Hydrogen News from America – Nov. 2023
3 Hydrogen Stocks You’ll Regret Not Buying Soon: November 2023
November 21, 2023
Economies around the world are turning to clean energy sources in a bid to slow global warming, and that’s brought hydrogen stocks into demand. Hydrogen on its own is nothing new. Chemical companies have been producing and selling it for years. But using it as an energy source is a new concept. At present, it makes up around 0.1% of the world’s energy mix. That’s expected to surge to 10% by 2050 if we continue to push for net zero. And while 10% isn’t a massive slice of the pie, the growth between 0.1% and 10% in just over two decades opens the door for opportunity.
When it comes to hydrogen stocks to buy now, you have two strategy options. The first and more obvious choice is to go all-in on a company supporting the transition. That means companies that make and sell the technology we need to turn hydrogen into power efficiently. Ideally, you’re looking for a company that supports green hydrogen, the cleanest form there is. But other types of hydrogen, like blue and grey, also come with a fair helping of opportunity.
For those without such a strong stomach for risk, there are some diversified picks. These are companies whose bread and butter come from other businesses, but they’re still building out a hydrogen business. While the highs won’t be quite as high for these picks while green energy picks up steam, the low risk of failure is minimal.
Let’s take a look at three hydrogen stocks together, focusing on two diversified picks and one all-in alternative.
Air Products & Chemicals (APD)
On the risk spectrum, Air Products & Chemicals (NYSE:APD) probably ranks lowest on this list of hydrogen stocks. That’s because hydrogen isn’t the only weapon in this chemical company’s arsenal. In fact, it’s only a drop in the bucket at present, because the group’s backed by an enormous international industrial gas business that supplies a wide range of industries and geographies.
However, it’s working to build out its green hydrogen arm with big capital commitments to its green and low-carbon hydrogen projects. APD’s contracts tend to be relatively sticky and stretch well into the future, meaning cashflow is reliable and healthy. That means the group can continue to fund its core business without compromising future growth in hydrogen.
APD is working to create a sprawling network for hydrogen plants, with more than 100 already under its umbrella. Given that most governments are keen to push the net zero agenda forward, the group also has a fair bit of support in getting its projects online. This will be a welcome tailwind as APD continues to build itself a top-tier foundation within the hydrogen energy space.
BP (BP)
Though it may not be top of mind when it comes to hydrogen stocks, BP (NYSE:BP) is another diversified player within the space that’s worth a look. While the group is mainly known for and certainly reliant on drilling for oil, BP is working to develop its hydrogen energy arm in one of several bids to remain relevant in a low-carbon future. In fact, unlike many of its other oil and gas peers, BP has set a net zero goal for 2050. A large part of this plan involves hydrogen energy.
The group says it plans to own some 10% of the hydrogen market in its key markets. If it can make good on those plans, that would offer investors some impressive growth opportunities as the market balloons.
BP is still worlds away from realizing its hydrogen potential—its currently developing various different types of hydrogen production facilities. But these projects appear to be promising, with management saying its UK-based plants could make up 15% of the region’s 2030 hydrogen target.
Plug Power (PLUG)
It’s impossible to talk about hydrogen stocks without bringing Plug Power (NASDAQ:PLUG) into the mix. The group is a leader in fuel cell technology and operates over 180 hydrogen refueling stations across North America. It’s a leader in the process of creating an end-to-end green hydrogen business that will produce, store and deliver the fuel cell.
Without a doubt, PLUG is well on its way to success, with a great deal of expertise across the entire value chain. However, the group’s been building by way of acquisitions, leaving cash thin on the ground. Management says profits are just around the corner, but investors aren’t quite as sure, given the increasingly challenging environment.
While Plug’s journey has been a rocky one, it looks like it could be in for more turbulence ahead. But ultimately, the group looks to be in a strong position among hydrogen stocks looking to capitalize on the market. Positioned to be a major beneficiary of government support for clean energy, PLUG will be well placed to make the most growing popularity for hydrogen fuel.
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/3-hydrogen-stocks-youll-regret-not-buying-soon:-november-2023
US hydrogen tax credit rule could slip into 2024 amid debate over its design -sources
November 16, 2023
Nov 15 (Reuters) – The Biden administration could push the release of a highly anticipated rule guiding the use of clean hydrogen tax credits into next year as Treasury officials struggle to resolve disputes between environmentalists and the industry over how “green” to make the incentive, according to two sources familiar with the administration’s plans.
Treasury officials were expected to release the rules for the hydrogen production tax credit – one of the most generous in President Joe Biden’s landmark bill – by the end of the year, but internal squabbling over its design has some officials signaling to stakeholders a release as late as March.
“They are basically nowhere on resolving the disagreements,” said a source who is working with the administration on promoting hydrogen projects.
Treasury spokesperson Ashley Schapitl said: “The Treasury Department expects to release guidance on the Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit by the end of the year.”
