Pacific Energy, a sustainable distributed energy solutions provider, announced it had delivered the Northern Territory’s first hydrogen (H2) SPS (stand-alone power system).

According to Pacific Energy, this system marks a collaborative effort with Charles Darwin University (CDU) and a significant stride in exploring hydrogen as a clean energy source for the region’s grids.

Designed as an adaptation of Pacific Energy solar stand-alone power system, the H2 SPS comprises four Enapter electrolysers, a PowerCell 5kW fuel cell, battery, and inverters.

The system was specifically created for CDU’s Renewable Energy Microgrid Hub for Applied Research and Training (REMHART) to investigate the feasibility of integrating hydrogen into the Northern Territory’s energy landscape.

During testing, the system has already produced hydrogen and demonstrated a 5kW electrical output, with a potential to supply 8.6kW of three-phase power using its inverters and battery.

Jamie Cullen, Pacific Energy’s CEO expressed satisfaction in delivering the first H2 SPS to CDU.

“We’re incredibly proud to deliver our first H2 SPS to Charles Darwin University, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it supports the university in its important hydrogen studies,” Cullen said.

CDU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Professor Suresh Thennadil, highlighted the significance of this equipment upgrade in enabling exploration into hydrogen.

“The installation of a containerised hydrogen electrolyser and fuel cell system will enable us to better understand the challenges and intricacies associated with incorporating hydrogen as an additional energy source, as well as the durability of electrolysers and other components under local climatic conditions,” Thennadil said.

“This upgrade provides a unique and flexible platform to study renewable energy systems, particularly small regional and remote grids, which are common throughout the NT.”

Source: ecogeneration.

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