Jemena Spearheads Pioneering Study on Hydrogen Transport via Eastern Gas Pipeline

Jemena, a leading energy infrastructure entity, has announced a collaborative venture with the University of Wollongong and GPA Engineering to initiate a comprehensive hydrogen compatibility study of its Eastern Gas Pipeline (EGP). Set to kick off in April 2024, this study aims to evaluate the pipeline's capacity to safely transport hydrogen, in both its pure form and when mixed with natural gas, marking a significant step towards Australia's shift to a sustainable energy future. The partnership will leverage laboratory experiments and engineering assessments to understand how the EGP's line pipe material reacts under various scenarios, contributing vital data for repurposing existing gas infrastructures for hydrogen delivery. Sean Ward, Jemena's General Manager for Asset Management in Gas Markets, emphasized the project's importance in defining the future role of high-pressure gas transmission pipelines within the burgeoning hydrogen industry. Jemena's commitment to renewable gases and its leadership in establishing Australia’s initial power-to-gas and GreenPower accredited biomethane projects underscore its dedication to facilitating the nation's low-carbon transition. GPA Engineering's Josh Wickham underscored the critical need for safe and efficient adaptation of current pipelines for hydrogen transmission, a venture that could significantly influence industry standards. The University of Wollongong's Bradley Davis pointed out the university's specialized capabilities for testing pipeline steels in high-pressure hydrogen environments, essential for ensuring the infrastructure's safety and integrity in hydrogen service. The study's initial phase will focus on testing EGP's spare pipe material in air to mimic full-scale conditions, with a potential second phase to explore hydrogen-specific testing.

European Hydrogen Bank Initiates Operations with First Pan-European Auction

February 2024 marks a significant milestone for the European Hydrogen Bank as it begins its operational journey, holding its first pan-European auction for green, renewable hydrogen production. According to Hydrogen Europe, this pivotal event attracted 132 bids, laying the foundation for what is poised to become a central institution in promoting renewable hydrogen within Europe and globally. Conceived by the European Commission (EC) in 2022, the European Hydrogen Bank is designed to foster investment certainty and open up new business avenues in the renewable hydrogen sector. Recognized for its environmental benefits, renewable hydrogen is considered one of the most sustainable energy sources available today. The bank's primary mission is to facilitate private investments in the production and transportation of hydrogen, not just within the European Union (EU) but also on a global scale. In a significant move, Germany has become the first EU member state to engage in the green hydrogen auction, committing €350 million from its federal budget towards hydrogen production activities within the country. Moreover, the European Commission is in the process of drafting an "international part of the European Hydrogen Bank," which aims at developing a coordinated EU strategy for the importation of renewable hydrogen. This initiative is expected to have a profound impact on Azerbaijan, given the country's pledge to export green hydrogen to the EU. Aligned with the RePowerEU program's ambitions, the EU is set to produce and import 10 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030, underscoring its commitment to a sustainable and energy-secure future.

Forming a European Hydrogen Import Alliance: A Strategic Move for EU Nations

Researchers from Fraunhofer ISI have proposed that countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany should band together to create a European hydrogen import alliance. This collaborative effort would leverage their collective market power as future importers of hydrogen derivatives, enhancing their position in the global hydrogen market. The recommendation comes as part of a comprehensive analysis conducted by the institute, which scrutinized various reports on hydrogen production and trade. The findings have been synthesized into actionable advice for Germany's hydrogen import strategy, currently in development. According to the study, pure hydrogen imports would be funneled through pipelines into regional markets. The researchers urge the government to prioritize diversification in its import strategy, with a preference for imports from neighboring EU countries or Norway, to ensure a stable and secure supply. For hydrogen derivatives like ammonia or methanol, which can be shipped internationally, the market is expected to be competitive. The study suggests that Germany should view Japan and South Korea — both with substantial import needs — as both competitors and potential partners. This strategic alliance would address the various challenges and opportunities associated with hydrogen derivatives, including e-kerosene, ammonia, and methanol, recognizing that each product demands a tailored approach. The pivotal role of green hydrogen in decarbonizing sectors like steelmaking and the chemical industry, where reducing emissions is particularly challenging, is highlighted. Despite the ambitions, it's clear that Germany and Europe at large will not be able to fulfill the burgeoning demand for green hydrogen through domestic production alone. The necessity to import from regions with a higher capacity for renewable electricity production, such as Australia, Africa, or South America, becomes evident for securing a reliable green hydrogen supply. The German government estimates that only about 30 percent of the nation's future green hydrogen requirements can be met internally. Green hydrogen production, through the electrolysis of water, demands substantial renewable electricity resources, underscoring the need for an effective and collaborative import strategy within the EU.

Petrobras Embarks on Green Hydrogen Venture with Senai ISI-ER

Petrobras, the Brazilian oil giant, has announced a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with the Instituto Senai de Energias Renováveis (ISI-ER) to build a pioneering green hydrogen electrolysis facility. This ambitious project, located at the Alto Rodrigues Photovoltaic Power Plant in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, aims to delve into the production of hydrogen using water electrolysis powered by solar energy. With an investment of BRL 90 million, this three-year venture marks a significant step towards evaluating and enhancing low-carbon hydrogen production technologies. Expanding Solar Power to Fuel Hydrogen Production The collaboration will see the expansion of the Alto Rodrigues Photovoltaic Power Plant’s capacity from 1.0 Mwp to 2.5 Mwp to accommodate the energy requirements of the new electrolysis plant. This green hydrogen produced will be instrumental in assessing microturbines' efficiency when burning mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas, offering Petrobras valuable insights into developing sustainable business models and assessing the economic viability of low-carbon hydrogen projects. Tackling the Challenges of Electrolysis Technology One of the primary challenges this project aims to address is the operational dynamics associated with electrolysis technology, especially when linked to green energy sources known for their intermittent nature. Petrobras is set to gain a deeper understanding of managing systems powered by fluctuating energy sources, advancing its capabilities in the realm of green hydrogen production. Strengthening Research and Development in Green Energy This partnership underscores Petrobras and Senai ISI-ER's shared commitment to propelling research and development in green energy solutions. With Senai ISI-ER’s extensive expertise in wind and solar energy, this collaboration is poised to drive significant advancements in sustainable energy technologies. Additionally, the project includes strategic initiatives such as the installation of a meteorological station and the operation of a high-concentration photovoltaic system, further cementing Petrobras and Senai ISI-ER’s role as frontrunners in the transition towards a greener energy landscape.

