Electrolysis: Opportunities for electric power utilities in a hydrogen economy

As the demand for energy, both in the form of electricity and transportation fuel, increase around the world, a renewed focus on converting to a hydrogen economy has emerged. Recent advancements in hydrogen technologies and renewable energy applications show the promise of converting to a hydrogen-based economy should become economically feasible in the near- to mid-term. As the shift from a fossil fuel to a hydrogen based economy unfolds, electric power utilities should be in a position to understand the potential benefits and impacts. This paper provides a historical perspective of hydrogen, discusses the process of electrolysis for hydrogen production especially from solar and wind technologies and describes the opportunities for electric power utilities.