Developing integrated power and hydrogen supply-demand control technologies to build a hydrogen value chain that achieves both cost efficiency and stable supply.
Integrated Control of Power and Gas for Stable and Cost-Effective Energy Supply
As renewable energy becomes more widespread and hydrogen gains traction in society, the efficient operation of energy grids is expected to become a key challenge. Hitachi proposes an operational planning system for the integrated management of power and hydrogen grids. This technology facilitates coordination between energy producers and users of electricity and hydrogen, paving the way for a society where low-carbon energy can be utilized stably and cost-effectively.
Traditional energy supply networks have primarily consisted of power grids and natural gas grids. In the future, hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in energy distribution, necessitating close coordination between power grids and hydrogen grids. Green hydrogen is typically produced using electricity derived from renewable energy sources. However, if the timing of power generation and hydrogen demand does not align, renewable energy cannot be utilized effectively, and the cost of green hydrogen cannot be reduced. Additionally, if hydrogen demand surges, there is a possibility that hydrogen supply might be restricted to comply with the transportation constraints of pipelines and delivery vehicles.
To address these challenges, Hitachi proposes an operational planning system that integrates the management of multiple energy grids. This system is based on power and hydrogen supply-demand plans and utilizes simulation technologies for power and gas grids to compute operational plans for each stakeholder, ensuring the efficient operation of the entire grid. Once optimized, the operational plans are communicated to the respective stakeholders. For example, the system coordinates between hydrogen consumers and producers to align hydrogen production and consumption with periods of lower electricity prices, reducing energy costs. Additionally, when hydrogen pipeline constraints arise, the system facilitates adjustments by consumers to increase hydrogen consumption, thereby resolving the constraints.
Hitachi contributes to the stable and cost-effective supply of renewable energy and low-carbon hydrogen by leveraging its expertise in power and gas grid analysis technologies and supply-demand optimization knowledge.
