Exploring barriers to cheap green hydrogen, including water use, public resistance, and cost. Interviews with Michelle Lujan-Grisham, Mark Newman, and John Hartley about their solutions. Discussion on electrical efficiency, Komurs' role in energy transition, refrigerant chemistries, membranes, and Levidian's loop technology. Impression of COP event and focus on decarbonization solutions.
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Quick takeaways
Collaboration between industry and governments is essential for overcoming barriers and ensuring the widespread adoption of low carbon hydrogen.
Utilizing produced water from oil and gas operations and brackish water reserves can provide a sustainable solution for addressing water scarcity and supporting hydrogen production.
Deep dives
The Importance of Low Carbon Hydrogen in the Energy Transition
Low carbon hydrogen is crucial for replacing fossil fuels in the energy mix, especially for industrial heat and heavy trucks. However, there are significant barriers to overcome in making the vision of a hydrogen economy a reality. One major challenge is gaining political and public support to build the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen production. Collaboration between industry and governments is essential for bringing about the required regulations and solutions in a timely manner. Another obstacle is the high cost of low carbon hydrogen compared to fossil fuels, making it less economically competitive. The CEO of a UK-based hydrogen technology company mentions that the current cost of hydrogen production is around $8 to $10 per kilogram. However, improvements in electrical efficiency and scaling up production can drive down costs in the future. Overall, low carbon hydrogen is seen as a crucial element for achieving global net-zero targets, and efforts should be made to overcome the barriers and ensure its widespread adoption.
Addressing the Water Supply Challenge for Green Hydrogen Production
Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis of water, has great potential as a low carbon fuel. However, one significant challenge for green hydrogen is the availability of water. The governor of the state of New Mexico discusses how their arid state faces water scarcity, making the traditional electrolysis process impractical. To address this problem, New Mexico has developed a strategic water supply plan by utilizing produced water from oil and gas operations and brackish water reserves. By repurposing these water sources, the state can provide a long-term, predictable water supply for innovators in various industries, including hydrogen production. This approach offers a sustainable solution that promotes collaborative efforts between government, private sector organizations, and innovators in advancing clean energy and transitioning to a hydrogen-based economy.
The Economics and Potential of Low Carbon Hydrogen
Low carbon hydrogen is currently more expensive compared to fossil fuels. The CEO of a hydrogen technology company explains that the production cost of hydrogen using their technology is about $8 to $10 per kilogram. However, they are focused on improving electrical efficiency to drive down costs and aim to be competitive as a standalone hydrogen producer in the next few years. Their technology allows for the in situ production of hydrogen, reducing transportation and infrastructure costs for customers. Additionally, the company's process captures carbon in solid form, producing valuable graphene that can be used to decarbonize various industries. The potential market for low carbon hydrogen is broad, as it can serve as a complementary solution for different customers and be blended into existing gas flows. While the low carbon hydrogen industry is still small, scaling up production and fostering public-private partnerships can help drive down costs and make low carbon hydrogen a viable and competitive fuel option.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Hydrogen Industry
The low carbon hydrogen industry faces challenges in terms of regulatory coherence, permitting processes, and creating a viable business case. Currently, there seems to be a standoff between hydrogen producers and users, with both sides waiting for the other to make commitments. However, the CEO of a hydrogen technology company emphasizes the importance of business cases that focus on solving customers' problems rather than just showcasing the technology itself. By providing tailored on-site solutions and blending hydrogen into existing gas flows, the company aims to break the standoff and cater to the broader market demand. Collaboration between industry and governments is crucial to create the right financial frameworks and incentives that can accelerate the adoption of low carbon hydrogen. The company sees itself playing a role in the hydrogen economy by offering an end-to-end solution that complements centralized green hydrogen production and focuses on in situ production at customer sites.
As COP28 debates the future of fossil fuels, many people think low-carbon hydrogen could replace them for some uses. But, hydrogen has plenty of problems of its own: water use, public resistance to building infrastructure and above all, its cost.
Ed Crooks talks to three leaders from politics and business, who are trying to find ways to cure these headaches.
Michelle Lujan-Grisham, Governor of New Mexico has launched an initiative to provide a strategic water supply for the industry. Mark Newman is CEO of Chemours, a company that produces a crucial technology for the electrolyzers that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen. John Hartley is CEO of Levidian, a UK-based company that can use methane to make both hydrogen, and graphene – a valuable carbon product.
They’ve all been at COP28, talking about how their solutions could help the world get off fossil fuels.