Veolia Advances UK's First Sustainable Fuel Production with Carbon Capture from Waste Energy

Veolia embarks on a groundbreaking journey to harness carbon capture technology at its Energy Recovery Facilities (ERF) in the UK, setting the stage for the nation's inaugural project aimed at generating sustainable fuels. This initiative, centered around capturing carbon emissions from the incineration of non-recyclable biogenic waste, promises to revolutionize green fuel production, including eKerosene and eMethanol, thereby enhancing the transport sector's sustainability. By employing Advanced Amine technologies designed by Veolia's expert teams, this carbon capture process not only targets the CO2 emitted during waste combustion but also pairs the captured biogenic carbon dioxide with green hydrogen. The result? A production line for sustainable aviation fuel and other green fuels, poised to diminish the carbon footprint of both shipping and aviation industries significantly. Projected to potentially save over 100,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, Veolia’s CCUS (Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage) project could transform its ERFs into powerhouses of near-zero or negative CO2 emissions. This initiative aligns perfectly with Veolia’s commitment to ecological transformation, contributing significantly to the UK's net-zero ambitions by improving the environmental and energy efficiency of municipal waste incineration. Donald Macphail, Chief Operating Officer - Treatment at Veolia, underscores the innovation's impact, stating, "This latest innovation marks a major step forward in our ability to utilise non-recyclable waste and captured CO2 to create the next generation of fuels. Combined with enhanced recycling efforts and the elimination of plastics from waste streams, this technology will significantly lower carbon emissions from ERFs and support our mission towards ecological transformation." Veolia's ERF network in the UK, comprising ten facilities, processes approximately 2.3 million tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually. This not only generates electricity for over 400,000 homes but also contributes to community heating through district heating networks, leveraging combined heat and power technology. This endeavor not only relieves the burden on the UK’s electrical grid but also represents a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel generation, marking a pivotal moment in the country's journey towards sustainable energy solutions.

Advancing Green Hydrogen Production: The GH2 Project's Ethanol Breakthrough

A pioneering initiative within the Horizon Europe framework, the GH2 Project, is revolutionizing green hydrogen production by integrating ethanol conversion with solar energy. This innovative technique not only yields green hydrogen but also produces high-value chemicals like acetal, heralding a new era of economic and environmental sustainability. Published findings in Global Challenges unveil the project's potential to redefine hydrogen production, making it more economically viable and environmentally friendly. Dr. Oleksandr Savateev, a leading researcher on the project, highlights the dual benefit of generating green hydrogen and valuable chemicals, such as acetal, from ethanol. This approach could significantly reduce production costs, opening up new market opportunities and enhancing sustainability across various sectors. Acetal's wide-ranging applications underscore the economic promise of this method. Dr. Savateev notes, "Producing green hydrogen in tandem with acetal not only addresses environmental concerns but also introduces an economically attractive model for future producers, creating new avenues for revenue while fostering sustainability." Michael Browne, CEO of Crowdhelix, lauds the GH2 Project as a hallmark of collaborative innovation aimed at scaling green hydrogen adoption. He advocates for increased partnership and knowledge exchange within the Hydrogen Helix community to spur decarbonization across industries and combat climate change effectively. The GH2 Project exemplifies the transformative impact of renewable energy research, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods. As the project progresses, it stands as a testament to the power of innovation in paving the way for a greener future and achieving global sustainability goals.

Ashok Leyland Pioneers Hydrogen Fuel Technology in Commercial Vehicles

Ashok Leyland, a leading force in India's commercial vehicle industry, is steering towards a green future by integrating hydrogen fuel technologies into its medium and heavy-duty vehicles. This move represents a significant pivot from traditional battery-electric strategies, spotlighting hydrogen as a viable alternative for the demanding long haul and heavy-duty transport sectors. The decision to focus on hydrogen, including both fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2 ICE), is driven by the company's thorough market analysis and the specific operational needs of its clientele. Highlighting the importance of range and quick refueling in long-distance logistics, Ashok Leyland is poised to offer hydrogen-powered solutions that promise to revolutionize the transportation landscape. Unveiled during a recent investor presentation, Ashok Leyland’s electrification strategy marks a bold departure from the industry's current battery-dominated EV trend, particularly for medium and heavy vehicles. The company's commitment to hydrogen technology underscores its dedication to providing customers with diverse, efficient, and environmentally friendly vehicle options. By championing hydrogen as the cornerstone of its alternative fuel initiative, Ashok Leyland is setting a new standard for the commercial vehicle sector. Hydrogen-powered trucks, with their extended range and swift refueling times, emerge as a practical solution to the challenges faced by long haul transport, offering a sustainable alternative to diesel engines without the range anxiety associated with battery-electric counterparts.

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Hydrogen and Fuel Cell News Flash for Feb. 13, 2024