H₂ PRODUCTION

China's first factory-based seawater H₂ production project completed at Sinopec Qingdao Refinery

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (Sinopec) has completed China's first factory-based seawater hydrogen (H₂) production research project at its Qingdao Refinery. The project integrates direct seawater electrolysis with renewable energy-powered green H₂ production, achieving an hourly output of 20 m³ of green H₂. This innovative approach not only offers a new solution for coastal regions to utilize renewable energy for green H₂ production, but also provides an alternative pathway for the resourceful utilization of high-salinity industrial wastewater. 

The project adopts a factory-based operation model, leveraging part of the green electricity generated from Qingdao Refinery's floating photovoltaic power station. Through electrolysis, seawater is split into H₂ and oxygen, with the produced H₂ seamlessly integrated into the Qingdao Refinery's pipeline network for use in refining processes or H₂-powered vehicles. The entire production process occurs within a factory setting, ensuring efficiency and operational stability. 

Seawater H₂ production holds significant potential. By directly converting seawater into H₂, unstable and hard-to-store renewable energy can be transformed into green H₂, which is relatively easier to store and utilize. Moreover, this process conserves precious freshwater resources, offering a new pathway for the development of the H₂ energy industry. 

Despite its advantages, seawater H₂ production presents challenges. Seawater contains approximately 3% salt, and impurities, such as chloride ions, can corrode electrolytic electrodes, while cation deposits may clog equipment channels, reducing efficiency and causing damage. The Sinopec Qingdao Refinery, in collaboration with the Dalian Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals, has successfully overcome these challenges through a series of specialized equipment innovations and unique process designs, including chlorine-resistant electrode technology, high-performance electrode plate design, and a seawater circulation system, enabling a seamless integration of research and practical applications. 

Seawater H₂ production is expected to achieve large-scale industrial applications in the future. Sinopec is accelerating its efforts to become China's leading H₂ energy company by advancing the research and application of H₂ technologies across the entire industry chain. 

Sinopec has already achieved several milestones, including the successful deployment of a megawatt-scale PEM electrolyzer and the commissioning of China's first 100-kilowatt solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) project. By 2024, the company has established 136 H₂ refueling stations and built 11 H₂ fuel supply centers, underscoring its commitment to driving high-quality growth in the H₂ energy sector. 

The Korea Institute of Energy Research enables more efficient H₂ production 

Dr. Jwa Eunjin and her research team at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have achieved a significant breakthrough in clean energy technology. The team has successfully enhanced a crucial component of a bio-electrochemical cell (BEC), enabling more efficient H₂ production from microorganisms found in waste. This advancement resolves longstanding power loss challenges in conventional processes, offering a transformative pathway toward large-scale, cost-effective H₂ production. 

Biogas, a renewable gas generated during the microbial decomposition of organic waste, has emerged as a promising source for clean H₂ production. Through processes like steam reforming or pyrolysis at elevated temperatures, biogas can be converted into H₂—a key player in the global transition to carbon neutrality. However, existing production methods face critical hurdles. These processes not only emit carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a byproduct but also demand substantial energy to sustain high-temperature conditions, posing significant challenges to large-scale commercialization. 

To address these challenges, leading countries such as the U.S. and Europe are actively researching H₂ production processes using BECs. In this process, waste and electricity are supplied to the BEC, where microorganisms consume organic matter, releasing electrons and H₂ ions that combine to produce H₂ gas. 

A BEC system combines the biological metabolic activity of microorganisms with electrochemical reactions to produce energy (such as electricity, H₂ or methane) or valuable chemical substances. It is gaining attention as an eco-friendly technology capable of simultaneously treating waste and generating energy. 

Unlike traditional H₂ production methods, the BEC process offers a more sustainable and cost-efficient solution. By operating at low temperatures and emitting significantly less CO₂, BEC technology aligns with global decarbonization goals. However, scaling up the process presents a critical challenge. As system size increases, the pathways for electrochemical reaction materials become longer, resulting in higher internal resistance and increased power loss. This limitation poses a significant barrier to large-scale commercialization, highlighting the need for further technological advancements to improve system efficiency and scalability. 

To overcome the power loss issues of conventional BECs, the research team developed a proprietary improvement to the basic unit of the cell and applied it to the H₂ production process. The process utilizing the newly developed cell achieved 1.2 times greater H₂ productivity and more than 1.8 times greater electron production compared to existing bio-electrochemical H₂ production processes. 

