The project SETHub - Smart Energy Transformation Hub aims at a comprehensive analysis of the grid-supportive use of electrolysers and was carried out at selected sites in Styria. The objective was to analyse the regulatory framework and to assess the role of grid-supportive operation of electrolysers in increasing the hosting capacity of distribution grids for renewable generation capacities. The economic evaluation of the grid-supportive use of electrolysers is enabled through a techno-economic modelling of electrolysers in the distribution grid.
Factsheet#
| Short name | SETHub |
| Title | Smart Energy Transformation Hub |
| Duration | 01.10.2023 – 31.03.2025 |
| Partners | 2 (show all) |
| Project type | Co-funded research project |
| Project lead AIT | Philipp Ortmann & Stefan Fink |
Overview#
The overarching objective of the project was a comprehensive analysis of the potential role of grid-supportive electrolysers as well as the implementation framework for their deployment. The project also aimed to increase the hosting capacity of distribution grids for renewable generation and to carry out a techno-economic modelling of electrolysers in the distribution network.
Findings#
Economic viability of grid-supportive electrolysis#
A purely grid-supportive operation of electrolysis systems is technically capable of fully absorbing feed-in peaks; however, in practice, it proves to be economically hardly viable. Only through an additional market-oriented use of electrolysis does economically sustainable operation become realistic.
Combination of market- and grid-oriented operation#
The combination of grid-supportive and market-based operation leads to better utilisation of the systems while simultaneously providing system benefits. Price differences in the electricity market support the provision of grid-supportive services without requiring additional control by the grid operator.
Optimal system sizing#
A maximum technical sizing of the systems does not represent the economically optimal solution. Instead, a reduced system dimensioning - combined with lower investment costs - proves to be more economically efficient while still avoiding a large share of curtailment losses.
Activities#
P1: Project Management
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This work package includes project management and coordination of the project team, as well as monitoring of progress, costs, quality, and adherence to timelines. It also covers reporting, resource planning, and communication, as well as the preparation of a comprehensive final report and a publishable report.
WP2: Regulatory Analysis
WP3: Techno-economic Analysis: Case Studies
WP4: Large-scale Power Grid Simulations
WP5: Exploitation & Dissemination
Further information#
Deliverables#
- D2.1 Organisationsmodelle für den netzdienlichen Einsatz von Elektrolyse (engl.: Organizational models for grid-supportive operation of electrolysis)
- D3 Simulation von Fallstudien und wirtschaftliche Bewertung von Elektrolyse im Verteilnetz (engl.: Simulation of case studies and economic evaluation of electrolysis in distribution grids)
- D4 Grid-supportive electrolysis in distribution grids: techno-economic and regulatory analysis for Austria
Publications#
Project partners#
- Energienetze Steiermark GmbH (Project coordination)
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
Funding#
The project SETHub is supported within the framework of the 3rd FFG call “Energie.Frei.Raum”. Implementation is carried out on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Climate Change, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). More information can be found in the FFG project database.