The DEMO4GRID project developed an excellent hydrogen production, storage and use facility in Völs near Innsbruck, Austria, to help green local food industry MPREIS.
A single-stack 3.2 MW high pressure alkaline electrolyser was developed by IHT/Sunfire capable of providing 1.3tons of H2 per day. The electrolyser was developed through the replacement/refurbishment of parts of an existing electrolyser which was a great application of the circularity principle applied to electrolysers. Hydrogen was stored in large storage tanks and used to displace fossil gas in an oil boiler. Green hydrogen is produced at times with a high share of renewable energy in the electricity grid, mostly from a local hydro power plant, with the hydrogen storage tanks used to time shift production and demand. The capability to dynamic operation of the electrolyser allowed it to take part in the intraday electricity balancing services market, helping reduce the cost of the produced green hydrogen. This is thanks to particular emphasis being paid to a remote control system for advanced maintenance and smart operation developed by INYCOM. The facility was expanded to include a hydrogen refuelling station and hydrogen trucks to distribute the products of MPREIS, establishing a complete hydrogen ecosystem.