Reversible Power-to-Gas systems for energy conversion and storage

Power-to-Gas (PtG) processes offer a potential solution for balancing energy supply and demand in decarbonized energy systems by converting excess electricity into hydrogen and vice versa. This paper develops a model to assess the economic viability of reversible PtG systems, comparing modular and integrated systems. The analysis, applied to Germany and Texas, reveals that integrated systems using solid oxide cells (SOCs) are already cost-competitive at current hydrogen prices in Texas due to electricity price volatility. Projections suggest continued economic viability even with lower future hydrogen prices, thanks to the systems' inherent flexibility.

Gunther Glenk, Stefan Reichelstein