Evaluation of large-scale hydrogen storage systems in the German energy sector

The increasing share of renewable energies in the German energy sector is changing the present generation structure and requires the usage of more flexible technologies. Storage systems are one option to balance fluctuating electricity generation and demand. But due to the high investments required, all storage technologies have difficulties meeting the challenge of economic feasibility. However, chemical long-term storage technologies that use a gaseous medium as the energy carrier have the advantage of being a versatile storage medium that can be sold on different markets. This paper shows that serving both the electricity and fuel markets has positive impacts on the profitability of hydrogen storage systems. Under favorable conditions, which are characterized by high shares of renewable energies and high prices for energy carriers, a positive economic result is possible.