As the world pivots towards greener energy alternatives, hydrogen emerges as a pivotal player, pushing boundaries in public transportation, industry transparency, and global sustainability plans. Recent breakthroughs, scientific analyses, and strategic collaborations underscore hydrogen’s rapid ascent in the energy transition.
In a groundbreaking analysis, Eurac Research scientists have cast a spotlight on the efficiency of fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) and battery electric buses (BEBs) in Italy. The study delved into critical aspects such as efficiency, consumption, temperature sensitivity, distances, and cost. Results revealed that Solaris Urbino 12 FCEB model took the lead in maximum distance covered at 300 km, closely followed by Solaris Urbino 12 Electric BEB (279 km), Mercedes O530 Citaro FCEB (271 km), and Solaris Urbino 18 Electric BEB (215 km). Notably, battery electric buses showcased better tank-to-wheel (TTW) efficiency, underlining higher consumption consistency compared to their hydrogen counterparts.
Recognizing the importance of transparency and credibility in the hydrogen sector, DNV (Det Norske Veritas) has introduced a pioneering service specification, DNV-SE-0654. This framework aims to verify low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia claims, enabling producers to document compliance accurately. By providing validation based on specific attributes, DNV’s service bolsters confidence in the sector’s claims and fosters trust in the rapidly expanding hydrogen market.
Hydrogen’s potential extends beyond vehicles and reaches into broader renewable energy sectors. Worley, in collaboration with Princeton University, has charted a comprehensive 10-point action plan tailored for Europe’s renewable hydrogen industry. The adoption of this strategic roadmap could expedite delivery times by 40%, all while ensuring disciplined investment practices. The blueprint advocates for ramping up global electrolyser manufacturing capacity, offshore wind installations, and desalination capacity – a collective effort to achieve the European Union’s ambitious 10 MTPA renewable hydrogen production target by 2030.
On a global scale, Malaysia has unveiled visionary plans to establish three low-carbon hydrogen hubs within the Sarawak State by 2027. This strategic initiative involves the creation of green hydrogen production facilities, with Kuching set to host a plant by 2025 and two additional plants in Bintulu by 2027, primarily for export. With a clear objective to phase out gray hydrogen by 2050, Malaysia aims to produce up to 2.5 Mtpa of green hydrogen from renewable sources, with a targeted adoption rate of hydrogen in 5% of heavy vehicles by 2050.
Advancements in electrolyser technology continue to power the hydrogen journey. Enoah, a key player in the field, has ordered 101 AEM Electrolysers EL 4.0 from Enapter. Scheduled for delivery between the third quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, this procurement aligns with Enoah’s expertise in fuel cell and electrolysis systems for Power-to-Power applications. Meanwhile, Siemens Energy’s collaboration with Wien Energie, RheinEnergie, and Verbubnd showcases early success in hydrogen blending trials within gas turbines at Wien Energie’s Donaustadt combined heat and power plant. With up to 15% hydrogen volume added to gas turbine operation, the trial exemplifies hydrogen’s potential in enhancing operational efficiency.
The current landscape reflects hydrogen’s multifaceted influence, driving innovation across transportation, industry practices, and global sustainability goals. As breakthroughs accumulate and collaborative efforts gain momentum, hydrogen’s journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future accelerates, leaving an indelible mark on the world’s energy landscape.
