The document discusses power-to-gas as a viable utility-scale energy storage solution using electrolysis to convert surplus electricity into hydrogen gas. It addresses common myths about the efficiency and technological progress of electrolysis. Examples are given of hydrogen being distributed and used in existing natural gas pipelines in places like Hong Kong, Hawaii, and parts of Europe. The document concludes that electrolysis is a bridging technology between power and gas grids to store large amounts of surplus electricity and that significant technology progress has been made, so no breakthroughs are required for market entry, though policy barriers still exist.

1. Power-to-Gas: We’re Ready
Joseph Cargnelli
Chief Technology Officer
Hydrogenics Corporation
June 8th, 2012 | Toronto, Canada
Future of Energy Summit

2. (+) DC Power (-)
The Bridging Technology
• An electrolyzer is an electro-chemical
conversion device that utilizes an electric
current to separate water into hydrogen
and oxygen.
• An electrolyzer stack has no moving
parts, produces no harmful emissions
and operates at high efficiencies.
• Hydrogenics is the worldwide leader in
water electrolysis.
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3. Myth #1: Making Hydrogen is Very Inefficient
e-
1 m3 contains
H2 and requires
1 m3 of Water 111 kg of Hydrogen 5 MWhr of energy to
convert with an electrolyzer
energy
H2 contains
111 kg of Hydrogen 4.3 MWhr of energy (HHV)
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4. Myth #2: Not Much Technology Progress
70 cm
=
50 cm
1MW Advanced
140 cm
Electrolysis
49 cm 1MW of Commercial Electrolysis
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5. Highly Dynamic Technology
Hydrogenics’ HySTAT TM electrolyzer provided frequency regulation
in Ontario by responding to real-time frequency regulation signals
from the IESO on a second-by-second basis.
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6. Myth #3: Hydrogen Can’t be Distributed in
Existing Pipelines
 Hong Kong and China Gas Company has 3000km of
pipeline, serves 1.6 million customers with ~49% hydrogen
 In Hawaii, The Gas Company has 1,770km of pipeline with
~11% hydrogen
 In Europe, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland have
set current limits of allowable hydrogen at 5% by volume
Small quantities of hydrogen are technically
manageable in gas pipelines.
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7. Hydrogenics wins order for 'Power-to-Gas‘
energy storage facility in Germany
Courtesy of E.ON AG
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8. Key Messages
Problem: Limited options to store large amounts of surplus electricity
Solution: “Power-to-Gas” is a viable utility-scale energy storage solution
Technology: Electrolysis is the bridge between power and gas grids
Achievements: Significant technology progress has been made
Market Readiness: No breakthrough for market entry is required
Barriers: Policy impediments to monetize value
Courtesy of E.ON AG 8