Page 169 - CW E-Magazine (6-2-2024)

Special Report Special Report

Hydrogen’s decade ahead: Energising the future ties. Consequently, governments are energy effi ciency and compatibility solid oxide electrolyser (SOEL), uti-
establishing defi nitive production goals with carbon capture technologies, crucial lizing a ceramic electrolyte, and the
ecarbonisation efforts have hydrogen market is drawing attention CHINGIS IDRISSOV for upcoming years. For instance, the for cost-effi cient blue hydrogen pro- anion exchange membrane electro-
gained momentum globally in from stakeholders globally. Technology Analyst, IDTechEx UK targets 10-GW of low-carbon duction. Noteworthy projects utilising lyser (AEMEL), which aims to merge
Drecent years. Renewable energy, hydrogen by 2030 (2.5-mtpa of blue H , ATR include Air Products’ Net-Zero the advantages of AWE and PEMEL.
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electrifi cation, and battery storage A cohesive value chain is essen- hydrogen originates from fossil fuel- 5-GW green H ), while the US aims Hydrogen Energy Complex in Alberta However, IDTechEx predicts AWE
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are primary solutions. However, some tial for realising hydrogen’s potential, based grey and black hydrogen, pro- for 10-mtpa. Several other nations also (Canada), leveraging Topsoe’s Syn- and PEMEL will lead the market in
sectors remain diffi cult to decarbonize encompassing low-carbon hydrogen duced using steam methane reforming have ambitious production objectives. COR technology. IDTechEx anticipates the coming decade due to their estab-
using such methods, including heavy production, storage, and distribution (SMR) and coal gasifi cation. These However, the pace of new production SMR, POX, and ATR to lead the blue lished presence. Cutting electrolyser
industry, heating, and certain transport infrastructure, which align with end- methods signifi cantly contribute to CO 2 site project announcement and deve- hydrogen sector in the coming decade, plant costs (CAPEX/OPEX), operating
sectors, such as aviation and shipping. user demand. Analogous to the oil & emissions. In response, numerous lopment lags behind these targets due with ATR potentially dominating new large-scale plants, and expanding
Hydrogen offers a promising solution gas sector, the hydrogen value chain companies are pioneering low-carbon to the high costs of production (espe- production capacity by 2034. electrolyser manufacturing capacity is
for these challenging sectors. Its poten- comprises upstream (production), hydrogen production techniques, cially for green H ), lack of supporting essential for the future. However,
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tial as a fuel, energy carrier, and chemi- midstream (storage & transport), and focusing on blue hydrogen (natural renewable and CCUS infrastructure, Green hydrogen production tech- access to affordable renewable electri-
cal feedstock has led to many govern- downstream (end-use) segments. Each gas reforming with CO capture) or long lead times to making fi nal invest- nologies city will ultimately determine green
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ments formulating national hydrogen segment poses unique technical and green hydrogen (water electrolysis ment decisions, as well as challenges Green hydrogen, produced through hydrogen’s success.
strategies. Consequently, companies socio-economic challenges. using renewable energy). in securing fi nancing and permitting. water electrolysis powered by renew-
are seizing market opportunities, sup- Coupled with an insuffi cient midstream able energy, is garnering signifi cant Hydrogen storage & its applications
plying a range of services, products, Hydrogen economy: Status vs ambition The energy transition necessi- storage and distribution network, there interest. Several technologies exist for The development of effi cient
and technologies. The burgeoning Currently, over 98% of global tates new low-carbon hydrogen facili- is an immense opportunity for develop- its production. The most established is hydrogen transportation and storage
ment and innovation in both techno- the alkaline water electrolyser (AWE), is crucial to maximize hydrogen’s
logy and infrastructure across the value which uses a potassium hydroxide potential as an industrial feedstock, fuel,
chain. (KOH) alkaline electrolyte. Benefi t- and energy carrier, acting as a bridge
ing from affordable construction and between production and consumption.
Blue hydrogen production technologies catalytic materials like nickel and steel, While hydrogen boasts a high gravi-
Currently, blue hydrogen, derived AWE boasts lower capital costs than its metric energy density, its storage and
from natural gas, is the most cost-effec- counterparts. Nonetheless, its dynamic transport present challenges due to its
tive low-carbon hydrogen production operability is poor, and its effi ciency is low density at ambient conditions. To
method, having an estimated levelized low under atmospheric pressure. Hence, improve its volumetric energy density,
cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of around pressurized AWEs have emerged on the substantial compression (100-700 bar)
US$2-4/kg H . In comparison, green market, with most players supplying or liquefaction at a cryogenic -253°C
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hydrogen has a much higher LCOH such systems. is required. However, both processes
at US$4-10/kg H , depending on the consume signifi cant energy, with com-
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production method and regional fac- The proton exchange membrane pression and liquefaction using 10-30%
tors like renewable energy availability. electrolyser (PEMEL) is the most popu- and 30-40% of the original hydrogen
Thus, blue hydrogen is viewed as a lar technology, as it can integrate energy, respectively.
transitional solution until green hydro- extremely well with renewables and
gen becomes commercially viable. follow their profi le, ramping production Compressed gas and liquid hydro-
up or down within minutes. This tech- gen tanks are typically used for station-
Several technologies can produce nology has a different build and operat- ary storage, like at refuelling stations.
blue hydrogen. The most prevalent is ing principle to the AWE, using poly- For larger storage at production sites
SMR. Other scalable methods using mer membranes, mainly Nafi on, as the and terminals, liquid hydrogen spheres
methane have emerged, such as the electrolyte. The downside is its depen- are preferred. Alternatives, such as
partial oxidation (POX) process, which dency on platinum group metal (PGM) metal hydrides, offer lower pressure
transforms waste hydrocarbon feed- electrocatalysts, notably iridium oxide operation (10-50 bar) and may be more
stocks into valuable syngas and is used at the anode – iridium is a costly and suited for energy storage applications
in some refi neries globally. scarce mineral. Consequently, mini- due to their effi ciency. However, these
mizing PGM use and developing alter- systems are yet to be commercialized
Another notable method is auto- native catalysts is a key industry focus. widely.
thermal reforming (ATR), a hybrid of
SMR and POX. ATR is favoured for its Other technologies include the Compressed hydrogen tanks, particu-

168 Chemical Weekly February 6, 2024 Chemical Weekly February 6, 2024 169

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