Biden is banking that clean hydrogen will replace natural gas to fuel manufacturing plants and power plants as part of the administration’s ambitious plan to decarbonize the economy in order to fight climate change. Last month, Biden awarded $7 billion in grants to proposed “hydrogen hubs” in 16 states to jump-start the emerging industry
The issue holding up the Treasury is a question over whether to restrict the tax credits only to hydrogen producers who use new sources of clean electricity to run their plants, instead of tapping power already on the grid.
Industry – and their legislative backers – want the administration to allow projects fueled by existing energy sources, including natural gas, hydroelectricity and nuclear, to be eligible for the tax credits.
The high-stakes decision could impact billions of dollars of investments.
The White House is still hoping to get the rule out before the end of the year and could put pressure on the Treasury to make a decision, one of the sources said.
John Podesta, who has been overseeing the White House’s sprawling climate change efforts, was asked last week about the timing of the rule release.
“We’re trying mightily to ensure that we have the guidance out by the end of the year,” he said.
DOE Announces $7 Billion for America’s First Clean Hydrogen Hubs
This month, DOE announced the selection of seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs), which will receive $7 billion in funding. The selected H2Hubs span the nation and will accelerate the commercial-scale deployment of low-cost clean hydrogen. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), the H2Hubs will kickstart a national network of clean hydrogen producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure while supporting the production, storage, delivery, and end-use of clean hydrogen. The H2Hubs are a key pillar of the national clean hydrogen strategy and are aligned with the priorities of the Hydrogen Interagency Task Force, which is coordinating a whole-of-government approach to advancing clean hydrogen. These efforts include tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act and ongoing research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) to drive down the cost of clean hydrogen and achieve the Hydrogen Shot goal of lowering the cost of hydrogen to $1 per kilogram by 2031. Funding for the seven selected H2Hubs is subject to award negotiations.
Groundbreaking Hydrogen Interagency Task Force Launched to Advance Clean Hydrogen Nationwide
In August, during a special DOE webinar event to discuss plans to implement the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, Deputy National Climate Advisor Mary Frances Repko and Deputy Secretary of Energy David Turk announced the launch of the Hydrogen Interagency Task Force (HIT), a groundbreaking collaboration among U.S. federal agencies to ensure a whole-of-government approach to advancing the production and use of clean hydrogen. The HIT will leverage the strengths and capabilities of the entire U.S. government to develop technologies, implement policies, and overcome remaining barriers to the clean hydrogen economy. Interagency coordination will continue to expand, and other agencies may be added to the HIT as the clean hydrogen economy develops over time. More information about HIT activities will be available in the coming months. Stay tuned!
DOE Launches Demand-Side Initiative to Jumpstart Clean Hydrogen Economy
In July, DOE announced a notice of intent to invest up to $1 billion in a demand-side initiative to support the H2Hubs. This initiative aims to ensure that during the initial years of production, both producers and end users in the H2Hubs have the market certainty needed to unlock private investment and realize the full potential of clean hydrogen. Developing a hydrogen demand-side initiative is critical to ensuring the early commercial viability of the H2Hubs since the demand for a new energy source typically lags behind the creation of reliable supply. This new initiative will support the growth and sustainability of the H2Hubs program by providing the revenue certainty that hydrogen producers require to attract private-sector investment. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and managed by OCED with support from HFTO, the H2Hubs will help form the foundation of a national clean hydrogen network vital to reducing emissions from energy-intensive sectors, including industrial and chemical processes and heavy-duty transportation. (See also, “DOE Seeks Independent Entity to Support H2Hubs Program,” in the Funding Opportunities section below.)
DOE Invests $61 Million to Advance Manufacturing—Including in Clean Hydrogen Technologies
In September, DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy selected 31 projects led by national laboratories, industry, and academia to accelerate research, development, and demonstration efforts in domestic manufacturing. With over $61 million in federal funding, the selectees will drive innovation to advance the next-generation materials, manufacturing processes, and related energy technologies required to strengthen our national economic competitiveness and move the U.S. towards a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office is leading this funding opportunity, in collaboration with the Building Technologies Office and Office of Electricity. HFTO and the Wind Energy Technologies Office are each co-funding one project in the next-generation materials and manufacturing topic.
DOE Announces Nearly $48 Million to Advance Clean Hydrogen Technologies
In support of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, DOE in September announced $47.7 million in funding for 16 RD&D projects across 13 states to advance clean hydrogen technologies. The selected projects aim to lower technology costs, enhance hydrogen infrastructure, and improve the performance of hydrogen fuel cells—supporting DOE’s efforts to reduce costs and enable commercial-scale deployment of clean hydrogen. Together with the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, and ongoing RD&D in DOE’s Hydrogen Program, these investments will help DOE realize its Hydrogen Shot goal of reducing the cost of clean hydrogen to $1 per kilogram by 2031. Managed by HFTO, these projects will complement ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of producing clean hydrogen by focusing on several key areas in the clean hydrogen value chain, including hydrogen delivery and storage technologies, as well as affordable and durable fuel cells. Fuel cell RD&D projects will focus particularly on applications for heavy-duty trucks to reduce CO2 emissions and eliminate tailpipe emissions that are harmful to local air quality.
