Ameland tests hydrogen fuel cell aggregate

JP-Energiesystemen in cooperation with PowiDian has delivered a hydrogen fuel cell genset to Ameland. As part of the German-Dutch INTERREG project H2Watt, Ameland is conducting tests with a 110KVA hydrogen fuel cell aggregate. The aggregate runs synchronously with the electricity grid, supplying part of the energy demand for the built environment.

The tests are designed to see to what extent the fuel cell, combined with its large internal battery storage, can follow the demand profile of the environment while delivering electricity.
The test results will help Ameland make choices during their energy transition. Ameland wants to get rid of natural gas in 2035 and generate as much energy as possible itself.

A 2nd solar park will soon be constructed on Ameland. By applying energy storage, the excess of self-produced energy will be stored in a combination of batteries and hydrogen. Thanks to local energy storage, the new solar farm will not place an additional burden on the regional electricity grid and will avoid grid reinforcement.

At times when energy demand exceeds its own production, the fuel cell converts available hydrogen into electricity and heat. In a stationary system, the heat can be put to good use and little energy is lost. In addition to stationary applications, a mobile system offers the possibility of replacing the familiar diesel generator during festivals. For mobile applications, in addition to the aggregate, hydrogen must be transported. Ameland has gained experience with this during the current tests by using a trailer.