BC Hydro is testing a new approach to large-scale energy storage by converting surplus hydroelectric power into hydrogen, storing it and then using it in a 100 kw fuel cell to provide power as needed. The storage process, known as electrolysis, is being tested at BC Hydro's Clayton Falls hydroelectric plant in Bella Coola, about 250 miles north of Vancouver, according to an article on HydroWorld.com. The company estimates that the Hydrogen Assisted Renewable Power System (HARP) will cut diesel consumption by almost 53,000 gallons a year and greenhouse gas emissions by 600 tons a year. "It's a very cost-effective and convenient way to store renewable energy," said David Field, a spokesman for BC Citizens for Green Energy, who was quoted in the article. "It's better than importing coal-fired electricity from Alberta and the U.S. to accomplish the same thing, which is what we're doing right now." The demonstration project also is getting a boost from smart grid technology: a microgrid controller manages the power system by monitoring supply and demand and determining when to convert power into hydrogen and when to generate power from hydrogen to meet spikes in demand. "Smart grid technology is going to let us actively manage the electrical grid. It's the biggest change in the electrical system since Thomas Edison," Field said.
Quick Take: The two interesting facets of this demonstration — cost-effective large-scale storage and system management automation — could mean a new role for hydropower. It's worth keeping tabs on this project.
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