The Philippines is about to get a game-changing energy storage option that relies heavily on hydrogen. The introduction of Taxas-based Harnyss’s proprietary low-pressure hydrogen storage technologies could significantly improve renewable energy sources.
A hydrogen power system is the new technology that Harnyss developed. This system can harness atmospheric water or other readily available sources to make hydrogen. The fuel cells in the setup then store the hydrogen (using a supercapacitor) until they can use it to produce energy.
The patented method employs low-pressure hydrogen at a density of approximately 250 lbs/sq in, which is up to ten times lower than the conventional 2,500 lbs/sq in. Hydrogen is bound to strategic elements inside the unique canisters to make this feasible.
More efficient energy storage
When contrasted with traditional energy storage solutions that rely on riskier lithium-ion batteries, Harnyss stands out thanks to its use of non-rare earth minerals. As a result, the system is safer, less likely to catch fire, and has a battery life that is far longer and more efficient than the standard lithium-ion battery (approximately 20 to 30 years with negligible deterioration compared to the normal 10-year lifespan).
The Oasis and Oasis 2 storage units by Harnyss are designed for long-term and basic energy storage, respectively. These units act as a “microgrid-in-a-box” and store hydrogen and energy. The two systems are compatible with eight AC and DC inputs, can store energy for around 18 to 36 hours, and can scale from 500 KWh to 100 MWh and beyond. Airports, hospitals, data centres, and government or military facilities are recommended to use Oasis 2’s 1.4 MWh of energy storage per 40′ container, while off-grid electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and grid support are ideal for Oasis’s 4.5 MWh of long-duration energy storage per 40′ container.
Both Oasis systems could theoretically store power from the grid, which is commercially available electricity, as well as from increasingly popular renewable energy sources like solar and wind panels.
Suitable for PH
Because of its superior practicality, Harnyss technology is ideal for the Philippines. New hydrogen technology allows for more efficient energy storage and use on demand. In addition, it is extremely eco-friendly since its waste product is only water, and it produces far fewer emissions.
The entry of Harnyss technology into the country coincides with the government of the Philippines realising that hydrogen could be a solution to its energy problems. The Department of Energy (DOE) published Circular No. 2024-01-0001 in January 2024, which established the principles, fundamental framework, and policy for hydrogen in the energy sector.
Green hydrogen and its derivatives are being incentivized for use in power production and other potential applications through tax breaks and other government incentives. This is all part of an effort to accelerate the development of hydrogen technology.
In an effort to alleviate the nation’s present energy crisis, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has often voiced his support for alternative energy sources and related technologies. “The Philippines is open to any kind of power supply that can address energy problems,” he has said time and time again.