Current Issue : May 2023

Advanced process control (APC) and other production optimization technologies improve safety, energy efficiency and overall operation stability. Additionally, as green H₂ technologies are deployed, microgrid management can maintain the reliability of the energy supply to maximize power availability for H₂ production.

A calorimetric sensor element based on a micro-electromechanical system is the core element of any thermal-mass flow sensor, such as those used in gas meters. The sensor element can be found on a membrane on a silicon chip and consists of a micro-heating element and temperature sensors that are integrated upstream and downstream.

Regardless of what type of valve is chosen for each specific application (e.g., ball valve, needle valve, check valve), selecting valves that deliver exceptional performance is crucial to ensure H2 fuel systems work properly. This article explores critical considerations for keeping H2 systems leak-free.

H₂ can be used as a feedstock in various chemical processes (e.g., hydrotreating in a refinery or ammonia production) or as a fuel across several types of power or heat generating equipment, including boilers, turbines and engines, among others. In this latter function, it can be burned in its pure form or blended with natural gas to reduce overall carbon emissions.

H₂ valleys are envisaged as integrated ecosystems that cover the entire spectrum of value chain elements, from production to final consumption. All activities—zero- and low-emissions H₂ production, storage, distribution and use—are meant to be concentrated in a specific geographic area, resulting in benefits such as lower H₂ costs, enhanced investment attraction and industrial localization.

H₂’s full lifecycle CI accounts for direct Scope 1 emissions from the SMR furnace stack, Scope 2 emissions related to the electricity supplied, and Scope 3 emissions affiliated with the upstream feed, fuel and downstream supply chains. Downstream Scope 3 emissions are deemed negligible if H₂ is consumed near the production location.

With the massive increase in H₂ facility projects announced, robust equipment and services are needed urgently to ensure the safety and reliability of H₂ production, transport, storage and distribution.

The global community must make systemic changes to the way it shares value, develops technologies, standardizes designs, creates partnerships, collaborates, and embraces digital tools and thinking. In short, a radical but durable new paradigm for infrastructure delivery must be established that will provide the foundation to move confidently towards net-zero by mid-century. 

The May H₂Tech Spotlight highlights new technologies to aid the global H₂ sector, featuring equipment such as laser spectroscopy to detect and quantify H₂ concentrations as small as 10 parts per billion, a linear motor-driven reciprocating compressor and technology that converts liquified natural gas into H₂.

Fortescue Metals plans to develop a 300-MW green ammonia and fertilizer complex in Naivasha, Kenya. Once operational, the facility will increase domestic supplies of fertilizers and provide green H₂ to the nation’s electric grid.

Total active H₂ projects have increased by nearly 100 month-over-month (March–April), according to Gulf Energy Information’s Global Energy Infrastructure (GEI) database. With nearly 50% market share, Western Europe continues to account for most H₂ projects under development, followed by the Asia-Pacific region (22%) and the U.S. (13%).

Although H₂ generation through electrolysis is well established, the financial viability of producing green H₂ is the global target. H₂ production cost primarily depends on the efficiency of electrolyzers and the cost of power consumed in the H₂ generation process.