Integrated systems based on H2 for clean energy storage in remote areas

Title of the research project

REMOTE - Remote area Energy supply with Multiple Options for integrated hydrogen-based TEchnologies

Scientific area 

Energy storage, Hydrogen as chemical storage, Sustainability

Abstract 

REMOTE project will deliver field demonstration aimed at replacing traditional diesel generators with locally available Renewable Energy Sources integrated with Fuel cells H2 based solutions to locally store energy in remote locations, such as islands or mountain areas.

Description of the research project 

In order to achieve the post-2020 targets of the European Union, the penetration of “new” renewable energies such as solar or wind is fundamental. Nowadays, the most important renewable sources in the EU are biomass  and renewable waste, witch account together of 65% of the total amount of energy produced by renewable sources. The issue of intermittency has to be solved to make energy storage possible for new renewable sources. This problem is particularly important in the case of remote or isolated regions, such as islands or mountain areas, where solar or wind energy is available but electricity production currently relies on pollutant diesel generators.

REMOTE project foresees field demonstration to replace traditional diesel generators with locally available Renewable Energy Sources integrated with Fuel cells H2 based power to power systems. 4 demonstrators are planned, located respectively  in Ginostra (island, Italy), Agkistro (isolated micro grid, Greece), Ambornetti (mountain area, Italy),  Froan Island (island, Norway). REMOTE project will demonstrate technical and economic feasibility of fuel cells based H2 energy storage solutions in two different cases: isolated micro-grids and off grid remote areas.

Impact on society 

REMOTE will demonstrate the high energy and environmental advantages of fuel cells based H2 energy storage solutions. This will be useful both to the broader energy community and to decision makers willing to support more sustainable technologies.

The main impacts of the project will be the reduction of cost of energy for final users, the reduction of use of fossil fuels and Co2 emissions. Local communities of isolated and remote areas will benefit of secure and clean energy supplies, thus increasing significantly their energy independence

Working group @Polito 

Massimo Santarelli, Full Professor Project Coordinator

Andrea Lanzini, Assistant Professor

Marta Gandiglio, PhD student

Claudia Sibilla, Administrative coordinator

Domenico Ferrero, Post-doc researcher

Marta Gandiglio, Post-doc researcher

Paolo Marocco,  PhD Student

National and International partners 

Ballard Power Systems Europe As, Danemark

Hydrogenics Europe Nv, Belgium

Powidian, France

Enel Green Power, Italy

Orizwn Anonymh Techniki Etaireia, Greece

Iris Srl, Italy

Tronderenergi As, Norway

Eps Elvi Energy S.R.L, Italy

Stiftelsen Sintef, Norway

Ethniko Kentro Erevnas Kai Technologikis Anaptyxis, Greece

 REMOTE project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 779541