REHSYS – Renewable Energy Hydrogen Systems based on PV, Wind, and Water Electrolysis

In the REHSYS-project, the objective is to study and optimize the design and operation of industrial scale water electrolysis systems based on wind, photovoltaic solar (PV), and proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology, with the aim to support technology developments required to reach the cost target for renewable energy-based hydrogen.

Timeframe is 2023-2027

Budget is 13.6 MNOK

Financing through The Research Council of Norway (RCN)​

Øystein Ulleberg
Chief Scientist
Ragnhild Hancke
Head of Department/Hydrogen Technology

Goal

In the REHSYS-project, the objective is to study and optimize the design and operation of industrial scale water electrolysis systems based on wind, photovoltaic solar (PV), and proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology, with the aim to support technology developments required to reach the cost target for renewable energy-based hydrogen.

Method

The project seeks to maximize the efficiency, lifespan, and economy of RE/H2 systems by exploring system designs and operational schemes for specific locations having different weather conditions, scales, grid constraints, and prospective hydrogen off-takers.  

Project timeline and completion

The research tasks in the project are organized in the following three work packages:

(1) Assessment of the variability in PV resources at different locations and development of novel nowcasting methodology,

(2) Experimental testing and modelling of a PEM water electrolysis system operated with solar PV and/or wind power, and (3) Techno-economic optimization (sizing and control strategy) incorporating PV and wind nowcasting for specific use cases. Locations with existing RE and/or H2 infrastructure will be carefully selected together with the Industry Partners in the project to ensure access to data suitable for modelling and analysis.

Potential

The current deployment rate of planned hydrogen projects falls short of the amounts required to reach net zero emission by 2050 because the hydrogen production costs are still too high and must come down to 1-2 USD/kg to become cost competitive. This is a massive challenge faced by both water electrolyzer manufacturers and plant operators and must be overcome by pursuing a multitude of approaches, including optimizing locations and tailoring the system design and operating schemes.

Partners and external resources

The REHSYS-project is led by IFE, which will contribute with researchers from three different departments (Solar, Hydrogen, and Energy Systems Analysis). The University of Oslo will educate a PhD on PEM water electrolysis systems at the Department of Technology Systems (ITS), while the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the USA will serve as the main International Research Partner. Equinor, Statkraft, Nel Hydrogen and Hydro Havrand, four multi-national Norwegian Industry Partners with significant ambitions on the development of renewable energy and hydrogen systems, support and participate in the project.