Duke Energy Florida unveiled a new production storage system in Volusia County this month that is the nation’s first demonstrated project that’s capable of handling 100% green hydrogen.
Duke officials were on hand for the demonstration in DeBary at the company’s solar site for an explanatory showcase of two “electrolyzer units.” Those are devices that separate water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen atoms, according to a company news release.
Officials explained the green hydrogen is directed into reinforced containers for storage while oxygen is released into the atmosphere. That hydrogen is stored and used for energy when demand is highest and the stored hydrogen is directed into existing combustion turbines and technology from General Electric blends natural gas and the hydrogen.
“Diverse generation is strong, reliable generation,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida President. “The DeBary hydrogen project underscores Duke Energy Florida’s deep understanding of that notion and our commitment to making strategic infrastructure investments that will allow us to continue providing value for our customers while meeting their rapidly increasing demand for energy.”
The process allows the natural gas turbines to be more flexible and expands Duke’s fleet of renewable energy because the green hydrogen is on demand. Officials can turn the turbines off and on at any time. The system can also incorporate solar energy and along with the hydrogen, displaces the cost of other fuels for customers while still responding to demand, the news release said.
“The DeBary system allows for safe, reliable generation and storage of clean energy,” said Reggie Anderson, Duke Energy Florida Vice President of Regulated and Renewable Energy. “Duke Energy Florida is proud of this successful innovation and the lasting impact it will have on our industry, our company and, most importantly, our customers.”
Duke Energy has about 2 million residential and commercial customers in Florida in an area that includes about 13,000 square miles.
