Duke Energy Plans to Produce, Store, Burn 100% Hydrogen at Florida Plant

Duke Energy has announced the imminent groundbreaking of a demonstration project in DeBary, FL, which will create clean energy using an end-to-end system capable of producing, storing, and combusting 100% green hydrogen. The hydrogen system was developed in a prior collaboration between Duke Energy, Sargent and Lundy, and GE Vernova and it will be installed at Duke Energy Florida’s DeBary plant in Volusia County, FL.

This end-to-end system starts with the existing 74.5 MW DeBary solar plant providing energy for two 1 MW electrolyzer units that will split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Oxygen will be vented into the atmosphere and green hydrogen will be captured, delivered, and housed in local reinforced containers for safe storage.

"Duke Energy is constantly seeking ways to provide clean, safe energy solutions to our customers," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "DeBary will be home to Duke Energy's first green hydrogen production and storage system connected to existing solar for power generation, and we are grateful to the city for allowing this innovative technology in their community."

At times of peak energy demand, the system will deliver the green hydrogen to a combustion turbine modified with GE Vernova technology—it will be capable of operating on a natural gas/hydrogen blend or up to 100% hydrogen. The system allows access to dispatchable and non-intermittent energy for the local grid with zero greenhouse gas emissions.

"Duke Energy anticipates hydrogen could play a major role in our clean energy future," said Regis Repko, SVP of Generation and Transmission Strategy, Duke Energy. "Hydrogen has potential for decarbonization across all sectors of the U.S. economy. It is a clean energy also capable of long-duration storage, which would help Duke Energy ensure grid reliability as we continue adding more renewable energy sources to our system."

Construction of the project at the DeBary plant will begin later this year and may take up to an additional year to complete. Duke Energy expects the system to be installed and fully operational in 2024.