H₂Tech: Fuel Cell Applications

The promise of clean energy and transportation through hydrogen (H₂) has been espoused for many years. With greater energy density than other gases, H₂ can be used in many applications, though the challenge is extracting it from other forms, such as water and natural gas. 

With impending net-zero legislation and bans on diesel fuel, commercial vehicle fleets globally are exploring alternative fuel solutions. Hydrogen (H₂) power is an option (in addition to other clean energy sources) for commercial vehicle applications, and a growing number of examples are illustrating how it is being successfully adopted, both as a fuel for engine combustion and in H₂ fuel cell electric applications.

H₂ is the lightest element and has no ingrained carbon; when H₂ burns, water is released, which makes it, by definition, a carbon-free fuel. One of the ways to utilize this carbon-free fuel is to blend it with natural gas. Blending H₂ and natural gas provides a more sustainable fuel. But what exactly happens when H₂ and natural gas are blended?  

H₂ management can be accomplished through various methods, either independently or in conjunction. Inert gases might be utilized for dilution, intentional and controlled ignition could be performed at concentrations less than the flammability limit, and H₂ consumption devices could be used.

More than 50% of the world’s food production depends on fertilizers that are produced using ammonia. One hundred years ago, ammonia helped the world overcome a major food crisis caused by the growing population. The question now is, “Can ammonia once again help the world face another serious crisis: climate change?” 

The Asia-Pacific is in the lead, with 552 operational H₂ refueling stations, about half of which are in China (250). Germany boasts the most stations in Europe at 93, and the U.S. lags at 54 operational facilities, most of which are in California.

H₂Tech (H₂T) sat down with Ole Jensen (OJ), Business Development Director of Northern Europe for Nel Hydrogen, to discuss the global hydrogen (H₂) economy. 

March's H2Tech Spotlight features a new solar panel achieves 9% efficiency in converting water into H₂ and oxygen, improved H₂ logistics, pure H₂ mtu engines and much more.

According to a report by Petroleum Economist, India plans to replace 5 MMtpy of gray H₂ consumed in its refining, chemicals, fertilizer and metals sector with green H₂ by 2030. The phased approach will help India reach its goal of exporting up to 10 MMtpy of green H₂ within that same timeframe.

At the time of this publication, Gulf Energy Information’s Global Energy Infrastructure (GEI) database was tracking more than 1,050 H₂ projects around the world. This is a 2% increase in total projects globally month-over-month.