Hydrogen Analysis Group Hybrid power plants can use renewable energy to produce and store hydrogen on site. The hydrogen can then be used by fuel cells for transportation or to generate electricity when the wind isn’t blowing. Such systems overcome the intermittency of solar and wind resources. Highlights Hydrogen holds great promise for improved energy and transportation The NREL Hydrogen Technologies systems of the future. This would, however, require dramatic changes to our and Systems Center and its Hydrogen energy and transportation infrastructures. How do we objectively determine Analysis Group are working to answer the key questions necessary the costs and benefits of these changes, the most cost-effective means of to guide research and development achieving them, and the top priority challenges to address? of hydrogen technologies and infrastructure in support of U.S. The energy paradigm is shifting. The world is slowly moving from a fossil fuel-based Department of Energy program economy to a new hydrogen-electric economy that will rely on sustainable renewable goals. energy resources. This future energy economy has the potential to solve the major energy For example, the Hydrogen Analysis challenges that face the United States today: reducing dependence on petroleum imports, Group’s “H2A” project analyzes increasing our nation’s energy security, and reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. hydrogen production costs using a standard calculation methodology In the future energy economy, small, distributed power systems will play an increasing and clearly specified assumptions; role in meeting the nation’s need for sustainable electricity and hydrogen supplies. These all of which were developed with distributed generators—which include fuel cells, natural-gas turbines, solar power, wind input and acceptance from hydrogen turbines, and others—will be located at or near the point of energy consumption and stakeholders. rely on regionally-available domestic resources. The Hydrogen Analysis Group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is developing applications that will In addition, as part of the Controlled identify the most cost-effective pathways for bringing these resources on line. Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration Validation Project, we There are a wide variety of technical challenges to achieving this transition to the new are teaming with industry partners energy economy. The Hydrogen Analysis Group is using its analytical tools to chart the to collect and analyze extensive data path for this massive market transformation. on the operation of fuel cell vehicle Transitioning from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources presents addi- fleets and fueling facilities. tional challenges. Do we have sufficient resources to support a new hydrogen-electric National Renewable Energy Laboratory Innovation for Our Energy Future economy? Which locations have the Life cycle assessments are performed Technology Validation best resources for distributed renewable to identify and evaluate the environ- To realize a future hydrogen-electric energy systems? Do we have the tools mental impacts associated with a economy, fuel cell vehicles and a new to measure renewable resources specific process. In these assessments, hydrogen-based production, storage, accurately? emissions, resource depletion, and and delivery infrastructure must be energy consumption of all steps in the The Hydrogen Analysis Group is developed and demonstrated. The process are quantified—from the initial addressing these issues and helping to Hydrogen Technologies and Systems extraction of raw materials, through facilitate a smooth transition to the new Center and its Hydrogen Analysis transportation and production, to the energy future. In collaboration with Group are working to integrate innova- final disposal of products and industry, other institutes, and national tive research and development (R&D) by-products. laboratories, they are providing the programs with creative deployment nation with expertise in hydrogen and Hydrogen Analysis Working projects. The team is supporting distributed power technologies and Group (H2A) DOE’s Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and systems, and renewable resource Infrastructure Demonstration Validation Coordinating analysis work being characterization and measurement. Project. This learning demonstration conducted on hydrogen and fuel cell is a collaboration of auto and fuel cell systems is essential to ensure consistent Process and Systems Analysis manufacturers and energy companies analyses and a stronger understanding Process and systems analysis provides focused on developing fuel cell vehicles of the pathways to the hydrogen future. direction, focus, and support for devel- and hydrogen infrastructure simultane- The Hydrogen Technologies and oping and commercializing hydrogen ously. Testing R&D advances in real- Systems Center Hydrogen Analysis technologies. world operating conditions can help Group works with the Department of remove barriers to commercialization Technoeconomic analyses are per- Energy (DOE) to enable collaboration and identify future research needs. formed to determine the potential between analysis experts through the economic viability of a specific process, H2A project. H2A, which stands for To learn more about NREL’s technology to direct research toward areas in which hydrogen analysis, was initiated in 2003 validation work, visit www.nrel.gov/ improvements will result in the largest to leverage the talents and capabilities hydrogen/proj_tech_validation.html. cost reductions, and to design and of a variety of analysis teams working optimize integrated systems. on hydrogen systems and to establish For More Information a consistent set of financial parameters The work of the Hydrogen Analysis Analytical models are developed to and analysis methods. For more infor- Group directly supports the goals of determine the most economical hydro- mation, visit the H2A Web site at www. the DOE’s Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & gen delivery option for a given scenario. hydrogen.energy.gov/h2a_analysis. Infrastructure Technologies Program Geographical information systems (GIS) html. R&D activities. To learn more about this mapping of energy resources is used to work, visit www.eere.energy.gov/ identify opportunities for hydrogen hydrogenandfuelcells. production throughout the United States. Contacts Hydrogen Technologies and Systems Center Chris Gearhart, 303-275-3830, National Renewable Energy Laboratory [email protected] 15013 Denver West Parkway, Colorado 80401 Hydrogen Analysis Group 303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov Jennifer Kurtz, 303-275-4061, NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy [email protected] Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Operated by the Midwest Research Institute * Battelle NREL/FS-5600-42834 • March 2008 Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 10% post consumer waste..