Unanswered Questions Surround Proposed Hydrogen Heating Trial in Redcar
Protesters are expressing concerns over a proposed hydrogen heating trial in Redcar, citing unanswered questions and potential safety risks. Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is planning to supply around 2,000 homes and businesses with hydrogen from 2025, but many residents are unaware that they cannot decline participation. Campaign group Friends of the Earth highlights the higher cost of hydrogen compared to natural gas for heating, with impacted residents being subsidized through a hydrogen levy. A petition has been launched, calling for a public debate and vote on the trial, involving independent experts, NGN representatives, and local councilors. NGN assures residents that an electric alternative will be provided for those who prefer not to use hydrogen.
Petrobras Explores Fertilizers and Green Hydrogen Partnership with Unigel
Petrobras and Unigel Participações are exploring potential business opportunities aligned with Petrobras’ strategic plan, including fertilizers and green hydrogen. The companies recently signed a non-binding confidentiality agreement to jointly develop projects in these areas. Unigel has engaged Citi to find a strategic partner for a green hydrogen production project in Camaçari, which requires significant investments. Petrobras aims to expand its portfolio in line with its low-carbon objectives and explore sustainable business ventures.
Schneider Electric and H2-Enterprises Partner to Advance Energy Solutions in Buildings
Digital and automation company Schneider Electric has signed an MoU with H2-Enterprises to collaborate on energy supply and management in buildings, supporting the decarbonization goals of the Middle East and Africa. The partnership will involve joint project development, pilot programs, and technology exchange. Schneider Electric will contribute its expertise in energy management and infrastructure, while H2-Enterprises will bring clean hydrogen technologies such as waste-to-hydrogen, renewables integration, and fuel cells. The MoU establishes a governance structure to ensure effective implementation, with representatives from both companies overseeing progress and fostering cooperation.
Sulzer Boosts Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Green Hydrogen Project with Pumps
In a significant move towards carbon-free transport, the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project in Saudi Arabia has awarded Swiss engineering firm Sulzer contracts to supply 50 pumps to bolster green ammonia production. Green ammonia, a product easily converted to hydrogen at refueling stations, presents immense opportunities for sustainable transportation. The process uses electrolyzed water-produced hydrogen, combined with nitrogen from the atmosphere, utilizing only wind and solar energy. The NEOM project aims to develop this technology on an industrial scale, planning a production plant capable of yielding around 220,000 tonnes of carbon-free hydrogen annually in the form of green ammonia. Sulzer’s technical expertise, cost-effectiveness, and range of design options significantly contributed to its selection as an approved supplier.
GKN Aerospace and Embraer Partner for Hydrogen Propulsion Research
GKN Aerospace and Brazilian aerospace company Embraer have announced their collaboration on the research and development of potential hydrogen propulsion systems for aircraft. Unveiled at the Paris Airshow, this partnership also includes the exploration of a hydrogen flight demonstrator. This venture aligns with Embraer’s Energia future aircraft concept program, which has been investigating different propulsion systems, including direct hydrogen combustion. With GKN’s experience in several European hydrogen propulsion projects and Embraer’s aircraft manufacturing expertise, the collaboration aims to advance the development of zero-emission flight solutions.
Green Hydrogen Market Anticipates 51.6% Annual Growth Rate
Samjong KPMG’s latest report highlights 13 potential business opportunities within the hydrogen economy value chain amid surging interest in eco-friendly energy. The firm predicts an average annual growth rate of 51.6% for the global green hydrogen market from 2021 to 2031, signaling an increased demand for water electrolysis equipment. Other areas of growth include the natural gas-based hydrogen production market, Carbon Capture Storage and Storage (CCUS), and the liquefied hydrogen plant market. The report also emphasized the need for companies to link their R&D direction to government policies to effectively leverage emerging business opportunities in the hydrogen economy.
