Overview of the podcast
Dr. Claudio A. Canizares
In this podcast, Steve Hill, CEO of New Hydrogen, interviews Dr. Claudio A. Canizares, a University Professor at the University of Waterloo and Executive Director of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE). Dr. Canizares, who holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, is an expert on the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage into smart energy systems. His work also focuses on power and energy system stability, control, modeling, and simulation in the context of energy markets and intelligent and sustainable grids.
Dr. Canizares explains the concept of microgrids, small energy systems independent of the main grid, often used in remote areas and communities to ensure reliable power and enable energy access. Hydrogen plays an important role in these systems, especially in remote regions, by offering seasonal energy storage capabilities. It’s particularly effective where renewable energy sources like solar or wind are highly intermittent, since hydrogen can store energy over long periods, allowing for better integration of renewable energy in areas that lack consistent sunlight or wind.
The conversation also covers the concept of smart grids, which make electrical distribution grids more intelligent and controllable. Smart grids can interact with power generation and consumption more efficiently, but integrating hydrogen into these systems presents challenges due to its lower efficiency compared to batteries. Hydrogen's main advantage lies in long-term storage, making it an ideal solution for isolated systems like microgrids, but it is less competitive for short-term storage in larger grids.
Dr. Canizares discusses how hydrogen can contribute to grid stability by providing flexible storage, allowing for better integration of variable renewable energy sources. While hydrogen is economically challenging for short-term storage, its potential for long-term storage in integrated energy systems, including transportation and chemical processes, makes it a valuable resource in the transition to a Net Zero future.
The podcast concludes with Dr. Canizares expressing confidence that hydrogen will be part of the energy solutions moving forward, with its role varying depending on the application. The conversation sheds light on the importance of hydrogen in energy systems, especially for long-term storage and in areas with high variability in renewable energy sources.