the energy system.
Furthermore, Altenso has developed a state-of-the-art energy management system (EMS). This EMS is engineered to optimize hydrogen production, factoring in photovoltaics forecasts and demand dynamics, thereby maximizing efficiency and sustainable output. As a result, such initiatives are setting new precedents in the renewable energy domain, ensuring that gigawatt-level advancements do not merely remain milestones but are integral steps toward a future dominated by green energy.
The challenge for SMA and the wider market remains clear: expand renewable energy applications without compromising on grid stability and efficiency. The integration of hybrid systems, like the one in Namibia, addresses these concerns, providing a model of how complex projects can be successfully executed on a large scale.