DOE Announces $264 Million for Basic Research in Support of Energy Earthshots™
In September, DOE’s Office of Science announced $264 million in funding for 29 projects to develop solutions for the scientific challenges underlying the Energy Earthshot Initiative. This funding will support 11 new Energy Earthshot Research Centers led by DOE national laboratories and 18 university research teams addressing one or more of the Energy Earthshots, including the Hydrogen Shot™.
DOE Awards $34 Million to Advance Fossil- and Biomass-based Clean Hydrogen
In August, DOE announced nearly $34 million for 19 industry- and university-led research projects that will advance cutting-edge technology solutions to make clean hydrogen a more available and affordable fuel for electricity generation, industrial decarbonization, and transportation. The National Energy Technology Laboratory, under the purview of DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, will manage the selected projects, which will focus on developing technologies to help produce clean hydrogen at lower cost and with less energy; exploring ways to produce hydrogen using biomass, effluent waters from oil and natural gas development and production, and other wastes; and expanding options for safe and efficient hydrogen transport and storage.
DOE Announces $8.6 Million in Small Business R&D Grants for 43 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Projects Across 16 States
In July, DOE announced $72 million in funding for small businesses to pursue scientific, clean energy, and climate research, development, and demonstration projects. This funding includes $8.6 million for 43 hydrogen and fuel cell projects across 16 states. The announcement underscores the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to advancing innovative climate solutions and strengthening America’s global scientific leadership, which are critical to achieving the president’s goal of a carbon-free grid by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Visit the link above to view a summary table with information about each of the hydrogen and fuel cell-related projects.
International Hydrogen Partnership Launches Groundbreaking H2-DEIA Platform
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, and in partnership with the Hydrogen Council, the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) announced in early October the launch of the H2-DEIA platform at the Hydrogen Americas Summit in Washington D.C.
Committed to increasing diverse representation and building a culture of inclusion and equity, H2-DEIA (pronounced “dia”) serves a global purpose—uniting governments, industry, academia, non-profit organizations, research institutes, capital investors, and the broader stakeholder community to help shape a skilled, diverse workforce for the clean hydrogen industry. Recognizing the importance of assessing workforce needs—particularly technical knowledge and capabilities unique to the field of clean hydrogen—H2-DEIA supports various initiatives to identify skill gaps; address challenges faced by underrepresented groups; and strengthen the recruitment, retention, and advancement of clean hydrogen professionals.
DOE Congratulates IPHE on Its 20-Year Anniversary
In early October, DOE congratulated the IPHE as it celebrated 20 years of international collaboration and coordination on clean hydrogen. Founded in 2003, IPHE is an independent entity that functions as a direct government-to-government partnership to facilitate and accelerate the transition to clean and efficient energy and mobility systems using hydrogen and fuel cell technologies across applications and sectors. IPHE is composed of 24 members from six continents and serves as a general coordinating mechanism for government officials at the senior working level. IPHE’s members coordinate to inform stakeholders and the public about the benefits of and challenges to expanding the deployment of commercial clean hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the global economy.
Funding Opportunities
DOE Seeks Independent Entity to Support H2Hubs Program
To support the H2Hubs program, DOE released a Request for Proposal in September seeking an independent, not-for-profit U.S. entity with world-class market and financial expertise to execute DOE-designed measures to de-risk clean hydrogen through demand certainty. The entity will work directly with the H2Hubs awardees and incorporate their input to structure the program and ensure regional differences and needs are accounted for. Responses are due by October 26, 2023.
DOE Announces $19 Million to Advance Hydrogen Technology to Convert Waste into Clean Energy
In September, DOE announced up to $19 million in funding for research that will focus on using hydrogen systems to convert various waste materials—such as biomass, plastics, common household garbage, and other wastes—into clean energy. This funding opportunity solicits applications in three areas of interest: (1) advancing viable gasification energy systems that convert varied waste feedstock materials such as coal waste, biomass, waste plastics, municipal solid waste, and industrial waste into clean energy; (2) improving the performance of gasification-based systems that use waste feedstock materials through wireless sensing technology; and (3) developing components that advance monitoring, detection, and security for hydrogen-based systems that utilize carbon capture. Responses are due by November 14, 2023.
Hydrogen Detected in Lunar Samples, Points to Resource Availability for Space Exploration
21 November 2023
From Susan Guth, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Corporate Communications
WASHINGTON – U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) researchers have discovered solar-wind hydrogen in lunar samples, which indicates that water on the surface of the Moon may provide a vital resource for future lunar bases and longer-range space exploration.
Space-based resource identification is a key factor in planning for civilian- and government-led space exploration.
