The impact on the electrical grid of hydrogen production from alkaline electrolysers

In the next 50 years, it is possible that hydrogen could become widely used as a fuel for transport. The result of this change could increase energy security and reduce environmental impacts, such as CO₂ emissions. Hydrogen produced by electrolysers could be used in Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) with no direct harmful emission. In this research a scenario involving the widespread availability of Hydrogen at UK fuel stations for the purpose of supplying all vehicles is investigated. Calculations have been carried out to find out how much Hydrogen is needed for road transportation in the UK to be met in this way. The electrolysers will be assumed to be able to follow supply, i.e. their electricity consumption can be adjusted to follow changes in renewable energy generation in the power system. In this way these new electrolyser loads can be used for demand side management, facilitating the introduction of high volumes of renewable energy generation (mainly wind energy) to the power system. The interaction between the electrolysers and the network is investigated through modelling using MATLAB software.