National Grid trials hydrogen-powered substation

National Grid has completed a 10-week trial of a hydrogen-powered generator at its Deeside Centre for Innovation, a facility that hosts a 400kV modified substation, designed as a unique environment for development and trial of innovative technologies and practices.

The trial tested the capabilities and feasibility of Hydrogen-Powered Units as potential and direct replacements for back-up diesel generators at more than 250 National Grid substation sites. The only emissions from the units are water.

National Grid uses diesel generators to provide backup power to a substation for key activities such as cooling fans, pumps, and lighting. Though the backup generators are rarely used, switching from diesel could save 500,000 kg of carbon emissions per year.

The HPU at Deeside has power capabilities of up to 100 kW in continuous operation mode and up to 250 kW for 45 minutes and uses 100% green hydrogen. The unit is quieter and the hydrogen cannisters used to fuel the generators can be safely stored on site.

Sean Coleman Manager for Deeside Centre for Innovation said: “We are delighted to have trialled this innovative off-grid power source at National Grid’s Deeside Centre for Innovation. The HPU powered our test facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we will now consider the findings, which we hope will help accelerate the transition to a flexible and low carbon future.”