Hydrogenics to supply services to German utility company
June 5, 2012E.ON to make use of Hydrogenics’ services and technologies
Hydrogenics, a leading manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysers, has announced that it will be supplying its range of services to Germany’s E.ON, the world’s largest investor-owned electric and gas utilities company. Hydrogenics aims to prove that its power-to-gas energy systems have a future in Europe. The company’s efforts are meant to instill confidence in its operations from Enbridge Inc., the company’s equity owner. If successful, this new initiative will be one of the largest of its kind in the hydrogen fuel industry.
Hydrogen gaining tractions in Europe
Hydrogen fuel has been gaining momentum all over the world. This has become most apparent in Europe, however, where the alternative energy is being considered a strong replacement for fossil-fuels. Germany, in particular, has taken a keen interest in hydrogen fuel cells, hoping that these energy systems will one day replace the nation’s nuclear power facilities. The country has been increasing its efforts to promote and make use of hydrogen fuel in recent years and Hydrogenics latest initiative is expected to help the country reach its energy goals.
Hydrogenics’ services to augment the capabilities of Falkenhagen energy facility
Hydrogenics’ services will be on hand for a new 2 megawatt power-to-gas project that is located at an energy storage facility in Falkenhagen, Germany. This facility will allow surplus alternative energy to be converted into hydrogen gas, which will be stored in the country’s pipeline network. The facility is not yet operational, but is expected to go live at some point in 2013 with the help of Hydrogenics and others.
Power-to-gas solutions claimed as better than conventional methods of energy storage
Hydrogenics believes that power-to-gas solutions offer better energy storage capabilities than utility-scale counterparts. The company notes that its technologies and services would enable the Falkenhagen facility to store more than 30 megawatts worth of energy in a single 24-hour period, making it one of the most powerful storage systems in Germany.