Completion of 'H2 Districts' Project Validates Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Energy Management
The 'H2 Districts' research project demonstrates that hydrogen fuel cells can effectively support power grids and reduce CO2 emissions in district energy systems. The initiative, involving Empa and industry partners, highlights the potential of hydrogen storage to mitigate peak electricity demand and enhance energy efficiency.
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The 'H2 Districts' project, concluded between October 2023 and September 2025, illustrates the viability of hydrogen fuel cells in reducing peak loads in district energy systems, achieving electrical efficiency of up to 48% and thermal efficiency of 50%, with overall efficiencies exceeding 90%. Conducted by Empa in collaboration with Hälg Group, Osterwalder Group, and H2 Energy AG, the study incorporated a specially designed fuel cell system at the NEST building in Dübendorf.
This system provided electricity and medium-temperature heat, significantly lowering peak load costs by over 10%. The findings support the use of hydrogen as a flexible energy storage solution, particularly in urban areas with high energy demands. The economic feasibility of such systems will vary based on future energy pricing and carbon policies.
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