Nukissiorfiit to establish hydrogen and fuel cell plant

Around half the energy produced by Nukissiorfiit is based on hydro power. Photo courtesy of H2 Logic A/S

The H2KT project will investigate the opportunities of using hydrogen and fuel cells as energy storage in Greenland.

Around half the energy produced by Nukissiorfiit is based on hydro power. Calculations have shown that Greenland has a theoretical hydro power potential to supply 70% of Europe with electricity. In order to optimize the potential, it is necessary to bring in new technologies for storage to balance the seasonal fluctuations in energy consumption.

The idea is to use electricity in periods of excess hydro power to split water into hydrogen and store this. In periods with higher energy consumption, typically during winter time, the stored hydrogen is converted to electricity and heat in a fuel cell. In the future, the hydrogen can also be distributed to cities and settlements where it is not possible to produce renewable energy.

The company H2 Logic A/S has been selected by Nukissiorfiit as the supplier for the planned facility. The plant will produce hydrogen based on electricity from the hydro power plant in Nuuk, and the hydrogen will be used for supplying energy for the Nukissiorfiit headquarters. The plant will also help increase the public awareness of hydrogen and fuel cells in Greenland.

The plant is supplied by H2 Logic and consists of a hydrogen electrolysis system that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen. The hydrogen is then stored for later use in a fuel cell where it is converted to electricity and heat. Waste heat from the hydrogen production and the fuel cell is used for local heating while the electricity is supplied to the grid or used in the Nukissiorfiit headquarters.

The plant also includes a compression and distribution system that enables the storing of the hydrogen under pressure in distributable bulks. In this way, the hydrogen can be distributed to other cities and settlements in Greenland where it can be used for local energy production. The plant is also prepared for a future upgrade with a hydrogen refueling station, enabling the use of hydrogen as fuel for transport.


- Katrice R. Jalbuena

Sources:

¹ http://www.h2logic.com/com/shownews.asp?id=279
² http://www.h2logic.com/com/default.asp