Hydrogenics Corporation (TSX:HYG; NASDAQ:HYGS), has been awarded a contract to supply hydrogen for one of the first U.S hydrogen fueling stations to use electricity from a wind power resource to produce hydrogen from water. In this case electricity generated by wind resources either owned or contracted by Basin Electric will be used.
The contract is with Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismarck, N.D., to supply an electrolyzer-based hydrogen refuelling station for installation in Minot, N.D. In addition to the core electrolyzer module, Hydrogenics is supplying compression, storage and dispenser equipment as part of the contract.
The hydrogen produced will be used to refuel hydrogen-powered vehicles, demonstrating a linkage between wind power and vehicle refueling. Recognizing the challenge presented by the intermittency and varying outputs of wind power, an important element of the project is the development of various control schemes by which the electrolyzer can interface with the electrical output of wind turbines to optimize fuel production, particularly during low electricity demand periods. The project will demonstrate the ability and practicality of making and using hydrogen energy with zero carbon emissions, using excess wind power that might otherwise be under-utilized. This capability can potentially lead to significantly enhanced overall efficiencies of existing and future wind power installations.
The installation of this electrolyzer fueling station at North Dakota State University’s North Central Research Extension Center, scheduled for the latter part of 2006, is an integral component of a Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored Wind Hydrogen project announced by Senator Byron Dorgan’s office in September 2004. The Senator, a national leader in the drive to bring hydrogen and wind energy into mainstream use, has been instrumental in the creation and advancement of this unique multi-phase project.
“Promoting and demonstrating how hydrogen technologies can further enhance our wind energy goals is a key component of North Dakota’s ongoing energy strategy,” said Ron Rebenitsch, Basin Electric Manager of Member Marketing. “We believe hydrogen technology can become an important part of our future energy mix, and we are pleased to be playing a role in this ground-breaking project. Through this project we are advancing North Dakota’s reputation for developing renewable energy technologies and contributing to a national objective to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.”
The hydrogen electrolyzer will be constructed at the Research Extension Center with the support of Verendrye Electric, Velva, N.D., and Central Power Electric Cooperative, Minot.
Basin Electric is a consumer-owned, regional cooperative headquartered in Bismarck. It generates and transmits electricity to member rural electric systems in nine states: Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. These member systems distribute electricity to about 1.8 million consumers.
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