Electrolyzer Technologies

Historically, approximately 8 Ttpy of iridium is mined as a byproduct of platinum production. By many metrics, the current loading of iridium in PEM electrolyzers is 1 g/kilowatt (kW)−2.5 g/kW.

Electrolyzers with an integrated skid solution housed in a standard shipping container can be deployed with minimal disruption and at much lower cost. These containers typically offer an optional fuel cell and storage system, eliminating the complications that can arise once H₂ has been extracted.

H₂ coming out of a manufacturing process [e.g., methane (CH₄) reforming, electrolysis or stored geologically] comes together with an array of impurities such as oxygen (O₂), water, carbon oxides or sulfur. However, the use of H₂ in mobility via a fuel cell or as a reactant in a catalytic conversion imposes tight specifications, especially on O₂ and water. 

The decarbonization of the gas grid involves various programs, such as blending natural gas with renewable gases like as biomethane and hydrogen, which have a greatly reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional natural gas.

The focus on hydrogen (H₂) production and carbon capture onboard marine vessels has led to one of the newest innovations in fuel delivery systems, converting natural gas into H₂ and solid carbon with a liquid catalyst and molten salt.

The control system injecting H₂ into the natural gas stream must move in parallel with the natural gas flow; however, this is only 20% (at most) of the larger natural gas volume.

Nations around the world are investing in new technologies and pathways to limit carbon emissions and adhere to ambitious net-zero goals. Part of this strategy includes the massive scale-up of H₂ production capacity, primarily green routes that use renewable energy for production. 

Scaling electrolyzer technologies is an essential ingredient to cleaning up the world’s energy mix. Green hydrogen (H₂) production must be scaled up, but electrolyzer production must keep up with the rising demand for clean H₂.

Major energy companies owned the oil and gas in the ground and proprietary processing technologies, exerting major influence over the regulatory process. They had a balance sheet to pay for their projects, worked with their preferred engineering, procurement and construction firms and owned the retail organizations to distribute products to consumers.

July's H₂Tech Tech Spotlight covers H₂ storage challenges for deep-sea shipping, a new catalyst that lowers the cost of producing H₂ from water and more effective H₂ injectors for gas turbines.

ANGI Energy Systems strengthens its multi-fuel future with appointment of senior director for H₂ sales.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstration encouraged a Texas consortium spearheading the development of a regional clean H₂ hub on the U.S. Gulf Coast to submit a full application in response to a Funding Opportunity Announcement designated in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.