For more information, visit: https://www.kier.re.kr/eng/

SunHydrogen completes 1-m² green H₂ panel demonstration 

SunHydrogen, a developer of technology to produce renewable H₂ using sunlight and water, has completed a demonstration of its green H₂ technology at the commercially-relevant 1 m² scale. 

Over the past year, SunHydrogen has rapidly pursued a new methodology that integrates solar cells from CTF Solar GmbH into the company’s core technology for green H₂ production, enabling faster market entry. SunHydrogen’s innovative design utilizes economical, easily manufacturable photovoltaic (PV) materials to produce clean H₂ and oxygen from just sunlight and water. 

In October 2024, SunHydrogen shared that its 100-cm² H₂ modules—manufactured in collaboration with CTF Solar—demonstrated 10.8% solar-to-H₂ efficiency at the Honda R&D facility in Japan. Since then, the company has been working steadily toward a 1-m² proof of concept demonstration. On December 11, 2024, the team successfully demonstrated H₂production in subfreezing temperatures outside the SunHydrogen laboratory in Coralville, Iowa (U.S). 

For more information, visit: https://www.sunhydrogen.com/technology

DNV pioneers certification for safer, scalable H₂ production 

DNV has released a new standard, “DNV-ST-J301 Electrolyzer systems,” embedded in DNV’s certification framework for the equipment and facilities used to produce H₂and its derivatives through water electrolysis. This standard integrates seamlessly with ISO 22734 H₂ generators using water electrolysis, which it complements to offer an unparalleled framework for safety and compliance. 

H₂ production carries specific risks requiring robust safety measures. DNV-ST-J301 addresses these challenges with a comprehensive, risk-based approach covering the entire lifecycle of electrolyzer systems. The standard consolidates all technical safety requirements into a single, clear document, simplifying compliance while providing the H₂ industry with a definitive benchmark for safe, reliable and scalable operations. Its release aligns with the recently announced EU Innovation Fund H₂ auction, in which certifications are expected to play a crucial role in project success. 

Key features of the new standard. The new standard, DNV-ST-J301, provides a comprehensive framework to address the unique risks of H₂ production through electrolyzers. It establishes detailed safety requirements for the design, construction and operation of these systems by defining proportionate actions based on risk severity to ensure both effective and cost-efficient compliance. 

DNV-ST-J301 not only focuses on the equipment itself, but further on to the integration at plant level, thereby supporting early risk reduction for projects and stakeholders, saving money for developers in the long run. 

This standard builds on insights from a joint industry project (JIP) involving 30 global partners, establishing a fully integrated standard for electrolyzer systems. It is tailored to address hazards unique to H₂ technologies and offers solutions that align with industry best practices and emerging global regulations. 

Complementary guidance and certifications. DNV’s new standard is part of a broader framework that includes service specifications, such as: 

• DNV’s verification and certification of Power-to-X equipment and Verification of Power-to-X facilities service specifications (DNV-SE-0674 and DNV-SE-0656), which offer flexible, risk-based verification and certification for Power-to-X equipment and facilities, also certifying compliance with ISO 22734 and regional regulatory frameworks globally (e.g., EU CE compliance). 
• DNV-SE-0654, designed to verify the environmental sustainability of H₂. 

In addition, DNV-RP-J302, a recommended practice for evaluating and testing electrolyzer performance, is scheduled to be released in Q1 2025, and DNV-ST-J30x, a product standard, will soon be released. These complementary documents align with the forthcoming revision of ISO 22734, reinforcing DNV’s leadership in advancing the H₂ industry. 

For more information, visit: https://www.dnv.com/energy/standards-guidelines/dnv-st-j301-electrolyser-systems/

H₂ EQUIPMENT 

LNEG releases LNEG-LCOH tool, levelized cost of H₂ calculator 

A new tool for calculating the levelized cost of H₂ has been made available through LNEG's website. This tool is available in Portuguese and English. 

The purpose of the LNEG levelized cost of H₂ (LCOH) calculator is to provide a free service for the quick estimation of costs over different components of the H₂ value chain. This tool is envisioned to provide flexibility according to the users' needs and to provide reference values ​​based on current trends. 

