H₂Tech: Process/Project Optimization

Based on the current use of iridium as the anode catalyst in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, the forecasted increase in PEM electrolyzer capacity seems like an impossible task; however, companies involved in the PEM technology supply chain are aware of this issue and are taking steps to address it through chemistry and equipment design.

Three areas tend to be particularly vulnerable when it comes to land mobile radio communications for hydrogen processing applications: turnarounds, disaster-based outages and dead zones can be weak links in otherwise strong networks.

The hydrogen (H₂) generation unit (HGU) manufactures H₂ by steam reforming propane and butane. In the final part of the HGU, the high-temperature shift conversion (HTSC) process takes place in HTSC reactors.

Green and blue H₂ production may involve different processes, but they both require the same thing: automated and intelligent controlled chemical-reaction units. These units are needed for H₂ production through traditional steam methane reforming with carbon capture for blue H₂.

Proton exchange membrane electrolyzers require platinum and iridium for electrocatalyst; alkaline electrolyzers use nickel as raw material for electrodes. Platinum prices will likely be impacted by sanctions on Russia, one of the major producers of platinum.

In 1969, Apollo 11 allowed humankind to take their first steps on the moon. Unknown to many, hydrogen (H₂) made that mission possible through the use of H₂ fuel cells to supply electricity and water for the capsule, along with liquid H₂ to fuel the rockets.

Public transit is one of the most concerning ventures in green H₂ mobility (e.g., buses and trains). These modes of transportation have several environmental benefits, such as removing cars from the road, decreasing congestion, lowering traffic fatality rates and dramatically decreasing carbon dioxide emissions per passenger mile.

February's H₂Tech Spotlight features an energy system for H₂ production, new H₂ storage safety technology, gas turbines powered by H₂ and much more.

The Germany government has announced that it may provide Namibia €10 B to build a new green H₂ production complex. This infusion of capital will help develop Hyphen Hydrogen Energy’s complex. The project in the port town of Luederitz consists of a solar and wind farm that will provide feedstock to produce green H₂.

Gulf Energy Information’s Global Energy Infrastructure database is tracking more than 1,030 H₂ projects around the world. This is nearly 200 more projects than what the database was tracking in January 2021. Nearly half of these investments are being made in Western Europe, followed by the Asia-Pacific region (21%) and the U.S. (13%). When analyzed by production path, nearly 75% of H₂ projects are green, followed by blue (23%).