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
- Budget: 6.761.500 euro
- Start date: 1/01/2018
- End date: 31/12/2021