Hydrogen can be used as a fuel in various applications and technologies, offering a versatile and clean energy option. Here are some common ways hydrogen can be used as a fuel.
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process. Hydrogen gas is fed into the fuel cell, where it combines with oxygen from the air to produce electricity, water, and heat. This electricity can power electric vehicles, provide electricity for stationary applications, or even supplement power grids. Fuel cells are highly efficient and produce zero emissions, as the only by-product is water.
Hydrogen can be used as a fuel for zero-emission vehicles, particularly in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). These vehicles use hydrogen as the fuel and convert it into electricity to power an electric motor. FCVs offer advantages such as fast refueling times and long driving ranges, similar to conventional vehicles, while emitting only water vapor as the exhaust.
Hydrogen is used as a fuel in various industrial applications. It can be combusted directly in hydrogen gas turbines to generate electricity and provide power for industrial operations. Hydrogen can also be utilised as a feedstock for industrial processes, such as the production of ammonia, methanol, and other chemicals.
Hydrogen can serve as a means of energy storage for intermittent renewable energy sources. Excess electricity generated from renewable sources, such as solar or wind power, can be used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. The hydrogen can be stored and later converted back into electricity through fuel cells or combustion when the renewable energy supply is limited.
Hydrogen can be burned in combustion engines or turbines to produce heat and electricity for heating buildings or generating electricity. This application is particularly relevant for sectors like residential and commercial heating, where hydrogen can replace natural gas, reducing carbon emissions.
Hydrogen can be utilised at utility scale power generation in different ways, depending on the specific technology employed.
Here are a few examples:
Hydrogen can be used as a fuel in gas turbines to generate electricity. Gas turbines are combustion engines that convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into mechanical energy, which is then used to drive a generator to produce electricity. Hydrogen gas turbines have high efficiency and low emissions, as the only byproduct of hydrogen combustion is water vapour. They can be used for utility-scale power generation to provide electricity to the grid.
Fuel cells can also be used at utility scale for power generation. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process. Hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell, which combines with oxygen from the air to produce electricity, water, and heat. Fuel cells have high efficiency and low emissions, making them suitable for large-scale power generation. Multiple fuel cells can be combined into a fuel cell stack to increase power output.
Power-to-gas technologies allow for the conversion of excess renewable energy into hydrogen gas. The surplus electricity generated from renewable sources like solar and wind power is used to power electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The produced hydrogen can be stored and later utilised for various purposes, including power generation. When electricity demand is high, the stored hydrogen can be converted back into electricity through fuel cells or burned in gas turbines to generate power.
Hybrid power plants combine different energy sources to generate electricity. Hydrogen can be incorporated into hybrid power plants by integrating it with renewable energy sources like solar or wind. Excess renewable electricity can be used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, which is then stored for later use. During periods of low renewable energy availability, the stored hydrogen can be used to generate electricity using fuel cells or hydrogen gas turbines, providing continuous power supply.
Hydrogen can be co-fired with natural gas in conventional power plants to reduce carbon emissions. By replacing a portion of the natural gas with hydrogen, the overall carbon footprint of the power generation can be reduced. This approach allows for the utilization of existing infrastructure while transitioning towards greener energy sources.
Clean hydrogen is a clean fuel as it produces no greenhouse gas emissions when used, and its combustion only produces water vapour. It does not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, making it an attractive option for reducing carbon emissions.
Hydrogen can be used in a wide range of applications, including transportation, power generation, heating, and industrial processes. It can power fuel cell vehicles, provide electricity and heat for residential and commercial buildings, and be used as a feedstock in various industrial sectors.
Hydrogen can facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into the energy system. By using surplus renewable electricity to produce hydrogen, excess energy can be stored and utilised during periods of low renewable energy availability. This helps to address the challenge of intermittency and variability associated with renewables.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. While it is primarily found in compounds such as water or hydrocarbons, it can be extracted through various processes, including electrolysis or reforming of natural gas.
The challenges associated with hydrogen as a fuel include the cost of production of hydrogen using renewable energy, storage and transportation infrastructure, cost-effectiveness, and ensuring safety in handling and storage.
The waste products of hydrogen energy depend on the method of its production and utilisation. Here are the common waste products associated with different aspects of hydrogen energy.
