Hydrogen power could secure peak supply in UK – Aurora

Hydrogen cheapest option at low load factors, though buying offsets might be even better value, analysis shows

Hydrogen-fuelled power could play a key role in keeping the lights on in the UK as the electricity generation sector attempts to decarbonise through increased use of renewables, new analysis from UK-based consultancy Aurora Energy Research shows. Hydrogen is a competitive option, in terms of capital costs, for low-carbon peaking power generation only called onto the system a few times a year to balance the grid during periods of reduced output from wind and solar, Aurora says. Its analysis also places low-carbon hydrogen ahead of natural gas plants fitted with carbon capture and storage (CCS) at load factors of 11pc down to less the 1pc. “Hydrogen presents a viable pathway for peaking assets