Green hydrogen - produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy - is a cornerstone of Ireland's decarbonization strategy. FIESO is pioneering research into how hydrogen can transform our energy system, addressing key challenges in production, storage, and integration.
Ireland's ambitious renewable energy targets will result in periods where wind generation significantly exceeds demand. Rather than curtailing this valuable clean energy, FIESO demonstrates how it can be converted into green hydrogen, creating a versatile energy carrier that can decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors including heavy transport, industry, and heating.
At the Lir Laboratory, we operate a unique co-simulation testbed that integrates real hydrogen electrolysers, fuel cells, and storage systems with a floating offshore wind turbine through Power Hardware in the Loop (PHIL) technology. This allows us to test and optimize hybrid wind-hydrogen-battery systems under realistic future grid conditions.
Nearly 100% of Ireland's curtailed wind power could be converted into green hydrogen. By coupling electrolysers with battery energy storage systems (BESS), we can absorb power fluctuations more effectively, operate at higher efficiency, and create new revenue streams that make green hydrogen economically attractive.
This is particularly relevant for Ireland, where wind curtailment reached 12.1% in recent years, representing significant lost renewable energy and increased costs for consumers.
