UK Power Networks is developing a hydrogen backup system called SHARED (which stands for Smart Hydrogen and Resilient Energy Decarbonisation) to automatically restore power within seconds during power cuts.
The move aims to assist rural electricity supplies with more reliable and using less carbon. Working in partnership with hydrogen specialists, The First Element, and engineering experts Frazer-Nash Consultancy, UK Power Networks is developing a modular hydrogen system capable of activating automatically when a fault or damage hits the electricity network.
The system makes hydrogen to store energy when demand for electricity is low, such as overnight. Hydrogen is then stored safely on site and converted back into electricity through a fuel cell when needed.
By restoring power remotely and within seconds, the system reduces reliance on diesel generators, which typically have to be transported on a lorry, to rural locations. The system can be monitored continuously, allowing for quick action when needed and reducing the need for engineers to travel to site.
Its modular design is designed to be scaled up, meaning it can support anything from a single home to an entire village, offering backup power for short interruptions as well as much longer outages.
The project is now focusing on developing the unit, identifying the types of rural locations where it could be used, and testing the design requirements.
David Francis, head of investment management and innovation at UK Power Networks, said:
“SHARED gives us a chance to bring our rural customers the benefit of a more reliable power supply, and in a low-carbon environmentally-friendly way. By using low-cost hydrogen that can step in automatically during a power cut, we are exploring the potential to restore power in seconds.
“This next phase of development is an exciting step towards bringing that vision to life, and it has the potential to make a real difference to those living and working in some of the deepest countryside across the East of England and the South East.”
Amy Hedger, co-founder at The First Element, said:
“Rural communities deserve energy resilience that’s fit for the future, and we’re thrilled to be working with UK Power Networks where teams are relentlessly focused on innovation to benefit their customers.
“Project SHARED represents a real opportunity to demonstrate hydrogen’s unique ability to store clean energy, and the power of our Smart Device to restore it swiftly.”
Image courtesy of UK Power Networks
