Hydrogen (H2) power-to-x storage systems

High-performance power-to-X storage systems enable the efficient and safe storage of hydrogen. Innovative processes are used to store hydrogen cost-effectively in iron pellets, which allows for easy storage and recovery.

Definition of
Power-to-X storage systems for hydrogen refer to hydrogen storage technologies that offer high energy efficiency and density through redox reactions with iron. These systems are crucial for the energy transition and the integration of hydrogen as an energy carrier.

Background / Origin
The need to store hydrogen efficiently and safely is a challenge of the energy transition. Work is being carried out on energy storage systems to optimize the energy conversion chain between electricity, hydrogen and electricity and to make hydrogen usable across the board. Last but not least, the complex storage methods stand in the way of the widespread use of hydrogen.

The FEREDOX process, developed by NACOMPEX, aims to store the energy of hydrogen by means of a redox reaction with iron. This technology enables cost-effective storage in iron pellets, which are predestined for the storage, transportation and recovery of hydrogen.

MB Energy is working on pilot projects with NACOMPEX to develop innovative hydrogen storage and transportation systems. One important location is Dresden, where the FEREDOX process is being researched and developed for electricity storage, mobility and the raw materials industry. The technological application of iron for hydrogen storage is supported by various projects, including a pilot plant at the Technical University of Dresden.

Properties
The Power-to-X storage systems are characterized by the following features:

- Redox reaction: The central process for storing hydrogen is through the oxidation and reduction of iron, which enables a high energy density.
- Iron pellets: These serve as a carrier material for storage and enable easy handling and transportation of the hydrogen.
- Energy efficiency: Conversion and storage via iron significantly increases the efficiency of the entire energy conversion chain.

Application and importance in the market
Power-to-X storage systems have a wide range of applications. They are crucial for the use of hydrogen as a fossil fuel-substituting energy source in industry and mobility. The combination with renewable energies in particular enables decentralized use.

The FutureHDrive project is an example in which FeRedox storage technology is being developed as a standard module for hydrogen storage in a container design. Capacities are also being prepared for integration into rail vehicles. These technologies are not only important for industrial use, but also contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

Differentiation from similar terms
- Hydrogen: While hydrogen as an energy carrier is de facto a result, Power-to-X focuses on the technologies for storage and conversion.
- Power-to-Liquid: Refers to the process by which hydrogen is converted into synthetic fuels, while Power-to-X encompasses a broader range of applications, including storage.

Summary
Efficient Power-to-X storage systems are crucial for the efficient and safe storage of hydrogen. Innovative processes, such as NACOMPEX's FEREDOX process, enable simple and cost-effective storage in iron pellets. These technologies are crucial for the integration of hydrogen in industry and mobility and make an important contribution to reducing CO2 emissions as part of the national hydrogen strategy.