Earlier this month, Duke Energy Florida unveiled its DeBary Hydrogen Production Storage System in Volusia County, Florida, a system that can produce, store and burn up to 100% green hydrogen.
A ribbon cutting ceremony for the DeBary Production Storage System was held on January 7. Duke Energy Florida
This system is located at Duke Energy Florida’s existing DeBary solar site, which provides energy for two electrolysis units that separate water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen atoms. The resulting oxygen is released into the atmosphere, while the green hydrogen is delivered in reinforced containers for safe storage.
At times when energy demand is greatest, the system delivers the stored green hydrogen to an existing combustion turbine that has been upgraded – using GE Vernova technology – to run on a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen or up to 100% hydrogen.
“Diversified generation is strong, reliable generation,” said Melissa Seixas, state president of Duke Energy Florida. “DeBary’s hydrogen project underscores Duke Energy Florida’s deep understanding of that idea and our commitment to making strategic infrastructure investments that will allow us to continue to deliver value to our customers while meeting their rapidly increasing energy demands.”
Green hydrogen is an on-demand energy source, meaning the turbines can be activated at any time, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.
“The DeBary system enables safe, reliable clean energy generation and storage,” said Reggie Anderson, vice president of regulated and renewable energy for Duke Energy Florida. “Duke Energy Florida is proud of this successful innovation and the lasting impact it will have on our industry, our business and, most importantly, our customers.”
News item from Duke Energy
