Innovative dihydrogen production

Summary

Hydrogen is a recognised energy carrier whose combustion reaction has the advantage of not directly emitting greenhouse gases or pollutants. However, current hydrogen production is very energy-intensive and is still mainly based on fossil fuels. In the current energy and environmental context, hydrogen can only become an essential building block in the transition if its production 'costs' (energy, environmental and economic) show considerable improvement. A great deal of research is therefore underway to mitigate the various costs mentioned above, by improving already mature processes on the one hand and developing new production processes on the other.

The aim of this work is to evaluate and compare a number of promising innovative processes (biological pathways excluded from the scope of the study). Initially, a literature review of more than fifteen processes led to the selection of four innovative processes, which are studied in detail below: anion exchange membrane electrolysis (AEME), solid oxide electrolysis (SOE), hydrothermal waste gasification (SCWG), and thermal or plasma methane pyrolysis (MP). At the same time, two benchmark technologies are analysed for comparison with innovative processes: alkaline electrolysis and catalytic methane reforming. All these processes have been analysed in depth from three angles: energy, economics and the environment.

In addition to the study report, an Excel-based tool has been developed and made available to RECORD members. It can be configured to allow input data to be modified according to the study conditions that each user considers relevant.