Hydrogen technologies for energy storage: A perspective

Abstract

Hydrogen is a versatile energy storage medium with significant potential for integration into the modernized grid. Advanced materials for hydrogen energy storage technologies including adsorbents, metal hydrides, and chemical carriers play a key role in bringing hydrogen to its full potential. The U.S. Department of Energy Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office leads a portfolio of hydrogen and fuel cell research, development, and demonstration activities, including hydrogen energy storage to enable resiliency and optimal use of diverse domestic energy resources. Today, the technology around generating and storing efficient and sustainable energy is rapidly evolving and hydrogen technologies offer versatile options. This perspective provides an overview of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office's R&D activities in hydrogen storage technologies within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, with a focus on their relevance and adaptation to the evolving energy storage needs of a modernized grid, as well as discussion of identified R&D needs and challenges. The role of advanced materials research programs focused on addressing energy storage challenges is framed in the context of DOE's H2@Scale initiative, which will enable innovations to generate cost-competitive hydrogen as an energy carrier, coupling renewables, as well as nuclear, fossil fuels, and the grid, to enhance the economics of both baseload power plants and intermittent solar and wind, to enhance resiliency and avoid curtailment. Continued growth and engagement of domestic and international policy stakeholders, industry partnerships, and economic coalitions supports a positive future outlook for hydrogen in the global energy system.