BayWa RE and its Dutch subsidiary GroenLeven have signed a contract with the Netherland’s largest network company Alliander for the operation of the SinneWetterstof hydrogen pilot project.
SinneWetterstof is being built by Alliander and is designed to test how local hydrogen production can follow the generation profile of a solar plant, ultimately to reduce grid congestion.
The project, which is expected to be operational by late 2021, will source energy from an adjacent 50MW solar farm, previously built by GroenLeven, to generate green hydrogen as a storable form of energy by electrolysis of water.
It will test the extent to which a hydrogen electrolyser can follow the generation profile of a solar plant.
“This will examine how an electrolyser’s local and flexible load could be used to reduce grid congestion and to minimise the need for grid extensions for new solar or wind plants,” BayWa RE said.
BayWa RE and GroenLeven will work on the leasing of the installation, operation and ongoing monitoring of the hydrogen pilot project.
BayWa RE’s Manfred Groh said: “This hydrogen pilot project will be one of the first that is powered by an adjacent solar farm and optimised to mitigate grid issues.
“We are excited to be working with Alliander on this project, which will allow us to enter the green hydrogen space as part of the transition towards 100% renewable energy in all sectors.”
Alliander project leader Ben Tubben said: “The pilot project in Oosterwolde provides the opportunity to gain experience with the application of an electrolyser regarding control, controllability and safety.
“We also want to investigate how the entire hydrogen chain works, which agreements must be made with stakeholders, and which laws and regulations are necessary.”