Duke Energy has unveiled plans to construct a demonstration project to create clean energy using an end-to-end system to produce, store, and combust 100% green hydrogen. The system is the result of collaboration between Duke Energy, Sargent and Lundy, and GE Vernova, and will be located at Duke Energy Florida’s DeBary plant in Volusia County, Florida.
The system will begin with the existing 74.5-MW DeBary solar plant, providing energy for two 1-MW electrolyzer units that separate water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen atoms. The resulting oxygen will be released into the atmosphere, while the green hydrogen will be delivered to nearby, reinforced containers for storage. During times when energy demand is highest, the system will deliver the stored green hydrogen to a combustion turbine that will be upgraded using GE Vernova technology to run on a natural gas/hydrogen blend, or up to 100% hydrogen.
“Duke Energy anticipates hydrogen could play a major role in our clean energy future,” said Regis Repko, senior vice president of generation and transmission strategy for Duke Energy. “Hydrogen has significant potential for decarbonization across all sectors of the US economy. It is a clean energy capable of long-duration storage, which would help Duke Energy ensure grid reliability as we continue adding more renewable energy sources to our system.”
Construction is expected to begin by December 2023. Duke Energy anticipates the system will be installed and fully functioning in 2024.
