Tokyo to Launch Green Hydrogen Initiatives and Subsidies in 2024

Tokyo's city government is set to begin construction of green hydrogen projects on its waterfront property this year, as part of an ambitious renewable energy initiative, reports Japanese media. According to Nikkei, three green hydrogen facilities are planned for the fiscal year 2024 (April 2024 to March 2025), with at least one unit operational by the end of this period. These plants will utilize renewable energy sources, although specific details about the size, funding, energy sources, and hydrogen application remain unclear. Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, after reviewing the city’s budget, announced plans for a “hydrogen exchange” pilot. This Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme will subsidize the cost difference between conventional and renewable hydrogen. The pricing will be set through auctions starting in fiscal 2024, though the budget size and contract duration are yet to be disclosed. Koike aims to increase stable hydrogen transactions and normalize its use in society. The Tokyo initiative aligns with Japan’s national strategy, which includes 15-year CfD subsidies for low-carbon hydrogen producers and importers starting in 2024, focusing predominantly on green hydrogen. Additionally, the city’s 2024 budget proposes hydrogen fuel subsidies for H2-powered truck operators, with a cap of ¥2 million for small trucks and ¥9 million for large trucks per year. However, it's not specified whether these figures represent per-truck amounts or the total subsidy pool. Requests for clarification from the Tokyo metropolitan government are pending response.

Canadian Colleges Launch New Hydrogen-Focused Micro-Credentials for Industrial Workers

Mohawk College, Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) announced the introduction of new microcredentials to prepare workers for the transition to hydrogen-fueled power for industrial processing. Hydrogen is gaining significant attention as a clean and sustainable energy carrier and has the ability to play a crucial role in decarbonizing some commercial sectors, including transportation, industry, and power generation. Understanding hydrogen technologies and processes will be essential as the demand for hydrogen continues to grow. “Hydrogen is proving to be a viable, sustainable alternative in many industrial applications and employers are going to need workers who understand hydrogen technologies and processes,” said Ron J. McKerlie, President and CEO of Mohawk College, a founding institution of C2R2. “Canada’s colleges, cégeps, and polytechnics are well positioned to train workers for the hydrogen transition.” The new microcredentials offered through C2R2 (Hydrogen Awareness and Entry-Level Technical Applications in Hydrogen for Process Occupations) have been co-developed by Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ont.; Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary, Alta.; Lambton College in Sarnia, Ont.; Nova Scotia Community College in Halifax, N.S.; and Holland College in Charlottetown, P.E.I. These microcredentials have been designed for professionals working in various industrial sectors, including manufacturing, energy, chemicals, transportation, and related fields. The courses are available online for students to access through the Quick Train Canada website. Involving 24 hours of study, the Hydrogen Awareness microcredential will introduce learners to basic hydrogen concepts and understanding, including hydrogen properties and characteristics, production methods, and safety, as it relates to process occupations. The second microcredential, Entry-Level Technical Applications in Hydrogen for Process Occupations, will provide learners with a foundation in the principles, applications, and challenges associated with hydrogen in an industrial environment, as well as an understanding of how to integrate hydrogen into existing processes or develop new processes that utilize hydrogen effectively and safely. The total training hours for the second microcredential, also available online, is 48 hours. Enrollment for both microcredentials is currently open and accepting registrations. About Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) is a coalition of 14 highly aligned colleges, cégeps, institutes, and polytechnics across Canada with an established commitment to sustainability. The coalition members have come together as a driving force, providing the skills required to transition to a clean economy in Canada. They are positioned to support workforce upskilling and bridge the skills gap across Canada. C2R2’s administration and secretariat are located at Mohawk College in Hamilton. Quick Train Canada is the learning platform for C2R2, supported by the Government of Canada Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program. For more information, visit www.resilientcolleges.ca

UAM and CSIC Propose New Solution for Safe Transport and Storage of Hydrogen

A team made up of research personnel from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) has developed a technology for the production of hydrogen under ambient conditions from formic acid, using it as a liquid hydrogen-carrying compound. This offers a solution to the safe, sustainable and economical transportation and storage of hydrogen of the future. The results have been registered for patent protection and recently published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A.