“Hydrogen has the potential to be a resource that can be used directly on the lunar surface when there are more regular or permanent installations there,” said Dr. Katherine D. Burgess, geologist in NRL’s Materials Science and Technology Division. “Locating resources and understanding how to collect them prior to getting to the Moon is going to be incredibly valuable for space exploration.”
The Apollo lunar soil samples were provided by a NASA-funded research mission to NRL scientists for investigation and testing. The research team, led by scientists in NRL’s Materials Science and Technology Division, continues to study lunar surface and asteroidal samples to gain understanding of how surfaces interact with the space environment, which is known as space weathering. Previous testing from additional Apollo samples confirmed location of solar wind helium in lunar soil grains.
“This is the first-time scientists have demonstrated detection of hydrogen-bearing species within vesicles in lunar samples,” said Dr. Burgess. “Previously, the same team at NRL used state-of-the-art techniques such as scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy to detect helium in lunar samples, and other researchers have found water in other planetary samples, but this is the first publication to show hydrogen in-situ in lunar samples.”
The research article was published to the “Communications Earth & Environment” journal on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL is located in Washington, D.C., with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, Key West, Florida, and Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.
https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3595876/hydrogen-detected-in-lunar-samples-points-to-resource-availability-for-space-ex/
Low-emission hydrogen production can grow massively by 2030 but cost challenges are hampering deployment
The number of announced projects for low-emission hydrogen production is rapidly expanding. Annual production of low-emission hydrogen could reach 38 Mt in 2030, if all announced projects are realised, although 17 Mt come from projects at early stages of development. The potential production by 2030 from announced projects to date is 50% larger than it was at the time of the release of the IEA’s Global Hydrogen Review 2022. Only 4% of this potential production has at least taken a final investment decision (FID), a doubling since last year in absolute terms (reaching nearly 2 Mt). Of the total, 27 Mt are based on electrolysis and low-emission electricity and 10 Mt on fossil fuels with carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
After a slow start, China has taken the lead on electrolyser deployment. In 2020, China accounted for less than 10% of global electrolyser capacity installed for dedicated hydrogen production, concentrated in small demonstration projects. In 2022, installed capacity in China grew to more than 200 MW, representing 30% of global capacity, including the world’s largest electrolysis project (150 MW). By the end of 2023, China’s installed electrolyser capacity is expected to reach 1.2 GW – 50% of global capacity – with another new world record-size electrolysis project (260 MW), which started operation this year. China is poised to further cement its leading position in electrolyser deployment: the country accounts for more than 40% of the electrolysis projects that have reached FID globally.
Equipment and financial costs are increasing, putting projects at risk and reducing the impact of government support for deployment. Inflation is increasing capital and financial costs, threatening the bankability of projects across the entire hydrogen value chain, which are highly capital intensive. For hydrogen produced from renewable electricity, for example, an increase of 3 percentage points in the cost of capital could raise total project cost by nearly one-third. Several projects have revised their initial cost estimates upwards by up to 50%. Inflationary pressures have coincided with a recent fall in natural gas prices, particularly in Europe, and with supply chain disruptions that affected project timelines. This means that announced government funding will support a smaller number of projects than could be expected previously, as greater investment is needed to close the cost gap between low-emission hydrogen and unabated fossil fuels-based hydrogen.
Governments have started to make funding available to support the first large-scale projects, but slow implementation of support schemes is delaying investment decisions. North America and Europe have taken the lead in implementing initiatives to encourage low-emission hydrogen production. Large amounts of government funding are being made available through schemes such as the US Hydrogen Production Tax Credit, the EU Important Projects of Common European Interest and the UK Low Carbon Hydrogen Business Model. However, the lengthy time lags between the announcement of the schemes and the moment at which funds are made available to project developers is delaying project execution, and even putting projects at risk. This has been aggravated by the lack of clarity about regulation, which has only very recently been resolved in some jurisdictions.
Electrolyser manufacturers have announced ambitious expansion plans. Manufacturers have announced that around 14 GW of manufacturing capacity are available today, half of which is in China. Electrolyser production in 2022 is estimated to be just over 1 GW. Manufacturers have announced plans for further expansion, aiming to reach 155 GW/year of manufacturing capacity by 2030, but only 8% of this capacity has at least reached FID. Realising manufacturers’ ambitious plans will depend on solid demand for electrolysers, which today is highly uncertain. Such uncertainty is already resulting in delays to these expansion plans, some of which are being put on hold.
Efforts to stimulate low-emission hydrogen demand are lagging behind what is needed to meet climate ambitions
Hydrogen demand reached a historical high in 2022, but it remains concentrated in traditional applications. Global hydrogen use reached 95 Mt in 2022, a nearly 3% increase year-on-year, with strong growth in all major consuming regions except Europe, which suffered a hit to industrial activity due to the sharp increase in natural gas prices. This global growth does not reflect a success of policy efforts to expand the use of hydrogen, but rather is linked to general global energy trends. Demand remains concentrated in industry and refining, with less than 0.1% coming from new applications in heavy industry, transport or power generation. Low-emission hydrogen is being taken up very slowly in existing applications, accounting for just 0.7% of total hydrogen demand, implying that hydrogen production and use in 2022 was linked to more than 900 Mt of CO2 emissions. Prospects are better in industry, particularly for ammonia production, with refining lagging behind.