The beta release 01.2024 is available until January 31, 2025. LNEG invites everyone to evaluate the tool and provide comments, report bugs and make suggestions for improvement. Special attention will be given to comments received until the end of January 2025. 

LNEG is actively contributing to reducing the gap between research and the market by supporting innovation. LNEG develops high-added-value tools for public use to analyze the value chains associated with H₂ and closely monitors the exchange of ideas in this emerging area. 

For more information, visit: https://lcoh.lneg.pt/

Emerson introduces gas chromatograph for natural gas, biogas, renewable gas measurement and H₂ applications 

Emerson has released the Rosemount™ 470XA Gas Chromatograph, designed to simplify natural gas analysis in custody transfer and other process applications. 

As natural gas sources have evolved to include sustainable and renewable sources, such as landfill gas and biogas, the need to provide greater gas chromatograph flexibility has accelerated. Existing designs provide the needed capabilities, but a smaller form factor and a more cost-effective solution is needed. 

The Rosemount 470XA addresses these and other needs with an analyzer design based on the versatile and industry-proven Rosemount 770XA Gas Chromatograph, known for its robustness and wide variety of applications. This opens a wider range of use cases for a product in this segment, such as for carbon capture utilization and storage, renewable natural gas and custom applications. 

The 470XA provides the same reliable and accurate C6+ BTU/CV measurement that users have come to expect from decades of traditional Rosemont gas chromatograph technology, but now with the added benefit of being a more economical solution for a wider variety of emerging applications. 

A full-color LCD local operator interface and easy-to-use software reduce the need for specialized training by guiding operators through common operational and maintenance functions. Preinstalled Rosemount MON2020 software simplifies analyzer configuration, maintenance and data collection. 

The 470XA does not require a shelter for operation in most environments, lowering the total cost of ownership. A fully serviceable module combines all critical functional parts in one assembly, allowing for quick and easy field replacement or repair. 

For more information, visit: https://www.emerson.com/en-us/catalog/rosemount-sku-470xa-gas-chromatograph

H₂ APPLICATIONS INNOVATION 

ERDC celebrates U.S. Army’s first H₂-powered nanogrid 

In December 2024, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) unveiled a cutting-edge H₂-powered small microgrid (nanogrid) at the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. This innovative demonstration represents a team effort led by the ERDC, partnering with the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Environmental Division at the WSMR and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Atmospheric Intelligence for Hybrid Power Advancements (AIHPA). Notably, this will be the first operational nanogrid of its kind in the Army. 

A nanogrid is a small self-contained electric power system that can operate independently from the electric power grid and supply power to improve resilience to potential power outages or to areas without grid power. The nanogrid at the WSMR uses renewable H₂ fuel to replace traditional bulky, noisy diesel generators. It provides power to a surveillance camera system and meteorological weather equipment, supporting continuous, unattended operation in a remote off-grid location. The nanogrid enables this equipment to operate in the particular location where “silent watch” capabilities of H₂-powered generation are needed in a pristine environment. 

The WSMR serves as a test site for a wide range of military and civilian technologies, including missile testing, space launch operations and scientific research. It is also home to various historical and environmental sites, making it a unique and significant location for military and research activities. 

The nanogrid at the WSMR, provided by Sesame Solar of Jackson, Michigan, integrates several advanced energy technologies into a compact, mobile system housed in a Conex box. The system combines a fuel cell, electrolyzer, H₂ storage, battery energy storage, solar panels and an atmospheric water generator to create a fully self-sufficient power source. 

The Conservation Branch of the Environmental Division at the WSMR is responsible for conserving, protecting and managing the local wildlife. This nanogrid partnership provides an opportunity to learn more about wildlife use in this public part of the missile range. Particularly, the branch is interested in what they can learn about large mammals using the area. 

The surveillance system, developed by Picogrid, plays a crucial role in monitoring wildlife activity at the site. The system includes a command-and-control enclosure, camera, battery and Starlink connection. This information will be used to identify wildlife species using the area and potentially reduce human-wildlife conflicts. 

The ARL AIHPA team conducts atmospheric and energy research at the WSMR and is expanding its future vision of optimally integrated, multi-powered resources to support both tactical and disaster relief applications.  

The nanogrid is being installed within the WSMR cantonment area, an area known for its variety of wildlife, where it will operate for a year and provide valuable data and insights into the performance of this innovative energy solution. H₂T