Integration of hydrogen infrastructure with the public power grid: importance of standards development and power quality management

The EU Hydrogen Strategy, devised by the European Commission, aims to promote hydrogen as a clean energy source in Europe. A crucial aspect is integrating hydrogen infrastructure in the existing public power grid to enable renewable hydrogen production [1]. However, this integration requires effective power quality management to avoid grid disruptions. Power quality management involves controlling voltage and frequency fluctuations caused by demand changes. These issues can harm grid efficiency and equipment. To prevent problems, real-time power quality management systems will monitor the grid and hydrogen production alignment, ensuring grid stability. This integration is vital for EU climate goals. Standardization is essential to ensure safe, interoperable, and efficient integration. Stakeholders, including policymakers and industry experts, collaborate to identify key integration issues. Technical and regulatory standards are then developed, covering hydrogen systems, grid connections, safety, and more. The emerging standards will allow a power efficient interconnect between the new hydrogen systems and the existing power grid. They also guide regulators in areas like licensing and certification. Standard development supports the widespread adoption of hydrogen in Europe's energy mix. Fraunhofer IWES is actively involved in setting standards for hydrogen systems.