Author: Oskar Pecyna
Hydrogen gas is one of the most abundant and important elements in the universe. It is present in all stars and can be found naturally on Earth. It was first discovered by Paracelsus in 1520 when he burned some metal with an acid and collected the products (Royal Chemistry Society). Several scientists replicated the process and started experimenting. In 1783, Lavoisier gave hydrogen its name.
On Earth, pure hydrogen is scarce. To obtain it in its pure form it should be produced from other compounds and since its discovery, hydrogen has been used in different industries. Let's take a deep dive into the different uses of hydrogen!
Power vehicles
Hydrogen can be used as a clean fuel in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), which produce electricity on board by combining hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. It is being explored as a potential fuel for aviation, especially for smaller aircraft, and as a blend with other aviation fuels. While the technology is still in its early stages, hydrogen has the potential to contribute to reducing emissions from air travel.
The Chevrolet Electrovan, introduced in 1966, is credited as the first road vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. After testing and showing off to journalists, the project was discontinued. The cost was a significant factor in discontinuing the project. At that time, the cost of platinum, which was a crucial component in the fuel cell, was prohibitively high. The amount of platinum required for the fuel cell was substantial, making it economically unfeasible for large-scale production. Despite the challenges faced by the Electrovan project, it laid the groundwork for further research and development in hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The Coradia iLint™ is a groundbreaking innovation in the realm of railway transportation. As the world's first passenger train powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, it represents a significant step toward sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility.
Norled’s MF Hydra, operated in Norway is the world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry. Its operation started in 2023 and has been in regular service. Recent advancements in utilizing hydrogen across various transportation modes, including trains, ships, and other vehicles, highlight its potential as a key player in the transition towards more sustainable energy sources.
Electricity generation and heating
Electricity generation and heating are essential energy-related processes used for various purposes in homes, industries, and infrastructure. Hydrogen can be burned directly for heating purposes, much like natural gas. It can be used in boilers, furnaces, and other heating systems to produce heat without emitting carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases.
The use of hydrocarbon fuels like natural gas, coal, and oil for heat generation in industries, buildings, and various processes contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions, which are a major driver of climate change. There is currently a growing consensus among scientists, policymakers, and environmental experts that shifting away from hydrocarbon fuels for heat generation is crucial to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Steel manufacturing
Traditional steelmaking involves using blast furnaces, which rely on coke (a form of carbon) to reduce iron ore into molten iron. Hydrogen can be used as a clean fuel for heating furnaces, and replacing natural gas or coal. This substitution can significantly reduce carbon emissions from the heating phase of steel production. It can also serve as a reducing agent in a process called direct reduction. In this method, hydrogen reacts with the iron ore to produce DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) without emitting carbon dioxide.
Energy storage
Hydrogen can serve as an effective energy storage medium, particularly for storing excess energy generated from intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar power. Hydrogen storage allows for the decoupling of energy generation and consumption. Surplus energy generated during periods of high renewable output can be stored as hydrogen and used later when needed, regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
Stored hydrogen can be utilized in various sectors beyond electricity generation, such as transportation, industry, and heating, contributing to overall energy system flexibility and resilience.
Food production
Hydrogen is used to turn unsaturated fats into saturated oils and fats, including margarine and butter spreads. The hydrogenation process involves exposing unsaturated fats to hydrogen gas under high pressure and temperature in the presence of a catalyst, usually nickel. This causes the addition of hydrogen atoms to the carbon-carbon double bonds present in unsaturated fatty acids, converting them into single bonds, thus making the fats more saturated.
Basically, this process transforms liquid vegetable oils into semi-solid or solid fats, giving them a higher melting point and a more solid consistency. These hydrogenated fats are often used in food products to improve texture, shelf life, and stability at room temperature.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The diverse applications of hydrogen across industries paint a promising picture of its role in shaping a sustainable future. From fueling clean transportation to serving as a pivotal energy storage solution, hydrogen's potential knows no bounds. Its presence in industrial processes, chemical synthesis, and even space exploration underscores its versatility.
As we navigate the challenges of climate change and seek innovative solutions, hydrogen emerges as a key player, offering a clean, efficient, and multifaceted resource poised to drive the shift toward a greener, low-carbon economy. With ongoing advancements and concerted efforts in technology, infrastructure, and policy support, the horizon for hydrogen appears brighter than ever, promising a world where cleaner energy and sustainability go hand in hand.
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