Measures to stimulate low-emission hydrogen use have only recently started to attract policy attention and are still not sufficient to meet climate ambitions. Government action has been focused on supporting low-emission hydrogen production, with less attention to the demand side. The sum of all government targets for low-emission hydrogen production accounts for 27-35 Mt today, but targets for creating demand account for just 14 Mt, less than half of which is focused on existing hydrogen uses. Even if these targets are met, they represent only one-fifth of the low-emission hydrogen use in the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE Scenario) by 2030. Without robust demand, producers of low-emission hydrogen will not secure sufficient off-takers to underpin large-scale investments, jeopardising the viability of the entire low-emission hydrogen industry.
The private sector has started moving to adopt low-emission hydrogen through off-take agreements, but efforts remain at very small scale. Companies have signed off-take agreements for up to 2 Mt of low-emission hydrogen, although more than half are preliminary agreements with non-binding conditions. Some companies are developing projects for an additional 3 Mt of low-emission hydrogen production for their own use, without the need for off-take agreements. But even with the addition of these quantities, low-emission hydrogen use is still far from what is needed to meet climate goals.
International co-operation initiatives can help to aggregate demand for low-emission hydrogen, but demand signals from these initiatives are unclear. Governments and companies have launched a series of co-operation initiatives to foster deployment of low-emission technologies, including hydrogen. Based on the commitments made by these initiatives, they could create 0.8-3 Mt of low-emission hydrogen demand by 2030. However, the real impact of their pledges remains to be seen. These initiatives predominantly target new applications of hydrogen, and there is no dedicated coalition targeting the chemical and refining sectors, which are better placed to adopt low-emission hydrogen at scale in the short term.
Scaling up low-emission hydrogen use is also key to enabling the nascent hydrogen trade. International trade of hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels is expected to be an important feature of a net zero future. In the NZE Scenario, more than 20% of demand for merchant hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels is internationally traded by 2030. Based on announced export-oriented projects, 16 Mt of hydrogen equivalent could be exported all around the world by 2030, but only three projects have reached FID. The realisation of these announced trade projects will depend on securing off-takers for the long run, as well as the implementation of certification schemes and deployment of the necessary infrastructure. Progress on infrastructure is moving slowly. There have been announcements for around 50 terminals and port infrastructure for hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels, and for up to 5 TWh of underground storage capacity aiming to be operative by 2030, but none of them has reached FID. Infrastructure projects typically have very long lead times, so it is critical to start developing them now to have a chance of them being available by 2030.
Transforming momentum around hydrogen into deployment remains a struggle
Political momentum behind low-emission hydrogen remains strong but deployment is not taking off. A total of 41 governments now have a hydrogen strategy in place and some of the early movers are updating their original strategies, raising ambitions. There is consensus that low-emission hydrogen is a key opportunity for decarbonising sectors where emissions are hard to abate. The energy crisis arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also turned a spotlight on the role that low-emission hydrogen can play in enhancing energy security. In addition, several major economies have recently adopted new industrial strategies, in which hydrogen technologies play a key part. Government policies and private sector plans are translating into an expanding flow of capital into the low-emission hydrogen sector. However, despite this momentum, low-emission hydrogen still accounts for less than 1% of global hydrogen production and use, and will need to grow more than 100-fold by 2030 to get in line with the NZE Scenario.
Regulation and certification remain key barriers to adoption, but strong international co-operation can be crucial to finding solutions. Several countries have started putting in place regulations on hydrogen’s environmental attributes and developing associated certification schemes. These have some commonalities, but also significant divergences, which may lead to market fragmentation. Intergovernmental forums like the G7 and the G20 have recognised this risk and committed to work towards mutual recognition of certificates, which can facilitate market and regulatory interoperability. Referring to the emissions intensity of hydrogen production in regulation and certification – based on agreed methodology – can enable mutual recognition.1
Governments need stronger policy action on multiple fronts to tap into the opportunity that low-emission hydrogen offers. Low-emission hydrogen can be an opportunity for countries to boost their economies for the future by creating industries along the supply chains of hydrogen technologies. In the Stated Policies Scenario, the market size of the low-emission hydrogen sector rises from USD 1.4 billion today to USD 12 billion by 2030, equivalent to the spending on offshore wind in Europe in 2022. Increasing ambitions in line with the NZE Scenario could expand the market size up to USD 112 billion, roughly the size of the market for rooftop solar PV installations in the Asia Pacific region in 2022. However, there are challenges around the expansion of technology manufacturing, as well as for creating demand and securing off-takers for low-emission hydrogen production. These challenges are to be expected in a sector that needs to build up complex value chains, but have been exacerbated by inflation, the fall in fossil fuel prices and sluggish policy implementation. Overcoming these challenges requires governments to act across the whole value chain, or progress will be disjointed and lead to cancellations and setbacks.
