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Hydrogen cannot fuel a zero-carbon future unless its own production is decarbonized.
The possibilities of hydrogen as a zero-carbon gasoline have captured the creativity of the field.
Beyond the fact that they are children, we need to recognize that currently, most of the hydrogen produced in the world depends on the unsustainable use of fossil fuels. Because of this, hydrogen production is responsible for 830 megatons (Mt) of CO2 emissions annually. To put this into perspective, if today's hydrogen business were to become a country, it would be the sixth largest emitter in the kingdom.
Traditionally, hydrogen has been produced for use in applications similar to petroleum and chemical manufacturing. The challenge, as the hydrogen economy and its supporting infrastructure begin to develop, is to provide zero-carbon hydrogen in a less expensive, scalable, and authentic way. This is where new knowledge can play a key role in all phases of construction, transportation, storage, and end-use.
Making green hydrogen
Nowadays, probably the most common way to supply hydrogen is through steam reforming of methane (SMR) from fossil fuels. Unfortunately, this involves significant carbon emissions. In fact, using SMR releases slightly more CO2 than creating gasoline.
But there is a zero-carbon alternative. The future of hydrogen lies in water electrolysis, fueled by a carbon-free energy source such as a photovoltaic farm, to supply "green hydrogen." However, electrolysis costs about twice as much as SMR, according to data from the overseas energy company (IEA). We must bring this can down. This capacity scales electrolyzers to multi-megawatt installations. It is also possible to locate sites with access to carbon-free energy.
There are skills to enhance the efficiency of electrolysis through careful design and management of the electrical device. This not only reduces the most effective rates but also increases the safety and reliability of the procedure.
To demonstrate what is feasible, ABB worked with an early adopter in the US to provide a complete electrical scheme for a pair of recently established hydrogen electrolysis plants in New York and Georgia. Furthermore, ABB motors and drives will play a key role in compressing the fuel for transportation. The plant is set to collectively produce 600 tons of environmentally friendly hydrogen each day, offsetting approximately 1,700 fossil fuel emissions in the logistics and transportation sectors.
Designing the hydrogen infrastructure
Kick-starting the hydrogen economic system is no small feat. Accommodating hydrogen at scale will also require inexpensive neighborhood and the construction of new industrial facilities reminiscent of tank farms. Integrating hydrogen into existing pipeline infrastructure provides a monetary feel, as it will likely carry the bulk of the hydrogen in the early stages of growth.
Storing hydrogen also requires specialized know-how and in-depth expertise, considering the fact that protection is paramount, with gases kept at high strength. For example, ABB is providing automation, electrification, and instrumentation solutions for a pilot project in Australia that could provide a blueprint for the industrial transport of gasoline. After producing hydrogen during the gasification of brown coal, it can be liquefied and shipped to Japan on Earth's first specialized H2 carrier vessel.
Another fundamental part of the hydrogen economic system is end-use. Improving efficiency and reducing rates will also stimulate investment here – and fuel cells are one example of this. Current rates are around US$$ 250/kW, with experience in cutting-edge technologies to lower the charge to US$$ 180/kW. Gas cell design needs to be strengthened to further reduce prices, despite the fact that huge charge discounts are possible through economies of scale. Similar economies of scale are achievable in hydrogen refueling stations for fuel-powered vehicles.
The future of hydrogen is drawing near.
Much of the technology and infrastructure needed for hydrogen already exists today. To boost the hydrogen finance system, we must continue to build on these proven foundations to ensure that every link in the price chain – from production to distribution, storage and use – is sustainable, decarbonized and economically viable.
Learn more about how ABB is using growth for a sustainable next day here.
