A recent initiative at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is turning heads in the renewable energy domain through its ambitious green hydrogen research project.
Helmed by Prof. Mohammed Gondal, the venture’s primary objective is not just to fine-tune the production process, but to drastically lower costs associated with generating hydrogen from water splitting. This strategy is crucial, given the pressing need for economically viable green energy solutions in a market that continues to grapple with energy productivity and environmental sustainability challenges.
In the bid to upscale green hydrogen production, KFUPM’s project leverages solar energy, a naturally abundant resource in Saudi Arabia. The project employs portable solar panels to power water splitting, essentially isolating hydrogen from oxygen in water, a method distinctly more energy-efficient than traditional electrochemical processes. It’s noteworthy that this approach not only demands less energy, but it also sidesteps the inadvertent mixing of hydrogen and oxygen, a risk associated with conventional methods—a critical advantage both economically and environmentally.
Another pivotal aspect of the project lies in its innovative use of methanol. Historically, methanol’s oxidation eventuates in hydrogen and considerable CO2 emissions. However, KFUPM’s refined methodology selectively converts methanol into high-value chemicals minus the CO2 emissions, thus markedly elevating the process’s overall efficiency. This innovation not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances the commercial appeal of green hydrogen by refining its byproducts into marketable compounds such as formate and formic acid.
Scaling up production remains on KFUPM’s horizon as they aim to demonstrate industrial-scale viability. The project proposes interlinking multiple cells, made of locally synthesized materials, to proliferate hydrogen production. If successful, this proof-of-concept could lay the groundwork for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious vision of expanding its energy portfolio with one of the world’s largest green hydrogen plants at the future NEOM city, energized by vibrant solar and wind resources.
Stay updated on the latest in energy! Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X for real-time news and insights. Don’t miss out on exclusive interviews and webinars—subscribe to our YouTube channel today! Join our community and be part of the conversation shaping the future of energy.
