The central role of wind power in a hydrogen-based energy system

Hydrogen as fuel could be a solution for the transportation sector with a twofold benefit: alleviate the external dependence in fossil resources and improve the environmental impact of this sector. A significant penetration of hydrogen in the transportation sector implies a substantial increase in the generation of electricity to facilitate the production by electrolysis of the required big amounts of hydrogen. This extra of electricity should be covered in a clean way, so excluding any increase in the use of fossil fuels and demanding a big contribution from renewable sources. If this contribution is based on wind energy, a more efficient use of the total power of the existing wind parks will be possible. Simulations have been completed to determine the level of penetration of hydrogen and the corresponding nominal wind power required to facilitate a sustainable transportation in the Valencia Community, deducing the technical and economical viability for this strategy.