Opportunities for Hydrogen Fuels to Offset Intermittency of Renewable Resources

Leighty Foundation
Completed January 2002

Synapse conducted an economic comparison of transmitting wind energy in the Dakotas to load centers via a hydrogen pipeline versus high voltage direct current (HVDC) power lines.  A key aspect of this study was the valuation of the energy storage capacity offered by the hydrogen pipeline capacity which would allow a larger portion of electricity to be sold during high-priced periods than would power lines.  The analysis consolidated available cost information on hydrogen pipeline and HVDC technology and modeled annual energy sales to determine which energy transmission options would generate net revenue.  Project completed in January 2002.