Transforming momentum around hydrogen into deployment remains a struggle
Political momentum behind low-emission hydrogen remains strong but deployment is not taking off. A total of 41 governments now have a hydrogen strategy in place and some of the early movers are updating their original strategies, raising ambitions. There is consensus that low-emission hydrogen is a key opportunity for decarbonising sectors where emissions are hard to abate. The energy crisis arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also turned a spotlight on the role that low-emission hydrogen can play in enhancing energy security. In addition, several major economies have recently adopted new industrial strategies, in which hydrogen technologies play a key part. Government policies and private sector plans are translating into an expanding flow of capital into the low-emission hydrogen sector. However, despite this momentum, low-emission hydrogen still accounts for less than 1% of global hydrogen production and use, and will need to grow more than 100-fold by 2030 to get in line with the NZE Scenario.
Regulation and certification remain key barriers to adoption, but strong international co-operation can be crucial to finding solutions. Several countries have started putting in place regulations on hydrogen’s environmental attributes and developing associated certification schemes. These have some commonalities, but also significant divergences, which may lead to market fragmentation. Intergovernmental forums like the G7 and the G20 have recognised this risk and committed to work towards mutual recognition of certificates, which can facilitate market and regulatory interoperability. Referring to the emissions intensity of hydrogen production in regulation and certification – based on agreed methodology – can enable mutual recognition.1
Governments need stronger policy action on multiple fronts to tap into the opportunity that low-emission hydrogen offers. Low-emission hydrogen can be an opportunity for countries to boost their economies for the future by creating industries along the supply chains of hydrogen technologies. In the Stated Policies Scenario, the market size of the low-emission hydrogen sector rises from USD 1.4 billion today to USD 12 billion by 2030, equivalent to the spending on offshore wind in Europe in 2022. Increasing ambitions in line with the NZE Scenario could expand the market size up to USD 112 billion, roughly the size of the market for rooftop solar PV installations in the Asia Pacific region in 2022. However, there are challenges around the expansion of technology manufacturing, as well as for creating demand and securing off-takers for low-emission hydrogen production. These challenges are to be expected in a sector that needs to build up complex value chains, but have been exacerbated by inflation, the fall in fossil fuel prices and sluggish policy implementation. Overcoming these challenges requires governments to act across the whole value chain, or progress will be disjointed and lead to cancellations and setbacks.
Recommendations
Urgently implement support schemes for low-emission hydrogen production and use
Governments have announced numerous programmes to support first movers, but in most cases, these programmes are not yet implemented, or the funds have not yet been made available. This is hindering investment decisions for planned projects whose economic feasibility depends on public support, a situation that has worsened due to the impacts of inflation. Governments need to urgently implement these programmes and make funding available to enable a scale-up compatible with their decarbonisation ambitions.
Take bolder action to stimulate demand creation for low-emission hydrogen, particularly in existing hydrogen uses
Governments must take the lead and implement policies that encourage action in the private sector, combining support measures with regulations (such as quotas or mandates) to require the adoption of low-emission hydrogen in existing applications. These measures can be complemented with technology-neutral regulations in priority sectors where alternative mitigation options exist (such as steel, shipping, aviation, and long-distance road transport), and with public procurement for low-emission and near-zero emission materials and products. Co-ordinated action is needed to unlock the necessary level of demand while facilitating a level playing field, avoiding industry relocation and carbon leakage. The private sector can also contribute by establishing an international co-operation initiative focused on demand aggregation in chemicals or refining, which are best suited to scale up demand in the short term.
Foster international co-operation to accelerate solutions for hydrogen certification and mutual recognition of certificates
Governments should keep moving forward with the implementation of clear regulations and associated certification schemes for hydrogen’s environmental attributes. International co-operation needs to be reinforced to prevent lack of alignment between these efforts, which could lead to market fragmentation. Full harmonisation seems impossible in the near term, but governments should work together to enable mutual recognition of certificates, which would allow a certain level of market interoperability. Referring to the emissions intensity of hydrogen production in regulations and certifications, based on a common methodology for determining the emissions, in line with the recommendations of the IEA’s report for the 2023 G7 Climate, Energy and Environment Ministerial meeting, Towards hydrogen definitions based on their emissions intensity, can facilitate the mutual recognition of certificates.
Quickly address regulatory barriers, particularly for project licensing and permitting
The presence of a clear and stable regulatory framework must be balanced with a dynamic approach, calibrated to regular market monitoring, trying to make regulatory principles workable to not discourage investments. Governments should work to make licensing and permitting processes as efficient as possible and to improve co-ordination among different authorities involved in the process, to minimise their significant impact on project lead times, particularly for certain infrastructure developments, such as new pipelines, underground storage and import/export terminals.
