Revolutionizing Power Generation: How Hydrogen Electrolyzers are Transforming Energy Infrastructure

By leveraging modern technology, Green Hydrogen electrolysers could emerge as a critical piece in the puzzle towards transitioning to sustainable energy.

August 02, 2024. By News Bureau

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Sterling Generators

When it comes to sustainability, a lot depends upon Hydrogen. Nearly 150 years ago, Julies Verne, a renowned French novelist, poet, and playwright wrote in his book about a day when water could prove to become an “inexhaustible” source of heat and light. He also prophesised that this could be an intensity superseding even coal. His prophecy has turned into reality with several nations focusing on hydrolysis-based processes to generate power. Colloquially known for powering a future, the adoption of hydrogen-based technologies has evolved beyond prophecies and sci-fi fiction.

Hydrogen electrolysis is a process which involves using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process produces hydrogen without emitting greenhouse gases and the resulting gas can be used as a power source. The produced hydrogen can be stored, transported, and utilised in various applications, including fuel cells for vehicles, industrial processes, and as a means of storing excess renewable energy.

Recently, green hydrogen discussions were the highlight at the recently concluded COP28 conference in UAE. It is reported (IEA) that over 1,000 hydrogen plants have been planned across the world. For a country as diverse as India, green hydrogen is estimated to constitute 7-12% of its energy mix by 2050. India has also envisaged 5 MTPA of green hydrogen production by 2030. Besides meeting renewable commitments, the benefits to the country also include a cost-effective power source for large industries, and the ability to rationalise fossil-fuel imports. But leveraging hydrogen-based techniques may need more thought and careful planning.

PURSUIT OF SUSTAINABILITY
Hydrogen derived from electrolysis is at least 45% more efficient than fossil fuels such as crude oil as a source of fuel for internal combustion engines. Despite its promise, there are three limitations impeding Hydrogen’s adoption. Primarily, electricity to drive the electrolysis process must be derived from renewable sources to meet sustainability objectives. But current electrolysis technology meets 70-80% efficiency resulting in considerable loss of input energy. As renewable energy itself is not yet abundantly available in all regions, dedicating large amounts of it to hydrogen production can strain already limited supplies, potentially diverting energy from other essential uses and slowing the overall transition to renewable energy.

Secondly, the infrastructure required to produce, store, and transport green hydrogen is underdeveloped and expensive. Unlike natural gas or oil, hydrogen is a low-density gas that requires high-pressure tanks or cryogenic temperatures for efficient storage and transport. Third, but more importantly, technological availability such as Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysers are made from rare metals such as platinum or iridium. Mining- refining processes or any scarcities could cause habit destruction and supply-chain vulnerabilities.

A major concerning factor has been the release of the Breakthrough Agenda Report 2023 at the COP28, by World Bank and the International Energy Agency. The report clearly elucidates that there was no significant reduction in total emissions from hydrogen production. The report blames it upon the slow uptake of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen. Also, this report found that the average emissions intensity of hydrogen production remained high as there were no significant changes in the production mix.

FOCUSING ON INNOVATIONS
The Breakthrough report clearly validates three approaches – first focus on renewable hydrogen; two, improve the energy mix of renewable hydrogen; and three focus on innovations to reduce emissions. A major innovation in the renewable hydrogen power generation space has been the deployment of next-gen PEM generators. These offer significant advantages over traditional alkaline electrolysers. The use of advanced materials in PEM electrolysers, such as catalyst-coated membranes and corrosion-resistant components, has also enhanced their durability and performance, further reducing the cost of hydrogen production over time. Moreover, solid oxide electrolyser cells (SOECs) too can benefit since they operate at high temperatures (typically between 700°C and 1000°C). SOECs are highly efficient because they use both electricity and heat to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, making them particularly suitable for industrial applications where waste heat is available. Utilisation of SOECs reduces the electrical energy required for electrolysis, improving overall energy efficiency. Production of syngas with SOECs can further be used in synthesis of a variety of valuable chemicals and fuels, thus broadening the scope of hydrogen applications.

Despite hydrogen technology being planned across the globe, typical concerns about implementation cost and unit cost loom large. Cost arbitrage plays a crucial role in this evolution. As renewable energy becomes cheaper and more abundant, the relative cost of producing green hydrogen decreases. Wright’s Law which posits that each cumulative doubling of production reduces costs by a consistent percentage, also underpins the sustainability of green hydrogen. As production scales up, learning curves come into play, driving down costs through increased efficiencies, economies of scale, and process improvements. Scientific papers and studies forecast that the learning curve for solar-based electricity generation stood at 14.28% to 14.44% and for Green Hydrogen, the range was lower at – 4% to 10.2%.

SHAPING A GREEN FUTURE
Green hydrogen produced through electrolysis can replace fossil fuels in hard-to-abate sectors like steel production, chemicals, and heavy transport. Green hydrogen can also be used in fuel cells to power trucks, buses, and ships, reducing their carbon footprint significantly. However, using old or inefficient tools impedes the road toward sustainability. In addition to high energy requirements, lack of infrastructure, and lack of modern generators present significant barriers. To truly make green hydrogen a cornerstone of sustainable energy, substantial advancements in technology, infrastructure development, and material sciences are essential.

By leveraging modern technology, Green Hydrogen electrolysers could emerge as a critical piece in the puzzle towards transitioning to sustainable energy. Research and development remain crucial to enhancing the efficiency and reducing the cost of electrolysers. Advances in materials science, catalysts, and system design can lead to more energy-efficient and economically viable electrolysis processes. Through continued innovation, supportive policies, and integrated approaches, hydrogen electrolysers can and are indeed playing a pivotal role in creating a sustainable and resilient energy future.

- Sanjay Jadhav, CEO, Sterling Generators Pvt. Ltd.