Special Focus: H2 Mobility, Transportation and Infrastructure

Pipelines are a highly cost-effective method of transportation, and existing pipeline infrastructures are being assessed for their suitability to transport H₂ around the globe, blended within natural gas transport or as pure H₂.

The current trend in the transport sector is to take a bespoke approach to developing complex H₂ systems across many different vehicle platforms, with each build designed to a specific customer brief. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

India has the advantages of an abundant supply of renewable power, growing domestic and local international markets, experienced and advanced technological capabilities, and energy infrastructure that will help to store, transport and deliver H₂ at a low cost.

In virtually any area, H₂ can be added to natural gas distribution, but this is a low-value option, both in profitability and positive environmental impact. It makes no environmental sense for gray or blue H₂ sources, but it is viable for surplus green H₂.

Sophisticated and smart hybrid power solutions bring a new dimension when considering a portfolio of different technologies for energy generation, storage or conversion. As the energy asset mix changes and evolves, hybrid power solutions represent a turning point for the energy system.

A nonlinear increase is found in balancing costs as wind/solar penetration rises. The model's prediction of balancing costs at the 70% wind/solar threshold, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA's) net-zero forecast, results in balancing costs of nearly $1,000/MWh, which are likely to be politically infeasible. 

The future of hydrogen (H₂) adoption across industry has seen some uncertainty in recent months due to several companies pausing or withdrawing from H₂ projects, primarily in Europe.

In this article, the author presents a balanced and systemic approach to H₂. The author puts forward a set of principles that will enable politicians and other key decision makers to efficiently scale H₂ production without putting an unmanageable strain on renewable energy production or financial resources.

November’s H₂Tech Tech Spotlight consists of an advanced H₂ leak detection sensor for safety in energy storage systems, an electolyzer-ready water solution, a silicon-based fuel cell and much more.