Bozcaada hydrogen island project
Islands worldwide can benefit from hydrogen energy systems to reach self-sufficiency while preserving their pristine environment. At the same time, these “hydrogen islands” are genuine showcases for the future development of a global scale hydrogen inclusive economy. Launched in Brussels on 10 October 2007 at the instigation of ICHET, the Hydrogen Islands Initiative endeavours to support such ventures.Realized by ICHET in collaboration with the authorities of Bozcaada – a Turkish island located in the Aegean sea – the Bozcaada hydrogen island project is a pilot installation set in the island Governor’s building. It achieves hydrogen production through a wind and sun powered electrolyzer. Photovoltaic cells have been fitted on the roof and a wind turbine installed in a neighbouring yard. Stored in tanks, and then compressed in high pressure cylinders, the hydrogen is eventually converted back into energy by PEM fuel cell, thus providing a continuous power supply to the building.
The project installation started in May 2008 and is expected to be completed by December 2009.
Its aim is to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen energy technologies to increase the penetration of renewable energy sources in the energy systems of islands. Tourism and the high costs associated with importing energy make islands the ideal showcases for hydrogen energy implementations.
Its operation and maintenance will lead to the creation of several jobs and is also expected to attract an increased number of visitors to the island for training and related conferences. The pilot installation will form the nucleus of a system that will not only be used for research and demonstration but also for training and educational purposes. In the near future, the system will be expanded to include transport applications such as hydrogen carts, hydrogen three-wheelers and even hydrogen fuelled boats.
Leading the way in the hydrogen island initiative, this project is a unique opportunity to gather expertise that will allow the realization of similar developments on other islands.
System specifications
- 20 kW photovoltaic panels (final configuration)
- 25 kW wind turbine
- 25 kW electrolyser operating at a pressure of 15 bar
- A single stage compressor delivering at 220 bar
- Hydrogen storage in tanks and cylinders
- A 25 kW hydrogen fueled gen-set
- 10-15 kW of PEM fuel cells.