Shanghai Electric recently made a significant advancement in green hydrogen technology with its new Z-series alkaline electrolyzer.
The Z-series alkaline electrolyzer is a critical component of Shanghai Electric’s strategy to decarbonize industries such as chemicals, transportation, steelmaking, and green energy storage. Chief Engineer Wu Liang of Shanghai Bright-H Technology, a subsidiary of Shanghai Electric, highlighted the company’s goal to streamline the hydrogen production process and reduce costs across the industry. However, despite these advancements, the economic viability of green hydrogen remains a significant challenge.
Shanghai Electric has also developed a megawatt-scale PEM electrolyzer with a capacity of 200 Nm³/h. Launched in October 2023, this technology is notable for its compact, lightweight, and flexible structure, making it suitable for hydrogen refueling stations. While this represents a significant step forward, it is essential to consider how this technology compares to global standards and benchmarks.
Shanghai Electric’s integrated “production-storage-fuel-utilization” system is designed to address key links in the hydrogen energy development chain. However, the successful integration of these technologies into existing infrastructure remains a complex task. The company’s advancements in high-pressure hydrogen storage and membrane compressors for hydrogen refueling are steps in the right direction, but their scalability and efficiency will determine their long-term impact.
In June 2023, Shanghai Electric launched an alkaline electrolyzer with a capacity of 2000 Nm³/h, the largest hydrogen production plant in China at the time. This achievement places the company at the forefront of hydrogen production in the country. However, it is crucial to compare this capacity with global leaders in hydrogen technology to understand its relative significance.
Shanghai Electric’s exploration of hydrogen applications, such as green chemistry and hydrogen-blended gas turbines, demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation. The testing of a hydrogen gas turbine with a hydrogen volume fraction of over 7% at the Datang Haikou power plant is a notable achievement. Nonetheless, it is essential to evaluate how these applications perform compared to similar projects worldwide.
The Taonan integrated green methanol project is expected to produce one million tons of green methanol annually in three phases, starting with a 250,000-ton project supported by 680,000 kilowatts of renewable energy. This ambitious project highlights Shanghai Electric’s potential to contribute significantly to green hydrogen and methanol production. However, the project’s success will depend on overcoming technological and economic challenges.
Bright-H Technology’s zero-carbon demonstration project integrates renewable energy generation, PEM water electrolysis for hydrogen production, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells. This project represents a breakthrough in the commercialization of hydrogen energy technology. Yet, its long-term viability will depend on continuous innovation and the ability to scale up these technologies effectively.
