By using electrolyzer-based methods, the power-to-gas system will convert electricity generated from renewable sources into carbon-free hydrogen gas by breaking down water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The hydrogen can be further converted to synthetic, renewable methane, traditional natural gas that can be stored to meet future energy needs.
This can also be used to power vehicles, micro-turbines, fuel cells or other equipment.
The power-to-gas projects located at the NFCRC at the University of California, Irvine and NREL’s laboratories in Golden, Colorado will also assess the feasibility and potential benefits of using the natural gas pipeline system to store photovoltaic and wind-produced energy.
NREL Energy Systems Integration Partnerships director Martha Symko-Davies said: "As we reach high levels of renewable energy on the grid, storing the electricity generated by solar power and other variable energy sources will help unlock greater use of these renewable resources in the U.S. and throughout the world.
"This project will examine a unique way to reduce the capital cost of energy storage."
