Nuclear and renewable energy technology engineer, Areva has teamed up with renewables energy generator and distributor, Schneider Electric.
The two companies have entered an agreement to develop hydrogen fuel cell storage technology.
The deal will see the pair jointly design and propose new storage technology solutions to improve grid security, especially for isolated areas with limited power access.
Areva has agreed to provide its Greenenergy Box – a storage solution using an electrolyzer and fuel cell. The box stores the hydrogen and oxygen from the electrolysis of water when energy demand is low, to compensate for peak demand. Areva has used this technology since 2011, connecting the Greenenergy Box to a 560kW PV system in Corsica. The box will soon also be hooked up to a 35kW system in La Croix Valmer in the south of France.
Schneider is hoping the partnership will assist in its goal of achieving grid parity for renewable energy, reducing power disruption and decreasing grid connection complications.
Areva will benefit from Schneider’s international presence and expertise in utility-scale and grid connected renewable energy projects.
Louis-François Durret, Areva Renewables CEO said the agreement allows the two companies to share “experience, knowledge and achievements in energy management and storage.”
