Author: Arnes Biogradlija

Mauritania’s Parliament has passed the Green Hydrogen Code Bill, tapping into the country’s rich solar and wind resources to become a leader in clean energy. Minister of Energy and Petroleum Mohamed Ould Khaled stressed the importance of green hydrogen in the country’s strategy for a sustainable energy future. Mauritania’s Energy Potential Mauritania’s renewable energy potential has been extensively studied. A March 2024 report by renewable energy firm Chariot outlines the Nour project, developed in collaboration with TotalEnergies. This ambitious project aims to generate 88 GW of renewable energy and produce up to 150,000 tons of green hydrogen annually. Background of…

Recently, the hydrogen truck startup Hyzon has been facing significant challenges. To ensure its survival in a competitive market, the company has taken the dramatic step of ceasing its production of hydrogen trucks. This may seem counterintuitive for a hydrogen truck company, but the strategy aims to preserve resources and focus on other potential growth areas. Decision to Halt Production Hyzon has opted to temporarily halt its truck manufacturing operations. The company plans to leverage this pause to reassess its strategies. This move is not just about cutting costs but also about redirecting efforts toward research and development. The competitive…

The Zhongguancun-Deutz hydrogen internal combustion engine power demonstration project was recently launched in Beijing’s Economic and Technological Development Zone. This significant project, which aims to advance hydrogen energy, is notable for being the world’s first large-scale hydrogen internal combustion engine power generation project. In July 2023, Zhongguancun Development Group signed an agreement with Germany’s Deutz, planning to complete the co-venturer’s hydrogen internal combustion engine power unit by August 2024 in Beijing. Continuous Production The project leader introduced the demonstration project’s capability to support continuous production operations. The annual electricity generation can reach up to 1 million kilowatt-hours. Additionally, each unit…

Methanol has become increasingly recognized as a viable source of hydrogen production, which is important for sustainable development. Researchers have developed an experimental setup and a simulation model using Aspen Plus, which includes an evaporator and cracker for hydrogen production. The study highlights factors such as the length and diameter of the cracker, temperature, and pressure and their effects on hydrogen production and methanol conversion. The optimal hydrogen mole fraction achieved in the experiments was 0.52, and methanol conversion was over 60% under specific conditions. However, these numbers improved significantly after the cracker was redesigned using Aspen Plus. Hydrogen as…

Denso and JERA are partnering to develop efficient hydrogen production technology using Denso’s Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC). This involves using excess heat from power plants to produce hydrogen more efficiently. They plan to start field trials at one of JERA’s thermal power plants in 2025. Denso aims to become carbon neutral by 2035. Its focus is on manufacturing, mobility products, and energy use. The company is developing stable and efficient SOEC technology in the energy sector. JERA’s vision is “JERA Zero Emissions 2050,” aiming for net-zero CO₂ emissions globally by 2050. They are also working to create a supply…

Iron ore and green energy company Fortescue has started construction on its $150 million PEM50 green hydrogen project in Gladstone, Queensland. Scheduled to begin hydrogen production in 2025, the project will unfold in two stages. The initial stage features a 30MW electrolyzer plant, and the second stage will add another 20MW of capacity, contingent on upgrades to the site’s water supply infrastructure, expected by 2028. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology underpins this project. Fortescue launched the 15,000 sqm Gladstone manufacturing base in April, slated to produce around 2 gigawatts (GW) of electrolyzers annually. However, Fortescue revised its ambitious goal of…

A startup backed by Bill Gates, Koloma, is at the forefront of a new and exciting venture: the hunt for buried hydrogen. The concept revolves around natural reservoirs of hydrogen gas that can be tapped into, like drilling for oil. This resource could provide a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Natural Hydrogen Benefits Hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, is considered one of the cleanest fuels because its only byproduct when burned is water vapor. Unlike grey hydrogen, which is produced using natural gas, green hydrogen is sourced without releasing carbon emissions. However, the challenge has always been the expensive process…

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are recognized for their zero-emission and high-efficiency capabilities, making them an eco-friendly alternative in the energy sector. However, rapid changes in power dynamics significantly influence their long-term stability and reliability. Understanding and managing how these fuel cells respond to varying power demands is essential for optimizing performance and longevity. Research Context The complex relationship between power operation states and the dynamic response of PEMFCs necessitates detailed study. Inconsistent dynamic responses under different power levels can lead to issues such as fuel starvation and voltage instability, affecting the fuel cells’ overall performance and durability. This…

Hydrogen storage in underground geological formations, such as depleted gas reservoirs, has garnered significant interest as part of the global shift towards a hydrogen economy. This research by an unspecified team of authors examines Bandera Grey sandstone’s geochemical processes in storing a gas mixture (60% hydrogen, 30% nitrogen, 5% methane, and 5% carbon dioxide). The study spans 50 days under specific conditions, focusing on the rock’s and brine’s interaction with hydrogen. Experimental Conditions and Setup The researchers chose Bandera Grey sandstone, known for its clay mineral content, to better understand its suitability for hydrogen storage. The experiment was conducted at…

Bulgaria and Greece are teaming up to explore the potential of the hydrogen market. The Greek system operator DESFA and the Bulgarian state company Bulgartransgaz EAD will assess the possibility of creating national hydrogen markets and gauge interest in such initiatives. This partnership highlights the necessity of achieving energy transition goals. This collaboration focuses on developing a stable hydrogen market that benefits market participants and contributes to broader goals, such as energy security, economic growth, and sustainability. To achieve this, Bulgarian and Greek gas transmission operators are launching a joint study to evaluate the hydrogen market in both countries. They…