Support project developers to maintain momentum during the inflationary period and to extend regional reach
Governments can take action with interventions that respond to near-term financial risks including loan guarantees, export credit facilities or public equity investment in projects, to help project developers that are struggling with increases in costs for equipment and capital. In addition, advanced economies need to raise concessional finance – beyond their recent commitments – and boost co-operation to facilitate the development of first-of-a-kind projects in emerging markets and developing economies, including through rapid standardisation of contract templates to overcome the unfamiliarity of parties with this new sector.
References
- See the report Towards hydrogen definitions based on their emissions intensity for more analysis on how emissions intensity can facilitate mutual recognition of certificates.
https://www.iea.org/reports/global-hydrogen-review-2023/executive-summary
Fortescue takes final investment decision on first two hydrogen production projects worth a combined $700m
Board approves total of three schemes including Phoenix Green Hydrogen hub an a 50MW electrolyser in Gladstone Australia
21 November 2023
‘Fortescue Future Industries’ to disappear as Forrest unites hydrogen and metals businesses under same brand name
20 July 2023 11:00 GMT
21 November 2023 9:30 GMT UPDATED 21 November 2023 10:09 GMT
By Polly Martin
Fortescue has taken a final investment decision (FID) on its first two hydrogen projects: Phoenix Hydrogen Hub in the US and a 50MW electrolyser project in Gladstone.
The Australian mining and energy company has also approved a small green iron project in Pilbara that will use an existing supply of renewable hydrogen.
Fortescue will spend $550m on developing the 80MW Phoenix Hydrogen Hub, a liquid green hydrogen production plant in the US state of Arizona capable of producing 11,000 tonnes of H2 a year.
This includes the $24m Fortescue spent to buy the project at an early stage, along with yet-undeveloped land, this summer from US zero-emissions truck company Nikola, which was in the midst of streamlining its business to focus solely on getting its vehicles to market.
Despite the name, the Phoenix Hydrogen Hub is not a part of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs programme.
The Australian company disclosed that the project — which is due to start up mid-2026 — has already procured 80MW of alkaline electrolyser capacity, although a supplier has not yet been named.
The facility will also procure power via the Arizona Public Service, supplied “from new sources of wind and solar generation under its regulated extra high load factor tariff, together with green attributes under its Green Power Partners program”, with a 69kV connection to the grid currently underway.
“The Phoenix Hydrogen Hub establishes Fortescue in one of the most attractive energy markets in the world, facilitated by the Inflation Reduction Act,” said the company’s energy CEO Mark Hutchinson, referring to generous incentives for clean hydrogen, such as an up-to-$3/kg production tax credit, signed into law last year.
However, guidance for actually claiming the federal tax credit is unlikely to be published before the end of the year, although many expect similar rules on additionality (ie requiring new sources of renewable power) to access the top rate as have been legislated in Europe.
Some states, such as Illinois and Colorado, have unveiled their own clean hydrogen end-use tax credits, while the governor’s office of California had in August announced it would produce an H2 market development strategy building on existing zero-emission vehicle incentives.
“The proximity to California, a primary heavy haulage trucking route and the most progressive US state to adopt and incentivise clean hydrogen, primes Fortescue well to deliver value into the US domestic market,” Hutchinson said.
Meanwhile, Fortescue will also spend $150m on a two-stage 50MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser project in Gladstone — for which it will make the equipment in-house at its 2GW factory, which the plant will be co-located with.
The first stage will see 30MW of capacity installed, to start up in mid-2025, with the next 20MW commissioned by 2028. This is because although the Gladstone Area Water Board has committed enough water to support the first phase, extra infrastructure upgrades would be needed to supply sufficient volumes for the second.
Once fully developed, the Gladstone PEM50 project will produce 8,000 tonnes of H2 a year.
Like the Phoenix Hydrogen Hub, this facility will use renewable electricity bought off the grid. “It is anticipated that power will initially be purchased from the spot market, and flexible operations will be employed to manage pricing,” Fortescue noted in its announcement.
The Australian firm has also not disclosed whether any long-term offtake agreements for either project have already been signed.
Fortescue has also listed the next three projects it will fast-track for FID: its proposed green hydrogen and ammonia complex in Pecem, Brazil; a 300MW renewable NH3 project in Holmaneset, Norway (for which a conditional PPA has already been signed); and an up-to-300MW “steam-to-fertiliser” plant in Kenya, with the Kenyan government already put forward as a proposed offtaker.
Meanwhile, although it is progressing its second Australian project in Gibson Island through front-end engineering design, the mining and energy company admits that the facility faces “structurally high green electricity costs” at present.
The Fortescue board has also approved $50m on a green iron project near its Christmas Creek mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, which will process magnetite and hematite ores using hydrogen and renewable electricity.
This facility, which will draw on existing H2 production from a pilot 1.4MW electrolyser sited near the mine, will produce more than 1,500 tonnes of green iron a year, with start-up in 2025.
