The H2Haul project seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of using hydrogen fuel cell trucks for long-haul transport. The H2RES project aims to present a full-scale power-to-gas-to-power system where excess wind energy is used to produce hydrogen via electrolysis. The hydrogen is then injected into the natural gas grid and used in gas turbines to generate electricity during peak demand.
The world is at a critical juncture, fighting environmental challenges, energy security concerns, and the urgent need to transition to a sustainable energy future. Amidst this, hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution that has the potential to revolutionise the energy sector.
With its versatility, zero-emission properties, and abundance, hydrogen can play a transformative role in various industries, including transport, power generation, chemical manufacturing, and many new projects.
The blog titled 'Hydrogen Revolution (Part-I): Fueling the Path to a Net Zero Future' discussed the role Hydrogen can play in the net zero scenarios and a few related initiatives from various governments of India, Australia, Germany, and Japan.
This blog, titled 'Hydrogen Revolution (Part-II): The Fuel of the Future', will further explore the utilities of hydrogen in transport, power, and chemical industries.
Hydrogen in Transport:
Hydrogen is seen as offering a low-carbon alternative to refined oil products and natural gas. The low-carbon hydrogen has the potential to decarbonise transport sectors, and hundreds of experiments are in different phases regarding the same—hydrogen as a fuel sector.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs), both lightweight and heavy-duty vehicles, offer an exciting prospect for sustainable transportation. These vehicles generate only water vapour as the only byproduct. It has zero tailpipe emissions and hence can help reduce greenhouse emissions.
Railways are the most important means of transport. Germany, India, and other nations are exploring various ways the rail locomotives could use hydrogen. Germany's 'Coradia iLint' is the world's first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. India's first hydrogen fuel-powered train will operate along the Jind-Sonipat route.
Maritime is the cheapest mode of transport. By volume, 90% of the movement of physical goods is by sea. Hydrogen fuel cells can power ships, providing a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Pilot projects, such as the HySHIP initiative in Europe, aim to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen-powered vessels in real-world scenarios. Ammonia is also an alternative option.
Airlines are the fastest-growing mode of transport. Synthetic fuels, biofuels made using blended fuels, can be used to drive the aviation industry. However, little success has been achieved. The early stages of experiments indicate favourable chances.
Hydrogen in Power Sector:
Electricity has become a fundamental right of every individual and a prime polluter of the environment. If hydrogen can revolutionise the sector, it can bring the world closer to net zero. Germany's GET H2 initiative aims to establish a national hydrogen infrastructure, including the use of hydrogen in power plants.
"Hydrogen-Blending": Hydrogen blending with natural gas can help integrate existing natural-gas infrastructure. The process is gaining traction as a transitional approach to lower carbon emissions in the power sector.
Using hydrogen as a fuel in gas-fired power plants can significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to natural gas combustion.
Hydrogen in Energy Storage: The surplus electricity from renewable energy sources like solar and wind that cannot be directly utilised can produce hydrogen through electrolysis. The hydrogen thus created can be stored for later use. The stored hydrogen can then be converted back to electricity through fuel cells or turbines during periods of high demand or when renewable generation is low.
Hydrogen as an energy storage medium that can utilise the surplus electricity from renewable sources is the most promising thing in the present climate scenario. It can provide stability to the grid and help reduce uncertainty due to the erratic nature of non-conventional energy sources.
North-Sea Link, connecting Norway and UK, is planned to employ hydrogen storage to balance the electricity exchanges between the countries.
Hydrogen in Chemical Industries
Hydrogen use today is dominated by industrial applications. The most significant use of hydrogen today is in oil refining (33%), ammonia production (27%), and methanol production (11%).
However, almost all of the hydrogen produced is produced from fossil fuels. Having the required hydrogen from greener sources is the most viable option to meet the future demands of such chemicals while reducing CO2 emissions.
Hydrogen is primarily used in oil refining to remove impurities from crude oil and upgrade heavier crude oil. Producing green hydrogen using retrofitted CCUS at the refineries can help reduce their emissions.
Hydrogen is a molecular part of the most popular industrial chemicals today. It serves as a feedstock for ammonia and methanol. Ammonia is a crucial ingredient for fertiliser industries used extensively in producing urea and ammonium nitrate. Methanol is used to create a diverse range of chemical products.
Hydrogen is used in the direct reduction of iron in the iron & steel industries. As the demand for iron and steel increases, using greener means to produce hydrogen can help meet climate commitments.
Projects like HYBRIT in Sweden aim to demonstrate the feasibility of producing fossil-free steel using hydrogen, paving the way for a cleaner steel industry.
Hydrogen in New Projects
Hydrogen is a part of the news almost every day, and many new applications of green hydrogen are envisaged.
Countries like Australia, Germany, and Japan are developing hydrogen hubs as central points for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. These can enable a seamless transition to a hydrogen-based economy.
Denmark's "Green Gas for Grids" initiative plans to decarbonise district heating systems by providing cleaner and more sustainable alternatives to natural gas.
Hydrogen's potential as a game-changing fuel is undeniable. Its applications in transport, power generation, chemical industries, and various new projects can pave the way for a sustainable energy future.
As governments, industries, and communities work together to embrace hydrogen solutions, we inch closer to a carbon-neutral world. However, significant challenges lie ahead, including cost reduction, scaling up production, and developing robust infrastructure. Only through collaborative efforts and global support can we unlock the true potential of hydrogen and accelerate the transition to a greener energy landscape.
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