Duke Energy to work with Siemens, Clemson University on hydrogen energy initiative

Duke Energy is teaming up with Siemens Energy and Clemson University to study the use of hydrogen as a fuel source and for energy storage at Duke Energy’s power plant at Clemson University.

The study will look at various forms of hydrogen production, including green hydrogen, created from water with no byproducts. It will also examine Hydrogen’s potential to store larger quantities of energy more efficiently and for longer durations than current lithium-ion battery technology. This project, called H2-Orange, will begin in March 2021.

“We look forward to developing an advanced hydrogen energy storage system to reduce the carbon footprint on the Clemson University campus while optimizing the cost of energy for the campus and microgrid,” Richard Voorberg, vice president of global service operations at Siemens Energy, said. “We want to be a driver of the energy transition, and this is a great step toward building reliable and efficient clean energy infrastructure in the U.S.”

The research initiative is made possible by a $200,000 grant awarded to Siemens Energy, one of the country’s leading energy technology companies, by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The researchers will study the use of its Silyzer electrolyzer to produce hydrogen fuel to help power the existing SGT-400 natural gas turbine at the Clemson plant. The Silyzer can use clean energy sources to create hydrogen without producing emissions. Duke Energy will provide operational, engineering, and grid modeling expertise.

“Hydrogen integration is a possibility at many of our natural gas stations,” Regis Repko, Duke Energy’s senior vice president and chief fossil/hydro officer, said. “The best way to innovate is through teamwork, and this research could influence the future of energy-reducing reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing energy costs, and benefiting the environment and all energy users.”

Duke Energy has a goal of being net-zero carbon by 2050. Both Siemens Energy and Clemson University have plans to reach net-zero carbon goals by 2030.

“This collaboration supports our institutional goal to be carbon neutral while advancing the development of energy technologies that could have far-reaching societal benefit,” Tanju Karanfil, Clemson University vice president for research, said. “We are proud to collaborate with industry leaders Duke Energy and Siemens Energy and appreciate their interest in this project.”