Hydrogen: A new breakthrough in the energy Industry
Hydrogen has the potential to be the future of the energy industry. Energy systems are evolving at a rapid pace. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar have grown in popularity. However, there will be a time where they will no longer be considered alternative energy. They’ve grown commonplace as a source of energy. Now, as the globe moves toward a low-carbon future, the question arises that what is the next thing?
On October 18, 2021, Ineos, a British petrochemicals manufacturer, declared to invest around 2 billion euros in the production of zero-carbon green hydrogen in Europe.
Fossil fuels produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which are harmful to the environment and ultimately for health. It can be used as a direct fuel in power plants and other heat-related applications. In addition, it can be blended with natural gas in pipeline networks. Thus, the scope of the element is undoubtedly strengthful.
According to the Hydrogen Council, a global collaboration of premier energy, transportation, and industrial businesses, the element might power over 400 million passenger cars, around 20 million trucks, and five million buses by 2050. In addition, technologies based on this element are expected to provide 18% of the world’s total energy demands.
Wide Applications
The element finds its applications in methanol production, ammonia production, heat treatment, fuel cell manufacturing, transportation, etc.
The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) has recently introduced a program to fund battery storage and fuel cell technology. A scheme will finance novel and developing technologies. It also aims to encourage the use of renewable energy in the transportation industry.
Industry
The presence of small-scale hydrogen boilers is shaping the future of the industry globally. The further modifications in the equipment can make it technically feasible for the other industries to use clean fuel. It is expected to be deployed across many industrial verticals like food and drink, chemical, paper, and glass.
Domestic
A gas stove can result in around 71 kilograms of CO2 each year. Thus, the element might act as a favorable alternative in the coming years. The element may be delivered to our houses in its whole or blended with natural gas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Transport
The industry is forecast to witness lucrative growth opportunities in the transportation segment. It is also used in fuel cells to convert into water and energy, thus benefitting the entire transportation sector.
In the United Kingdom, hydrogen fuel cell automobiles are already available for purchase. Its niche applications in the transport sector, mainly in the buses and trains segment, are forecast to benefit the entire market.
Future Scope
Astute Analytica estimates that the global hydrogen market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% during the forecast period from 2021 to 2027. The growth of the industry is attributed to the above-mentioned applications. Not only that, many prominent companies are investing heavily to develop outstanding techniques. As a result, it will expectedly boost the demand for this element-based technique in the aviation and maritime sector.
Company Participation
As Australia’s largest energy company seeks expansion in green power sources, Woodside Petroleum plans to start operating one of the world’s largest hydrogen production facilities as early as 2027. The company aims to establish this new facility near Perth. The plant will have a daily capacity of up to 1,500 tonnes in the future decades. The company also claims that its H2Perth project will be the world’s largest facility of its sort.
There are limited low-carbon fuel options for the shipping and aviation industry. Thus, hydrogen-based fuels may have a future in these industries. In addition, the most cost-effective and efficient approach to produce high-grey hydrogen is by steam methane reforming (SMR).
Moreover, the industry is witnessing rapid growth. Due to the potential scope of the industry, companies are entering into collaborations to expand the product portfolio. Recently, Gail Ltd. announced its plan to establish India’s largest manufacturing plant to provide ‘carbon-free’ fuel to consumers.
Moreover, in October 2021, Toyota announced that the company is testing hydrogen combustion engines in race cars. The company has been working toward using this technology in commercial products as well.
Hyundai Motor Group and Doosan Fuel Cell recently declared that the companies inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ulsan TechnoPark, a state-run automotive parts innovation hub. Hyundai Motor Group and Doosan Fuel Cell have also recognized the potential of the industry.
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