The primary challenge of integrating renewable energy sources (RES) into power systems (PS) is the issue of balancing, aligning the production profile from RES with consumption demands. Due to the intermittent and uncontrollable nature of RES generation, ensuring stable system operation and a reliable electricity supply requires controllable generation sources. On the other hand, the phasing out and shutdown of thermal power plants in the decarbonization process, as outlined in integrated national and climate plans, reduce the available controllable energy, threatening both system balancing and the energy independence of the power system. One possible solution to overcoming the challenges of RES in PS is to use RES for hydrogen production and its derivatives, which can be stored and burned in gas-fired power plants. This study analyzes the conditions for constructing an energy complex for hydrogen production, storage, and utilization at the site of the existing TPP Nikola Tesla A. The fundamental idea is to transition this power plant to renewable fuel in the future, meaning that the plant would not be shut down but rather undergo a substitution of its primary fuel. This would involve shifting from lignite and conventional boiler systems to hydrogen fuel with gas turbine systems. In this way, a significant portion of the existing infrastructure of the thermal power plant would be retained, particularly the connection facilities and the transmission network infrastructure, which have been developed and optimized over decades around the presence of a strong generation hub at the site of the existing TPP Nikola Tesla. This study will explore the potential for hydrogen production from photovoltaic panels that would be installed on the site of the existing Kolubara mines. A conceptual solution for the technological scheme of the hydrogen production, storage, and utilization process will be presented, along with an energy efficiency assessment of this process. Based on available information on equipment and maintenance costs, the expected costs of electricity production in such a facility will be estimated. The core idea is that during periods of low electricity prices on the market, production from the photovoltaic power plant would be directed toward hydrogen production, which would be stored and used during periods of high electricity prices and system shortages. In addition to production from the photovoltaic power plant, hydrogen production could also be supplied from the transmission grid during periods of low electricity prices. The thermal energy generated in the process of hydrogen production and combustion processes could be partially utilized for thermal supply needs.
Jelica et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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