Horizon 2020: GRid ASsiSting modular HydrOgen Pem PowER plant
(Jan 2018 – Dec 2021)
The GRASSHOPPER project aims to create a next-generation MW-size Fuel Cell Power Plant unit (FCPP), which is more cost-effective and flexible in power output, accomplishing an estimated CAPEX below 1500 EUR/ kWe at a yearly production rate of 25 MWe.
The power plant will be demonstrated in the field as 100 kW sub-module pilot plant, implementing newly developed stacks with improved MEAs and BoP system components, combining benefits of coherent design integration.
This unit will be operated continuously for 8 months in industrially-relevant environment for engaging grid support modulation as part of an established on-site Demand Side Management (DSM) programme.
The consortium unites component suppliers (Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells Limited, Nedstack fuel cell technology B.V.), research institutions (Zentrum für BrennstoffzellenTechnik GmbH, Politecnico di Milano) and integrators (Abengoa Innovación Sociedad Anonima , INEA d.o.o.) who will partner with existing energy market stakeholders (DSO, TSO) and EU smart grid projects committed to participate as advisory board members. This collaboration maximises the business case value proposition, by ensuring the delivered technology will respond to grid services’ requirements for flexible dynamic power operation.
Innovative DSM programmes will be completed to establish the best path forward for commercialisation of the technology for a fast response FCPP.
Read more about the project on the official project website: grasshopperproject.eu
This project has received funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 779430. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe research.