Opportunities to Enable Electrolytic H2 Projects for Ammonia in the United States

Conference · Mon Sep 20 04:00:00 EDT 2021

OSTI ID:1821620

Jadun, Paige; Ruth, Mark

Integration of large-scale electrolysis with the grid provides value to hydrogen and ammonia markets as well as the electricity system. Electrolysis has the potential to provide an alternative source of low-cost hydrogen by utilizing low-price electricity that may have limited availability, resulting in possible economic benefits for ammonia production. The use of that low-price electricity can simultaneously benefit the grid by reducing the price suppression that may occur with increased penetration of variable renewable generation. In addition, the rapid-response characteristics of electrolyzers enables them to provide ancillary services to the grid, such as operating reserves and frequency control. However, electrolyzer capital cost reductions, favorable electricity pricing structures, or other technology or market advancements are likely needed to achieve hydrogen prices competitive with incumbent production technologies. We discuss near-term, niche prospects where low-cost electrolytic hydrogen and ammonia could be produced, possible applications for those products, and further opportunities and drivers that might enable them.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (EE-3F)
• DOE Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 1821620
• Report Number(s): NREL/PR-6A20-75191; MainId:6381; UUID:6cbd09f8-71ef-e911-9c29-ac162d87dfe5; MainAdminID:61664
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

39 EE - Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies (EE-3F)
ammonia
electrolytic hydrogen
large-scale electrolysis