Solar Power to the People

Concept: dynamic system including heat and hydrogen

Using renewable sources we develop different products and services:

• Green electricity for direct use (see below) or supply to the grid
• Heating homes, based on heat generated by a central heat pump and stored in the subsurface
• Service water, produced through Reversed Osmosis (RO) of rainwater
• Hydrogen for electrical vehicles, produced by electrolysis of RO treated rainwater

Based on current knowledge, the project is technically and economically feasible for large-scale implementation. The costs associated with renewable energy are counterbalanced by significant savings on infrastructure (avoided costs associated with the electricity grid and local heat pumps).

Developing the Concept

The overall concept has been outlined  in the book Solar Power to the People. The concept is now being evaluated and beginning to be implemented in specific cases.

The Utrecht-Nieuwegein casestudy

The Utrecht-Nieuwegein case focuses on the multifaceted use of solar panels. Key features include amongst others:

• Developing a software tool for optimal system integration
• Storing heat at 40-60 oC in the subsurface
• Developing a local DC network, avoiding conversion to AC
• Harvesting rainwater using the solar panels
• Preparing for installation of an electrolyser
• Developing a market for electrical hydrogen cars and trucks

Other cases

At present large investments are made in solar energy at a number of locations, resulting in increasing electricity peaks during the summer season. This drives the need for a robust solution as an alternative to increasing the grid capacity. The possible implementation of the concept is now being explored at locations beyond Utrecht-Nieuwegein. In principle, the concept – in part or as a whole – can be implemented throughout The Netherlands and abroad.

Allied Waters partners

• Delft University of Technology
• KWR
• Pitpoint
• VolkerWessels
• Waternet
• Co-funding: Dutch Topsector Energy, Topsector Water