Environment and Safety

Hydrogen (H₂) as an energy carrier is key in the inevitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Pipelines are considered a viable option for H₂ transportation, either pure gas or mixed with natural gas. In this context, using new pipelines and utilizing existing infrastructure through re-qualification are possible options.

As commercial and industrial vehicle manufacturers search for more sustainable fuel alternatives to fossil fuels, hydrogen (H₂) fuel cell electric vehicles are gaining popularity. H₂-based fuels are beginning to experience their own renaissance, but H2’s chemical and physical properties challenge its implementation in refueling stations, inhibiting further adoption.

Broadly implementing large-scale power generation through H₂-fueled turbines would be a first for the energy sector, but it will require progressive technological advancements.

Metering and pressure regulating stations are used in gas transmission pipeline networks to measure gas flow, analyze gas composition at custody transfer points and/or reduce and control the flow pressure into the connected downstream pipeline networks.

With electrolysis, no carbon or other pollutants are produced. However, transforming water into its di-elemental constituents requires more energy than generating H₂ from fossil fuels. For this reason, a small percentage of the H₂ produced today is green H₂.

Roughly 30% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions originate from hard-to-abate sectors (e.g., steel, cement, petrochemicals, aviation, marine transportation) that are not easily electrified.

Today’s global energy systems are based on two major elements: methane (CH₄) and electricity. However, this is set to change in the not-too-distant future. We expect future energy networks to be like today’s networks—the biggest change is that hydrogen (H₂) will replace CH₄ in the gas grid.

As the journey to the global energy transition continues, various companies from different regions and sectors are collaborating to meet global decarbonization goals. These companies find ways to contribute by utilizing their unique skill sets. An equipment manufacturer may focus on H₂ internal combustion engines, while a petrochemical manufacturer may focus on green ammonia as a fertilizer, which can also be used as a H₂ carrier.

The September H₂Tech Tech Spotlight explores technological advances in H₂ technology, such as an anion-conducting membrane for electrolysis, structured catalyst for steam methane reforming, precise measurements in flow plate production for fuel cells and H₂ valves.