The findings are important as countries accelerate the transition toward cleaner energy systems. Solar panels and wind turbines produce electricity without carbon emissions, but their output depends heavily on weather conditions. Sudden changes in sunlight intensity or wind speed can destabilize electrical systems, especially in isolated or small-scale grids known as microgrids.
According to the researchers from National University, hydrogen storage offers a long-term solution by converting excess renewable electricity into hydrogen gas through electrolysis. The hydrogen is stored in pressurized tanks and later converted back into electricity using fuel cells when renewable production drops.
Renewable Energy Needs Better Stability
The instability of renewable power systems has become a major challenge worldwide. Unlike conventional power plants, solar and wind systems cannot generate electricity consistently throughout the day. This variability affects voltage, frequency, and the continuity of electricity supply.
The research focused on the southern coastal region of West Java, Indonesia, an area with high renewable energy potential but highly variable solar radiation and coastal wind patterns. The region was selected because it represents conditions commonly found in tropical coastal areas where renewable energy development is rapidly expanding.
Hybrid microgrids that combine solar and wind power are increasingly viewed as solutions for remote regions and future smart energy systems. However, without reliable storage, these systems can experience sudden power swings that damage equipment and reduce grid reliability.
The research team stated that Hydrogen Energy Storage Systems can act as an “energy buffer” capable of balancing generation and demand in real time.
Simulation Shows Significant Performance Gains
The study used mathematical modeling and MATLAB/Simulink-based simulations to evaluate the performance of a hybrid solar-wind microgrid integrated with hydrogen storage. The system included solar panels, wind turbines, electrolyzers, hydrogen tanks, fuel cells, and electrical loads.
Researchers compared system performance before and after integrating the Hydrogen Energy Storage System. The results showed major improvements in power stability and system response.
Key findings from the study include:
- Power fluctuation amplitude decreased from 50 kilowatts to 30 kilowatts.
- Overall power fluctuations were reduced by approximately 40 percent.
- Ramp rate, or the speed of power changes, decreased by 50 percent.
- Frequency stability improved significantly during load disturbances.
- Predictive control models improved coordination between electrolyzers and fuel cells.
The researchers explained that the system absorbs excess electricity during periods of high solar or wind generation and releases stored energy when renewable output declines. This process smooths rapid fluctuations and stabilizes the microgrid.
Ajat Sudrajat and colleagues from National University wrote that the Hydrogen Energy Storage System “acts as an effective power balancer in maintaining system stability.”
Medium-Pressure Hydrogen Storage Found Most Efficient
The study also examined the thermodynamic and mechanical performance of hydrogen storage under different pressure levels. Researchers analyzed storage pressures of 30 bar, 50 bar, and 100 bar to determine the most practical operating range for small-scale renewable microgrids.
The findings showed that medium-range pressures between 30 and 50 bar provide the best balance between storage capacity, energy efficiency, and operational safety.
At 30 bar, the actual compression energy required was about 1.56 kilowatt-hours per kilogram of hydrogen. At 50 bar, the requirement increased slightly to 1.79 kilowatt-hours per kilogram. However, at 100 bar, compression energy rose sharply to 2.11 kilowatt-hours per kilogram.
Although higher pressure reduces tank volume, it also increases energy consumption and operational complexity. The researchers concluded that pressures above 50 bar may not be efficient for small-scale microgrid applications.
The study also found that hydrogen pressure losses inside short microgrid pipelines were relatively small compared to storage pressure, meaning compression work and thermal conditions remain the dominant factors affecting system efficiency.
Implications for Indonesia’s Clean Energy Transition
The research highlights the growing importance of hydrogen storage technology in Indonesia’s renewable energy transition. Many regions across Indonesia, especially islands and remote coastal communities, face challenges in maintaining stable electricity supplies because of limited grid infrastructure and fluctuating renewable resources.
Hydrogen-integrated microgrids could help provide more reliable electricity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The technology may also support industrial decarbonization, green manufacturing, and sustainable infrastructure development.
The authors noted that predictive control systems are equally important for optimizing energy storage performance. Adaptive control strategies allow the microgrid to respond automatically to changing renewable conditions and electricity demand in real time.
Despite the promising results, the researchers acknowledged several limitations. The simulations were based on ideal operating assumptions and did not fully account for component degradation, long-term thermal effects, or real-world energy losses. Further experimental validation and pilot-scale implementation are still needed before large-scale deployment.
Still, the findings strengthen the argument that hydrogen energy storage can become a critical component of future renewable power systems, particularly in regions with high renewable energy penetration and unstable generation patterns.
Author Profiles
Endang Retno Nugroho is a researcher at National University specializing in renewable energy systems and power stability.
Asmawi is an academic researcher from National University whose work focuses on energy technology and electrical power systems.
Ajat Sudrajat is the corresponding author from National University with expertise in hydrogen energy storage, microgrid systems, and renewable energy integration.
Wismanto Setyadi is a researcher at National University specializing in renewable energy modeling and electrical system simulation.
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