Production

NETL, West Virginia University and Malachite Technologies found success by combining cutting-edge microwave reaction science research at NETL with specialized catalyst development from WVU and reactor manufacturing experience from Malachite to create the microwave ammonia synthesis process.

The Biden-Harris Administration released the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, a comprehensive framework for accelerating the production, processing, delivery, storage and use of clean H₂.

Fortum and the steel company SSAB are launching a joint commercial feasibility study and technical front-end engineering design study to explore the possibilities of producing H₂-reduced fossil-free sponge iron in Raahe, Finland.

The Chinese giant CGN Brazil Energy signed this a memorandum of understanding with the Brazilian company Quinto Energy aiming at the implementation of a mega complex of wind and solar energy, in the interior of Bahia, with a focus on the production of green H₂ on a large scale.

Rockwell Automation announced a new collaboration with Avid Solutions, Inc., to help companies more efficiently and rapidly produce green H₂.

Most industry analysts forecast a stark rise in H₂ demand over the next 25 yr. According to the International Energy Agency, global H₂ demand was approximately 91 MMt in 2021. Several industry forecasts show global H₂ production reaching anywhere between 300 MMtpy and 650 MMtpy by 2050.

Although H₂ generation through electrolysis is well established, the financial viability of producing green H₂ is the global target. H₂ production cost primarily depends on the efficiency of electrolyzers and the cost of power consumed in the H₂ generation process.

As the WEF states, green H₂ is the only variety produced in a climate-neutral manner. Traditional methods using coal gasification produce the highest emissions. The black H₂ production process uses bituminous coal while brown H₂ production uses lignite coal. Both produce carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. 

Some countries have begun working on frameworks to rival that of the IRA, while others struggle to make concrete plans. A common trend among various countries is the integration of H₂ into their energy mixes. The energy transition is underway, but what specifics are nations planning to achieve in the coming years?

Progress continues towards zero-emission passenger flights as initial concepts were revealed for the creation of a H₂ production facility at Birmingham Airport.

Tree Energy Solutions is joining forces with TotalEnergies to study and develop a large-scale production unit in the U.S. for e-natural gas (e-NG), a synthetic gas produced from renewable H₂ and CO₂.