Distributed generation from stationary fuel cells promises significant benefits within the context of ever increasing integration of intermittent renewables, according to the study ‘Advancing Europe’s energy systems: Stationary fuel cells in distributed generation’, produced on behalf of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.
According to the report, fuel cell systems exhibit particularly high energy efficiencies (electrical efficiency of up to 60%, combined efficiency in cogeneration of more than 90%), thereby attaining considerable primary energy savings while avoiding transmission losses. Furthermore, the technology virtually eliminates all local emissions of pollutants. Depending on the fuel used and its source, the technology can potentially eliminate CO2 and other emissions altogether – e.g. when fuelled with pure hydrogen produced from water electrolysis using electricity from renewables.
With their flexible modulation capabilities and high efficiencies at partial loads, stationary fuel cells show strong potential for grid balancing in the context of a power mix with more intermittent renewables and electric heating solutions such as heat pumps, the report notes.
The study develops three different macroeconomic scenarios for Europe's future energy system from now until 2050, in which the commercialisation of stationary fuel cells succeeds to varying degrees. The "Patchy Progress" scenario, which is considered the most likely, describes a 2050 where there is moderate, but regionally fragmented, policy support for distributed generation.
Under this scenario, the commercialisation of distributed generation from stationary fuel cells will likely occur in three stages: short-term supported diffusion to improve cost efficiency; mass-market exploitation and international expansion; and transformation of gas supply.
Ultimately, according to the report, the technology has mass-market potential – with different speed and scope of diffusion in different market segments, largely resulting from the different maturities of fuel cell technologies and markets today.
For more information, see the report:
http://www.fch.europa.eu/sites/default/files/FCHJU_FuelCellDistributedGenerationCommercialization_0.pdf