Hydrogen
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The H2POWERPLANT produces hydrogen by electrolysis, using electricity from solar, wind and hydropower. When it is needed, a fuel cell can be used to convert the hydrogen back into electrical energy. The waste heat is either used in the interconnected system for heating, stored or converted into cooling on site. Under certain circumstances, utilising waste heat can increase the proportion of usable energy in the overall system.
H2POWERPLANT – hydrogen technology from Dortmund
Hydrogen produced by electrolysis using renewable energy is regarded as a potential component of future energy systems. With the H2POWERPLANT hydrogen pilot plant at Wilopark in Dortmund, Wilo broke new ground in 2022: After just a few months of construction, Wilo inaugurated the system solution, which has since become an integral part of the energy concept at the Wilo Group’s headquarters.
Regenerative power generation
Energy conversion, energy storage, reconversion
Energy use
Heat generation
Cooling recovery
Independence from power grid
Discover the H2POWERPLANT
The H2POWERPLANT is available in four different versions, which Wilo optimises to suit each specific project requirements. Following an internal market analysis, the H2POWERPLANT is designed for applications that fall between battery storage and large-scale industrial hydrogen production. Depending on the load profile, location and system size, the system may be considered for applications in residential and commercial buildings. Use our configurator to find the right setup for your needs.
Hydrogen – a global market is emerging
Hydrogen produced by electrolysis using electricity generated from renewable sources can play a role in future energy systems. When hydrogen is used in a fuel cell, the hydrogen itself produces no CO₂ emissions at the point of use. For this reason, hydrogen produced from renewable electricity is regarded in various decarbonisation scenarios as a key component for applications that are difficult to electrify. Furthermore, gas offers the possibility of storing, transporting and providing energy. In this way, hydrogen can connect different energy sectors across national borders and be used to store and supply renewable energy to various industries.
“In certain applications, hydrogen can replace fossil fuels and help to create additional options for energy supply and storage.”
Wilo along the hydrogen value chain
Wilo products and systems have long been used in numerous renewable energy technologies, such as wind turbines and biogas plants. In addition, Wilo offers products and systems for several stages of the hydrogen value chain. Drawing on its expertise as a multinational technology group and an internationally active supplier of pumps and pump systems, Wilo aims to become a global player in the generation, storage, distribution and use of hydrogen.
The substance of the future
Hydrogen produced by electrolysis using wind, solar or hydropower is a potential storage and usage solution that can play a key role in certain applications. This hydrogen can be used in a variety of ways, such as in fuel cells to generate electricity and heat, as a raw material in industry, or as a fuel for the transport sector. It can also serve as a storage and energy source for coupling different energy sectors. Under certain conditions, surplus electricity generated from renewable sources can be used for hydrogen generation and transported in this form. This may be one of several ways of making renewable energy available across borders.
Hydrogen is packed with energy
Chemically, one tonne of hydrogen contains the energy equivalent to 33,330 kilowatt hours. That corresponds to the average annual electricity consumption of several three-person households in a multi-residential building (without a continuous-flow water heater). Hydrogen is the most commonly occurring element in the universe. In its bound form, it is a component of practically all organic compounds. It has the lowest atomic mass of all the elements: Fourteen times lighter than air, is not classified as toxic, corrosive or radioactive, does not self-ignite, and it burns with a colourless flame that leaves no residue. However, specific safety requirements apply to its storage and use.
Where does hydrogen occur in nature?
Hydrogen (H2) occurs only in bound form, for example, in combination with oxygen (O2) as water (H2O). Other important compounds containing hydrogen, which are known as hydrocarbons, include methane (CH4), the main component of natural gas, and crude oil. In addition, more than half of all known minerals contain hydrogen. In the Earth’s atmosphere, hydrogen occurs in steam.
