Duke Energy, a prominent American energy company, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking demonstration project that aims to revolutionize the generation of clean energy. This pioneering initiative will employ an end-to-end system for the production, storage, and combustion of green hydrogen at the DeBary plant in Florida, United States. The project's overarching goal is to offer innovative solutions that enhance the incorporation of renewable energy into the grid, ultimately benefiting end-users.

This ambitious project materialized through a collaborative effort involving Duke Energy, Sargent and Lundy, and GE Vernova. The system's journey commences with the existing 74.5 MW DeBary solar plant, which serves as the primary source of clean energy. This solar plant will power two 1 MW electrolyzer units, responsible for the production of hydrogen through a carefully orchestrated process.

In the course of electrolysis, oxygen is produced as a byproduct and is released into the atmosphere, contributing to environmental sustainability. The hydrogen generated, on the other hand, is securely conveyed to nearby reinforced storage containers. This storage component is pivotal, as it allows the green hydrogen to be utilized during periods of peak energy demand.

At times when energy requirements are at their highest, the stored green hydrogen will be utilized to fuel a combustion turbine (CT). This CT will be retrofitted with GE Vernova technology, enabling it to operate on a blend of natural gas and hydrogen or, in certain instances, to run solely on hydrogen. This innovative setup represents a significant milestone, as it will mark the first operation of a CT in the United States that runs on such a high percentage of hydrogen.

Melissa Seixas, the Florida state president of Duke Energy, emphasized the company's commitment to evolving and delivering clean, reliable energy solutions to its customers. She highlighted that the DeBary project will set the stage for Duke Energy's inaugural green hydrogen production and storage system, interconnected with an existing solar facility for power generation. The partnership with the city of DeBary demonstrates a collaborative approach to implementing innovative technology within local communities.

Duke Energy asserts that dispatchable energy is an essential component of reliability, enabling utilities to incorporate intermittent energy sources, even during extended periods of high demand. The ability to rely on dispatchable energy sources is crucial in ensuring that the power system can meet customer demand effectively, even when intermittent sources may not be readily available.

The company has set an ambitious timeline for the project, with the expectation that the system will become operational by 2024. Construction is slated to commence later this year, marking the beginning of a transformative journey toward a more sustainable and reliable energy future. Duke Energy's innovative approach underscores the importance of adaptability and forward-thinking in the quest for cleaner and more resilient energy systems.