Hydroformic, which is what the process developed by the research team has been called, represents an innovative technology that makes it possible to obtain clean hydrogen instantly from formic acid under standard environmental conditions at 25 °C and 1 atm pressure.

“The cornerstone of this technology lies in the development of a structured catalyst, manufactured using 3D printing technologies, capable of accelerating the catalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid upon contact with it,” says Manuel Belmonte , CSIC researcher in the Group. of Technical Ceramics of the Institute of Ceramics and Glass, of the CSIC.

Studies published by the team show formic acid conversions ranging between 81% and 99%, maintained over long periods of operation, depending on the conditions used. Factors such as temperature, the initial concentration of formic acid and the contact time with the catalyst are determining factors in this process. Although the catalyst undergoes deactivation with use, it can be easily regenerated through a simple drying process at 60 °C. “The selectivity of the process towards the dehydrogenation of formic acid is always 100%, in no case is CO detected. Furthermore, the CO 2 generated in the process can be captured at the exit of the reactor, resulting in a stream of high-purity H 2 gas at the exit of the process,” Asunción Quintanilla , scientist in the PROSIAM group of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the UAM, points out. These results, promising at the laboratory level, are directly scalable to increase the production of high-quality hydrogen. “Among the advantages of the process are that it does not require equipment under pressure and that it uses a catalyst manufactured using 3D printing techniques, which allows it to be easily adapted to any geometry and dimensions of the reactor,” highlights the UAM researcher. The main challenge in the storage and transportation of hydrogen lies in its low energy capacity per unit volume, which implies the need for large volumes of hydrogen to transport a significant amount of energy. Several strategies have been explored to avoid this limitation. The development of safe, efficient and economical methods for storing and transporting hydrogen is a growing area of research that aims to improve the viability of this form of energy in large-scale applications. A promising alternative for the safe handling of hydrogen is the use of liquid organic hydrogen-carrying compounds, known as LOHCs or carriers in their English terminology. “Hydrogen is chemically bonded to the LOHC, which is stored and transported in the liquid phase. LOCH can release hydrogen when required through a catalytic dehydrogenation chemical reaction,” adds Quintanilla. In Hydroformic, the use of formic acid as LOHC is innovatively proposed due to its stability and low toxicity. This compound can be distributed and stored under ambient conditions using the existing infrastructure for crude oil and its derivatives. “The main advantage is that formic acid can be derived from renewable sources instead of depending on oil, as is the case with the (petro)LOHC used until now,” concludes the CSIC researcher.

Transforming Punjab into a Green Hydrogen Powerhouse: Gadkari's Ambitious Infrastructure Plan

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has set the stage for a revolutionary change in Punjab's infrastructure. The inauguration of 29 national highway projects in the region, with a budget allocation of Rs 4,000 crore, marks a significant leap in transportation development. These projects include the Ladhowal bypass, a six-lane flyover, a two-lane bridge in Ludhiana, and the four-lane Jalandhar-Kapurthala section, all of which are expected to dramatically improve the state's transport network. However, Gadkari's vision extends far beyond traditional road construction. He proposed a groundbreaking idea for Punjab to become a global leader in green hydrogen production. During his speech, Gadkari emphasized the potential of agricultural waste, particularly stubble, suggesting its conversion into biofuels like ethanol, hydrogen, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Gadkari introduced the innovative concept of turning farmers into 'Urjadaata' (energy providers). He highlighted ongoing initiatives in Haryana, focusing on converting paddy stubble into ethanol and bitumen. Moreover, he mentioned Indian Oil's plan to install 300 ethanol pumps across the nation, signaling a major push towards eco-friendly energy. A remarkable aspect of Gadkari's speech was the announcement of a new technology that can transform stubble into bitumen, an essential material for road construction. This aligns with the government's commitment to sustainable infrastructure development. In concluding his address, Gadkari reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, a key policy since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. This dedication has been a foundational element in India's progress. While the new highway projects promise immediate benefits in terms of connectivity, Gadkari's foresight in promoting green hydrogen and sustainable energy solutions positions Punjab as a trailblazer in the renewable energy sector.

