Hydrogen electrolysers: how do they fit in the UK system operation and markets?

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), as an alternative to Electric Vehicles powered by batteries, have increasing opportunities in low carbon transportation. According to UK H2Mobility report[1], the carbon emission produced by a hydrogen FCEV can be 75% less than the equivalent diesel vehicle in 2030. The first FCEV will be introduced in 2015, and the report estimated there will be 1.6m FCEVS by 2030. Water electrolysis is defined as the major category of hydrogen production. Therefore, it can be expected that a large number of electrolysis can be connected to the power network with the rising number of hydrogen FCEVs. If the electrolysis are introduced into the grid directly without managing the hydrogen demand, they can pose a problem to system operation. However, with appropriate incentives and regulations they can become an important source of flexibility and providers of ancillary services. The presentation will look into how electrolysers fit in the current UK power system operation and market. In particular, it will explore what in which ancillary services markets electrolysers can participate, and what are the regulatory incentives and barriers for their participation.