Much research is ongoing to find reliable energy sources, available at all times that emit no greenhouse gases. One example is hydrogen. Combust hydrogen (combine with O2) and you get water and no CO2. Plus, it is the most efficient fuel from a weight point of view (Btus produced per unit weight). Unfortunately, unlike coal, oil, natural gas, and even the Sun and wind, which are plentiful naturally, hydrogen is not found in significant quantities naturally. Hydrogen has to be formed from other products, taking energy to do so and, thus, taking away from its net potential. Therefore, ways to generate hydrogen for energy systems cheap and easy are being studied. In addition, hydrogen’s efficiency to supply energy (tendency to explode) makes it a challenge for a facility to transport and store it. Therefore, research must continue to develop easier, more effective ways to manage hydrogen, too.
It is estimated that the current percentage of all global energy generated from hydrogen is 4% and growing. Entities recognize the potential of hydrogen as a GHG-less fuel, but more needs to be developed onto the market in a safe way to grow specifically more.
Fossil fuels are the dominant source (over 95%) for the commercial production of hydrogen, with the largest component being natural gas. Hydrogen can be steam separated from methane (natural gas), leaving CO2 to manage at a fairly high efficiency. Hydrogen can also be produced by the oxidation of other hydrocarbons, coal gasification, water electrolysis, and biomass gasification. These mainly involve fossil fuel combustion to liberate hydrogen, but some require electricity and renewable sources of energy can be used to reduce its carbon footprint.
The future of using hydrogen for energy requires the decrease in cost and increase in convenience to make and store so much hydrogen to be useful. Recognizing the potential of this clean energy source, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will provide billions of dollars of incentives to perform useful research. The major oil & gas and chemical companies all have research groups dedicated to this.
CCES has the experts to help you evaluate whether your operations may be a good match for hydrogen or other “clean” or renewable technologies. Or a candidate for more efficient equipment as a key way to save energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Contact Marc Karell today at 914-584-6720 or at Karell@CCESworld.com.