Hydrogen Production and Logistics

Hydrogen (H2) is a gas with the highest energy content per unit of mass of any fuel on the planet while, at room conditions, it has a low energy content per unit of volume. Hydrogen is widely used in a number of industrial processes (particularly, chemical and refinery industries) and can also be used as a high-quality fuel for both automotive and stationary applications, as well as an energy carrier and an energy storage medium. Due to its high flexibility, hydrogen can be used in different energy sectors and networks, and significantly contribute the future, low-carbon energy systems. Hydrogen can be used to decarbonise the transport energy sector, to integrate high shares of variable renewable energy (VRE) sources into the energy system, and to decarbonise the industry and buildings sectors. However, hydrogen production, distribution and storage are critical processes for hydrogen to play a role in a carbon-free future. Hydrogen production from fossil fuels, i.e. coal, oil, and natural gas, is the current industrial practice, but hydrogen can also be generated via multiple renewable-based and sustainable pathways, thereby increasing the further penetration of VRE sources. Hydrogen also is an extremely versatile commodity in the production of manifold fuels, chemicals and even materials, which greatly diversifies the end application and customer value of the energy stored therein. Hydrogen storage and transportation are key enabling technologies for the advancement of its application in stationary power, portable power, industry and mobility. Storage of hydrogen as a gas typically requires high-pressure tanks (350–700 bar tank pressure) while as a liquid, it requires very low cryogenic temperatures down to below −253 °C. However, hydrogen can also be stored on the surfaces of solids or within solids, such as in metal hydrides or carbon nano-structures, which open the way to promising, safe and low-cost storage options. Finally, hydrogen can be stored in liquid (organic) carriers, such as methanol or ammonia, through combination with CO2 or nitrogen or other compounds. This offers the opportunity to combine the high volumetric energy density and the safe and easy handling of conventional liquids and chemicals.