Flagship projects of the funding initiative
Wind to hydrogen
For the long-term storage of large amounts of electrical energy, it makes sense to use material storage systems, such as hydrogen or methane, after a chemical conversion. These can be used for reconversion or to support the public gas supply. In addition, the gases are also valuable elements for the chemical industry.
Physical Storage
Store hydrogen in natural gas deposits
Can hydrogen be stored for longer in the underground of natural gas fields? Researchers evaluated as a part of the project H2STORE geohydraulic, mineralogical, geochemical and biogenic interactions in underground storage of hydrogen in depleted natural gas deposits. ... more
Hydrogen from the sea
Scientists of Berlins Technische Universität Berlin and Freie Universität explore catalytic systems for hydrogen electrolysis directly from seawater. The non-precious metal catalysts should be inexpensive to produce. They make it possible to store renewable energy as hydrogen even at sites with water shortage. This option could be used for offshore wind farms or solar thermal power plants. ... more
Power gap filler in the megawatt class
In the project "Stromlückenfüller" Researchers investigate a power-to-gas-to-power concept. The aim is to buffer excess solar and wind power in the form of hydrogen. For the conversion, the researchers are developing a PEM electrolyzer stack for a rated input power of one megawatt. The electrolyzer combines with a hydrogen storage and biogas technology giving an efficient storage system. ... more
Synthesising methane cost-effectively
In the Katmethan project scientists want to find new peptide-based catalysts for low-cost synthesis of methane. The chances of success are uncertain due to lack of data. The efficiency depends primarily on the achievable efficiency of the catalytic reaction, the catalyst cost per unit and the stability of the catalysts. ... more
Coupling renewables with electricity and gas grids
In the KonStGas project scientists examined the potentials to integrate renewable energy sources, resulting from the coupling of energy networks. For this purpose, they model the energy flows of the total energy supply structure and evaluate the results from an economic perspective. They derive recommendations for the adjustment of energy infrastructure and future energy market. ... more
New membrane materials for PEM water electrolysis
In the MaPEI project researchers of Forschungszentrum Jülich combined advantages of alkaline and PEM electrolysis by using anion exchange membranes. Jointly with FuMA-Tech they developed novel high-performance membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for alkaline PEM electrolysis. ... more
Thermal Storage
System analysis energy storage
How can excess electricity be used across sectors and versatile? The En:Sys-analysis shows possible interactions, existing between the areas of electricity , heat and transport through the use of various energy storage technologies and power-to -X. ... more
Overarching Themes
Energy Storage Systems in 2030
Which system infrastructure is most economic for the supply system? What will be the storage requirement in 2030? These questions addressed by scientists in the Merit Order study. For this purpose they recorded the characteristic values of possible storage technologies and distinguished them in regional terms. ... more
Forecasting the potential of caverns
What potential is there for energy storage in the salt structures of Northern Germany? This question is being addressed by researchers in the InSpEE project. They are investigated the planning bases and selection criteria for constructing salt cavern storage facilities. The researchers are also investigated how much compressed air and hydrogen can be stored in these. ... more
Determining the potential of the substructure
In the ANGUS+ project, scientists examine the potential for energy storage in the geological subsurface. In addition to the storage options for natural and synthetic methane, hydrogen and compressed air in caverns and porous formations, the storage of heat in the shallow subsurface is investigated. ... more
