Green hydrogen is set to become one of the most talked-about topics in the energy sector in 2023. Green hydrogen, also known as renewable hydrogen, is a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. It is produced by splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The resulting hydrogen can be used as fuel for vehicles, power plants, and other applications. Here are some recent advancements and challenges in the field of green hydrogen generation:
Advancements:
Here are some of the advancements we can expect to see in green hydrogen in 2023:
Increasing efficiency of electrolysis: Electrolysis is the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. In 2023, we can expect to see advancements in electrolysis technology that will make the process more efficient and cost-effective. This will reduce the cost of producing green hydrogen and make it more competitive with fossil fuel-based hydrogen.
- Scaling up of production
- Innovation in storage and transportation
- Collaboration between industries
- Government support
5 Green Hydrogen Projects Starting in 2023
Discover the five hydrogen plants that are currently under construction and expected to commence operation by the end of this year, producing clean hydrogen.
1. St. Gabriel Green Hydrogen Plant
A joint venture called Hidrogenio, created by Plug Power Inc. and Olin Corporation, will be launching a green hydrogen plant in Louisiana in 2023. This plant will have a capacity of 15 tonnes per day, and its purpose will be to supply the fuel cell market. Olin Corporation will be in charge of hydrogen production and operational support, while Plug Power will handle the marketing of hydrogen and logistical support.
The establishment of this facility will create 215 employment opportunities in 2023, followed by over 25 permanent, full-time positions in Louisiana. This particular plant is a component of Plug’s expanding collection of hydrogen plants situated across different areas like New York, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, and California. By 2025, Plug Power aims to manufacture 500 tons of liquid green hydrogen each day, thereby preventing 4.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from being released in North America.
2. Sauk Valley Green Hydrogen Plant
Invenergy is launching its initial green hydrogen project in Illinois, which will produce green hydrogen by leveraging the power generated from its nearby solar plant and using Ohmium International’s low-carbon electrolyser technology. The plant is set to begin operations in 2023 and will have an annual capacity of 52 tonnes, with a storage capacity of 400kg of hydrogen onsite. The facility will be outfitted with Ohmium’s PEM electrolyser, which can generate 6kg of hydrogen per hour.
3. Kingsland Green Hydrogen Plant
Plug Power is launching a green hydrogen plant in Camden County, Georgia, that will produce 15 tonnes of hydrogen per day. The hydrogen will be liquefied and stored before being loaded for transportation. The project is expected to create over 200 jobs during the construction phase and is set to start operations by the end of 2023.
4. Casa Grande Green Hydrogen Plant
Air Products will be the owner and operator of the green hydrogen plant in Casa Grande, Arizona, with a daily production capacity of 10 metric tons. The facility is scheduled to become operational in 2023, and the hydrogen it produces will be sold to the hydrogen mobility market in California and other areas.
The entire plant will be powered by zero-carbon renewable energy, making the production process carbon-free. Two ThyssenKrupp Nucera electrolysers will be employed at the plant to create gaseous hydrogen. Afterwards, Air Products’ specialized technology will convert this hydrogen gas into liquid hydrogen.
5. Donaldsonville Green Hydrogen Project
A 20MW alkaline water electrolysis plant is being built as part of a project at the Donaldsonville, Louisiana, manufacturing complex, with the goal of producing green hydrogen. The plant will be incorporated into existing ammonia synthesis loops and generate 20,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually.
The project, which will be managed by CF Industries, is expected to be completed by 2023, and once operational, it will be the largest of its kind in North America.
CF Industries will supply renewable energy purchased from grid-connected sources across its network to power the electrolysis process of separating water into carbon-free hydrogen and oxygen. The project is being executed in collaboration with ThyssenKrupp.
Conclusion
In conclusion, green hydrogen is set to experience significant advancements in 2023, which will drive its future growth. Increasing efficiency, scaling up of production, innovation in storage and transportation, collaboration between industries, and government support will all play a crucial role in the adoption of green hydrogen as a key component in the decarbonization of the energy sector.
