Wasserstoff

Anhui Estone Materials Technology Company plans to construct a 1GW solid-oxide electrolyser and fuel-cell factory in Hefei city, China, with an investment of 1.21 billion yuan ($165.9 million). The company aims to leverage its expertise in solid-oxide technology and hopes to complete a pilot production line for the new technology by the end of 2023. This project aligns with the increasing global interest in solid-oxide electrolyser technology, which has the potential to generate more hydrogen per kWh of electricity and produce synthesis gas, contributing to sustainable energy production.

Morocco has announced plans to construct a 5,600km hydrogen pipeline that will traverse 11 West African countries, aiming to facilitate the production and transportation of green hydrogen from West Africa to Europe, with completion expected in 2046.

France has experienced a surge in applications for exclusive mining exploration permits, specifically targeting the discovery of natural deposits of hydrogen and other elements, due to the country’s unique geological and biological characteristics that create potential underground stores of hydrogen. The exact amount of natural hydrogen reserves in France and globally remains uncertain, but speculative estimates suggest they could meet a significant portion of global demand. This increase in permit applications is not only driven by potential reserves but also by policy changes related to mining regulations. France is the only European country to include “native hydrogen” as a minable substance in its mining code, influenced by existing research and ongoing company activity. The interest in natural hydrogen exploration licenses in France and South Australia is also propelled by changes in energy regulations and the potential cost savings compared to traditional production methods.

PowerTap Hydrogen Capital Corp. has signed a hydrogen purchase agreement with a major fuel cell electric vehicle OEM, with the main goal of expanding the North American refueling network. The partnership aims to promote the adoption of the OEM’s Class 8 hydrogen-powered trucks by developing an initial hydrogen refueling station in California. This collaboration represents a significant step towards sustainable transportation and demonstrates a commitment to providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. The agreement could speed up the adoption of hydrogen-powered trucks by expanding the refueling network and promoting the use of clean energy.

MSC Group’s order of two new cruise ships from Fincantieri showcases the company’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.

The City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has made a significant breakthrough in hydrogen generation, developing an efficient electrocatalyst that enhances hydrogen generation through electrocatalytic water splitting. The research involved collaboration with various universities and research institutes in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and the UK, and the findings have been published in a report titled ‘Phase-dependent growth of Pt on MoS2 for highly efficient H2 evolution.’ This development brings us closer to a future where clean and sustainable energy sources play a vital role in addressing global energy challenges.

France has unveiled draft details of tenders worth €4bn ($4.2bn) to support the development of 1GW of electrolysis capacity over the next three years, with a focus on producing low-carbon hydrogen using zero-carbon electricity sources. The selection process will prioritize the price paid per tonne of CO2 avoided, and factors such as project maturity, environmental impact, and job creation will also be considered. The French government plans to provide a financial guarantee limited to 50% of the project’s investment costs, and the first tender is scheduled for next year. The aim is to boost low-carbon hydrogen production and transition to a greener energy sector in France.

Das dänische Taxi-Start-up-Unternehmen Drivr hat den Betrieb seiner 100 Toyota Mirai-Fahrzeuge vorübergehend eingestellt und damit seine Kapazität um 62,5% reduziert. Grund dafür ist die Schließung der einzigen fünf Wasserstofftankstellen Dänemarks durch Everfuel. Die Schließung hat nicht nur Auswirkungen auf Drivr, sondern auch auf andere wasserstoffbetriebene Fahrzeuge in Dänemark, und das Unternehmen prüft derzeit Möglichkeiten, die Wasserstoffverfügbarkeit wiederherzustellen und die Kundennachfrage effizient zu erfüllen. Die Zukunft von wasserstoffbetriebenen Fahrzeugen in Dänemark ist nach wie vor ungewiss, aber Drivr ist offen für eine Ausweitung seiner Aktivitäten auf andere Länder als mögliche Lösung.

Das kürzlich von H2 View veranstaltete Webinar befasste sich mit verschiedenen Aspekten der Wasserstoffproduktion, darunter Materialeffizienz, Skalierung, Produkttechniken und Unternehmensziele. Experten auf diesem Gebiet, darunter Dr. David Hodgson und Alejandro Barnett, betonten die Bedeutung von Schlüsselkomponenten wie Beschichtungen und Katalysatoren für die Verbesserung der Energieeffizienz, den Schutz vor Korrosion und die Optimierung der Gesamtleistung. TFP Hydrogen Products präsentierte sein Fachwissen bei der Entwicklung innovativer Beschichtungen und Katalysatoren zur Steigerung der Energieeffizienz und zur Entfernung isolierender Oxidschichten. Das Webinar vermittelte wertvolle Einblicke in die Fortschritte und Herausforderungen der Wasserstoffproduktion und betonte die Bedeutung von Materialinnovationen, Skalierbarkeit und die Erfüllung ehrgeiziger Unternehmensziele, um Effizienz, Nachhaltigkeit und Kosteneffizienz in der Branche zu fördern.

Germany’s H2Global import program is conducting an auction to purchase renewable hydrogen and synthetic fuels from outside the EU, but the process may pose challenges for companies unfamiliar with German-language operations or EU regulations. The auction’s strict criteria and document-heavy process have caused delays, and smaller firms may need to collaborate or hire subcontractors to meet requirements. Additionally, export-oriented projects and developing nations seeking higher prices may face obstacles in accessing the EU market.