Hydrogen stores wind and solar energy: Innovative "Power-to-Gas" concepts at Hannover Messe

Berlin, Germany | Posted on March 7th, 2013

Entire technology spectrum - from gas generation and up to electricity supply

Abstract:
Storage of renewable energy in form of hydrogen is a central topic of the Group Exhibit Hydrogen + Fuel Cells. Over 130 companies and research institutions from 20 countries will join Europe's largest exhibition for this technology, 25 of them for the first time.

15 exhibitors will demonstrate how to convert the unsteady energy supply from the sun and wind in an easily transportable and storable fuel: Hydrogen. This environmentally friendly gas can be processed into synthetic natural gas or directly converted back to energy using for example a fuel cell, with heat as a by-product.

On the 5,000 m² area next to the wind energy sector in Hall 27 and on the additional 15,000 m² outdoor Ride & Drive area exhibitors will showcase the entire spectrum of the hydrogen technology: Starting from H2 generation and up to its usage in stationary and mobile fuel cell applications.

Fuel cell electric cars available for a test-drive

All trade fair visitors can test-drive electric cars of Daimler, GM/Opel, Toyota and Honda at the Ride & Drive area next to Hall 27. Unlike the battery-powered electric vehicles, in the hydrogen powered cars the traction current is generated directly in the fuel cells integrated into these cars.

Another highlight of the Ride & Drive will be refueling of the cars with hydrogen performed by Linde three times every day. ITM Power will show the same for commercial vehicles: It will refuel a hydrogen powered bus which will be used for transporting visitors around the exhibition grounds. The British company will generate the required hydrogen directly on the spot through the electrolysis process, when water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.

Home made electricity and heat coming from the basement