Your Guide to the H2Heat Project. #Now is the time

• September 8, 2023

The H2HEAT project is driven by a comprehensive vision: to showcase the entire green hydrogen (H2) production value chain and its application in supplying heat to commercial buildings. Collaborating closely with the Canary Island Health Service (SCS), H2HEAT has entered into a partnership agreement with PLOCAN, the project coordinator. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to foster the generation of renewable energy (RE), the production of green hydrogen, and its integration into the SCS hospital facilities across the Canary Islands.

The H2HEAT project is set to become a replicable model that can be implemented across all SCS hospitals, aligning seamlessly with the SCS’s far-reaching ‘Health Zer0 net Emissions Strategy 2030’ (Zer0 Emissions Strategy). By doing so, the project will play a pivotal role in driving deep decarbonisation within the healthcare sector.

The Plan

H2 production will be revolutionized through the utilization of Stargate‘s cutting-edge 1MW electrolyzer, effectively replacing traditional fuels at a significant scale within the Canary Island Health Service (SCS) hospital—an institution with substantial heating requirements. Notably, Stargate is pioneering the development of novel ceramics-based electrode materials, ensuring high efficiency at a remarkably low cost.

Partnering with the global H2-CHP technology pioneer, 2G, H2HEAT will employ an advanced 100% hydrogen-powered cogeneration (H2-CHP) system to provide heating for the University Maternal and Children’s Island Hospital (CHUIMI). This deployment promises to showcase substantial advancements in H2-CHP technology.

Taking innovation a step further, 2G will integrate a heat pump with their H2-CHP system, harnessing the energy produced by the H2-CHP to significantly bolster the hospital’s heat supply. This integrated H2-CHP configuration represents a pioneering feature in the field.

H2HEAT will tap into offshore renewable energy sources supplied by Esteyco turbines, sourced from the EU-funded ELICA and WHEEL projects.

The project will also introduce a range of digital innovations, including a comprehensive control system for H2 production and a sophisticated energy management system (EMS), demand management system (DMS), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

Recognizing the value in waste reduction, H2HEAT will ensure the optimal use of the valuable oxygen (O2) by-product, minimizing any wastage.

To facilitate these groundbreaking innovations, H2HEAT will establish a dedicated centralized facility, meticulously planning, installing, and commissioning the full end-to-end infrastructure for H2/O2 production, transport, and utilization. This holistic approach promises to redefine the landscape of green hydrogen production and its applications.

Establishing the complete hydrogen (H2) production at the PLOCAN site holds immense significance for the economies and environments of island hydrogen valleys. This setup will be implemented using a containerized model, ensuring simplicity in replication and scalability.

Leveraging local offshore wind renewable energy (OSW RE) for H2 production, along with storage and onshore infrastructure for heating and oxygen (O2), will enhance Gran Canaria’s self-sufficiency while reducing the island’s reliance on the mainland.

Synergy

The Stargate electrolyser will serve as a demonstration platform, showcasing the remarkable efficiency and cost-effectiveness of ceramics-based electrodes within its electrolysis process.

The 2G Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit represents a pioneering achievement as the first 100% H2-capable unit, boasting stable efficiency and adaptability to various gas quality requirements.

The centralised H2 facility offers a practical alternative to the current consideration of placing solar PV on limited rooftop spaces within the commercial sector and industries.

Harnessing offshore wind energy optimizes the island’s valuable space, particularly crucial for its thriving tourism industry.

By establishing a fully interactive Quality of Health (QH) platform, the local community will not only become informed about the project and the European H2 initiative but will actively participate throughout its duration. This approach positions H2HEAT as a catalyst for accelerating the adoption of H2 in Gran Canaria’s power and heating sectors.

The strategic planning for exploitation will directly involve the Canary Island Health Service (SCS), hotels, and other major heat and energy consumers, along with the entire supply chain and the investment community. Consequently, H2HEAT partners are committed to ensuring sustainability beyond the project’s lifespan, fostering genuine traction and momentum in the adoption of green H2 for heating.