Evonik has announced a partnership with Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies to advance the development, scale-up, and production of proprietary fixed bed catalysts for mobile applications of liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) technology.
Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies specializes in safe and efficient hydrogen transportation using liquid organic carriers. Their proprietary LOHC technology is based on benzyl toluene (BT). This innovative process chemically binds hydrogen synthesized from sustainable energy sources to LOHC-BT. The loaded hydrogen is then safely transported to its destination, where it can be released for industrial or consumer use. In mobile applications, it can be used to power propulsion units on various platforms.
This partnership between Evonik and Hydrogenious aims to revolutionize the hydrogen industry by facilitating the shift from fossil-based fuels to sustainable feedstocks. It leverages Evonik’s expertise in catalysis to develop processes that will drive the hydrogen economy’s transformation.
Mobile applications of hydrogen transportation are vital for the growth of the clean energy sector. Hydrogenious’ LOHC process using benzyl toluene offers remarkable safety and economic advantages. The hydrogen-laden thermal oil is inherently non-flammable and non-explosive, making it a secure carrier comparable to conventional fuels like diesel. Furthermore, it can be stored at ambient temperatures and pressures and has a competitive storage density. Importantly, this technology is environmentally friendly, as it allows hydrogen to be used repeatedly, reducing waste.
Dr. Caspar Paetz, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies, highlighted the flexibility and scalability of LOHC technology, emphasizing its role in accelerating the hydrogen economy’s expansion by capitalizing on existing liquid fuel infrastructure.
Evonik’s collaboration will enable the tailoring of catalysts for pilot plants and commercial units. These catalysts are expected to be available from 2026 onwards.
This partnership represents a significant step towards more efficient and sustainable hydrogen transportation and storage, with broad implications for the entire clean energy sector. By making hydrogen a safer and more versatile energy carrier, it is expected to contribute to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and transition towards cleaner energy solutions.
