#United States #Duke Energy #Green Hydrogen #DeBary System #DeBary

Duke Energy Florida Launches an Innovative Hydrogen System

Duke Energy Florida has made a groundbreaking advancement in renewable energy by revealing the DeBary Hydrogen Production Storage System, the first of its kind in the United States. This system, located in Volusia County, is designed to not only produce but also store and combust 100% green hydrogen.

How It Works

The DeBary system operates by harnessing solar energy from Duke Energy Florida’s existing solar site. This site powers two electrolyzer units that are crucial for the hydrogen production process. These units split water into oxygen and hydrogen. While the oxygen is released back into the atmosphere, the hydrogen is collected and stored safely in reinforced containers.

When the demand for energy peaks, this stored green hydrogen is then supplied to an upgraded combustion turbine. This turbine has been enhanced with GE Vernova technology to efficiently utilize a mix of natural gas and hydrogen or operate entirely on hydrogen.

Why This Development is Significant

The introduction of the DeBary Hydrogen Production Storage System is significant for several reasons. First, it increases the flexibility of the natural gas turbines, allowing them to better support the growth of renewable energy solutions. The capability to generate energy on demand from green hydrogen means that these turbines can be activated regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.

Furthermore, this reliability supports the incorporation of more intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar power, without causing spikes in costs for consumers. This transition not only benefits the environment but also positions Duke Energy Florida as a leader in innovative energy solutions.

Industry Impact and Company Commitment

Melissa Seixas, the state president of Duke Energy Florida, stated, “Diverse generation is strong, reliable generation.” Her remarks highlight the company’s commitment to strategic investments in infrastructure that not only provide value to customers but also address the increasing demand for energy.

Reggie Anderson, vice president of regulated and renewable energy at Duke Energy Florida, emphasized the importance of the project, mentioning, “The DeBary system allows for safe, reliable generation and storage of clean energy.”

Company Background

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, boasts a generation capacity of 12,300 megawatts and serves around 2 million customers across a large service area in Florida. Duke Energy, as a Fortune 150 company, operates across several states and is working tirelessly to foster an ambitious energy transition. By prioritizing both customer reliability and value, the company aims to develop a smarter and more sustainable energy future.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the DeBary Hydrogen Production Storage System represents a pivotal moment for Duke Energy Florida and the United States’ energy landscape. This innovative project is a notable step towards achieving a sustainable, green energy future.

For more information on this project and to stay updated on Duke Energy’s initiatives, visit their website at duke-energy.com or follow them on social media platforms.