A consortium comprising: West Pomeranian University of Technology (ZUT) in Szczecin (leader), the University of Szczecin (US) and Enea Operator are implementing the innovative H2EBuffer scientific and research project.

The work will result in the creation of a hydrogen energy buffer that stores energy and stabilises the operation of the power grid. The system will use green hydrogen obtained from RES installations. The project has entered the third stage, in which Enea Operator will build a prototype of the buffer based on research conducted by the universities.

The H2EBuffer project was inaugurated in June 2021. The aim of the first stage carried out by the US was to design a model of the architecture of a system to stabilise the operation of electricity distribution networks. It considered technical, economic-logistical, spatial and formal-legal variables. The researchers’ work resulted in a theoretical model that covers the three phases of the supply chain, i.e. supply (RES), energy production and storage, and distribution.

The task of ZUT was to develop the design of a complete energy buffer plant that will use surplus electricity generated from RES. As a result of the research, the scientists developed models in line with the technological scheme of the hydrogen energy buffer system. The energy storage and recovery efficiency of the entire system were also calculated, as well as the energy efficiency of its individual components.

The third of five phases of the project implemented by Enea Operator, is currently underway. Following the studies carried out by the US and ZUT, work has begun on the construction of a prototype storage facility. Studies are currently underway to give final approval of the location for the installation of the hydrogen buffer. This will be the Main Power Supply Point (GPZ) in Łobez.

Adrian Andrzejewski