Taleghan solar hydrogen energy system

The Taleghan solar hydrogen energy system is a stand-alone photovoltaic–hydrogen demonstration project in Taleghan, Qazvin Province, Iran. It is developed by the Renewable Energy Organization of Iran (SUNA).

The demonstration project of the Taleghan solar hydrogen energy system was developed in 1996–2005. It is located at the altitude 1700 m above sea level. The system consists of a 10 kW photovoltaic array, 3.5 kW electrolysis system with a hydrogen-production capacity of 1 m3/h, a 0.4 kW proton exchange membrane fuel cell, 60 batteries and a hydrogen storage tank. The initial cost of the system was US$193,563.

Another demonstration project was developed on the site since 2001. It has a total electrical generation capacity of 200 kW. It consist of two electrolysis devices with hydrogen production capacity of 30 m3/h and 40 m3/h correspondingly. It produces hydrogen by catalyzing water using solar power. The hydrogen produced is stored in special tanks under pressure. The stored hydrogen can either be used as a fuel on itself or can be converted to electrical energy using Fuel cells, supplying the grid during peak demand hours. The pilot plant is being used to develop hydrogen technologies for larger hydrogen power plants.