Extreme E to Conclude in 2024, Paving Way for Hydrogen-Powered Extreme H in 2025

The Extreme E championship organizers have announced that the all-electric off-road series will not continue beyond 2024, as they shift focus to the hydrogen-based Extreme H championship set to launch in 2025. This decision marks the end of Extreme E, which began in 2021, despite earlier ambiguity about its coexistence with Extreme H. Ali Russell, managing director of Extreme E, hinted at this transition in a recent website post, stating that their 2024 finale in the United States would be an appropriate conclusion. Andy Welch, Extreme E's utilities manager, confirmed at the Autosport International Show that work on a new Spark Racing Technologies-built hydrogen prototype, which had a successful first shakedown last month, is progressing well. Welch mentioned that logistical challenges did not influence the decision to end Extreme E after its four-year run. Although theoretically possible to continue both series, the commercial viability and spectator interest were key considerations. He added that the hydrogen prototype is expected to make an appearance at an Extreme E event later this year, with car production for the new series beginning in mid-2024. Extreme E's 2024 season will consist of five events, starting in Saudi Arabia in February, followed by a second yet-to-be-confirmed round, two double-header events in Sardinia in September, and concluding in Phoenix in November.

Welsh Company CSS Innovates in Hydrogen Production from Waste-Generated Syngas

Compact Syngas Solutions (CSS), a Wales-based firm, has successfully produced hydrogen with over 95% purity from syngas derived from waste gasification. The company recently received nearly £4 million in government funding to enhance its biomass and waste-to-hydrogen plants with carbon capture technology. CSS has developed an advanced gasifier that converts waste into raw syngas and char, a critical step in carbon capture. Distinguishing itself in the industry, CSS designed its own pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system to separate hydrogen from syngas, moving away from dependence on costly external petrochemical suppliers. The company aims to evolve this design into a two-stage PSA process, maintaining operating pressure around 3 barg to achieve greater than 98% hydrogen purity. The syngas, comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen, water vapour, bio-oils, and trace contaminants, undergoes several clean-up stages before the PSA process. In initial trials, CSS's PSA process proved effective even at low operating pressures (1.5 barg), producing hydrogen gas with more than 95% purity. Further research is planned to optimize the balance between capital and operating costs in waste-to-energy applications. CSS points out that for many applications where hydrogen could replace natural gas and fuel oils, such as in boilers and diesel engines adapted for hydrogen, a purity of 98% is sufficient. The company emphasizes that achieving a very high purity level of 99.99% hydrogen is not necessary for these uses and can be prohibitively expensive.

Memphis-Based IMC to Add 50 Hydrogen Trucks to Fleet, Transitioning from Electric

IMC, the largest intermodal logistics firm in the Memphis area, is set to incorporate 50 hydrogen trucks into its fleet this year, transitioning from electric trucks. The company plans to receive the first 20 Nikola hydrogen tractors in early 2024, with 30 more expected later in the year. IMC's CEO, Joel Henry, emphasizes the firm's commitment to leading the clean emissions shift in the drayage industry. Despite starting with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) two years ago, IMC has decided to pivot to hydrogen trucks, citing sustainability challenges with BEVs in Class A and commercial trucks. The shift aligns with IMC's broader strategy, including transitioning all seven of its operating companies under a single brand. This consolidation aims to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. IMC's move to hydrogen reflects a growing trend among major trucking companies, including J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., towards zero-emission hydrogen vehicles. This transition is part of a broader effort to meet emission targets and improve operational efficiency in the trucking industry.

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell News Flash for Jan. 11, 2024