Dominion adds Enervenue’s metal-hydrogen tech to long-duration energy storage pilot roster
November 20, 2023
Dominion Energy will pilot the deployment of a novel metal-hydrogen battery, making it the latest new non-lithium technology the US utility is trying out.
The company will deploy the tech, from startup Enervenue, at a community event space on campus at Virginia State University (VSU), its local subsidiary Dominion Energy Virginia said last Thursday (16 November).
Enervenue’s storage technology is based on nickel and hydrogen, with design based on a technology in use by NASA and others for outer space power applications. Crucially, Enervenue believes it has struck upon a cheaper version of the tech, made with abundant materials and capable of performing around 30,000 cycles of charging and discharging before it needs replacing.
That makes it roughly between three and five times more durable than lithium-ion battery technology, and Enervenue also claims its nickel-hydrogen battery is much more fire-safe too. The company, led by CEO Jorg Heinemann, a former executive at solar company SunPower and flow battery maker Primus Power, is building a factory complex in Kentucky and has claimed it has multiple gigawatt-hours of already-booked customer orders for deliveries beginning in 2025.
To this pipeline it adds a relatively modest 1.5MW at the installation for Dominion Energy Virginia at VSU. Storage capacity numbers were not provided in a Dominion release. However, the utility did say Enervenue’s tech will provide VSU’s Multi-Purpose Center (MPC) with backup power, and emphasised the nickel-hydrogen battery’s touted capability of providing 10-hours discharge duration.
Virginia’s energy storage target and Dominion’s role
According to Dominion Energy, the metal-hydrogen pilot project was proposed to the regulatory Virginia State Corporation Commission back in September, when the utility also proposed pilots for two other novel non-lithium technologies.
Those other two are the zinc hybrid cathode batteries made by Eos Energy Enterprises and Form Energy’s iron-air batteries, as reported by Energy-Storage.news back when the proposals were filed with the regulator. For some reason, news of Enervenue’s technology being involved alongside its two long-duration energy storage (LDES) peers was not widely publicised at the time.
Eos’ technology is designed for applications requiring up to around 12 hours of storage duration, and is already available for commercial deployment, whereas Form Energy’s tech – based around the rusting and de-rusting of iron – is designed for ‘multi-day’ storage of up to 100 hours and is at an earlier stage of commercialisation, with the first pilots with utilities due to begin next year [check].
While the Eos and Form pilots are due to go into operation in late 2026, if approved, the Enervenue pilot will be commissioned and go into service the following year.
As a State, Virginia has one of the US’ more ambitious energy storage policy targets, aiming to deploy 3.1GW of storage on the grid by 2035.
Dominion Energy is the biggest investor-owned utility (IOU) operating within the state and has been tasked with procuring the lion’s share of that targeted amount, 2,700MW, while other utilities will contribute smaller portions.
The utility is beginning that journey with its series of pilot projects, designed to test out different technologies, durations and applications of energy storage.
Dominion completed its first lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery energy storage system (BESS) pilots in August 2022. In August of this year, it broke ground on a large-scale solar-plus-storage project at Virginia’s Dulles International Airport, featuring 100MW of solar PV and 50MW of BESS technology, alongside electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the nickel-hydrogen battery system from Enervenue will also serve as a teaching tool for VSU students at its College of Engineering and Technology.
“These projects could be game changers for how we store energy and deliver it to our customers. With longer-duration batteries, we can store energy from renewables for longer periods of time so it’s available when our customers need it the most. We’re thrilled to partner with Virginia State University on this cutting-edge project,” Dominion Energy Virginia president Ed Baine said.
Beyond the H2ype: why the World Bank should be cautious on green hydrogen
It is time for cautious and well-governed advances in green hydrogen financing from the World Bank and other multilateral funders, not profligate acceleration based on unfounded hype.
November 20, 2023
Green hydrogen is being promoted as a fuel that will turn our industry, transport and electricity green. Several Latin American, African and Asian countries have been identified as potential low-cost producers of this burgeoning export commodity and its derivatives such as ammonia. In December, COP28 president Sultan Al Jaber will ask governments to support a target to double hydrogen production by 2030.
The World Bank is a cheerleader for green hydrogen, responding to market predictions of huge expansions and claiming that hydrogen will account for 10% of total energy consumption by 2050. The World Bank Hydrogen for Development (H4D) Partnership is helping to catalyse financing for investments in countries such as Chile, South Africa, Namibia and India to produce cheap hydrogen for the world market – but green hydrogen seems just a little too good to be true.
There are four reasons for the World Bank and other multilateral banks to be cautious and considered in their green hydrogen strategies.
First, green hydrogen exports are a distraction from delivering national energy transitions and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of universal energy access. With World Bank funding, Chile is gearing up to use vast quantities of renewable electricity to produce and export green hydrogen. However, while 54% of Chile’s electricity generation is already renewable, its total national energy consumption, including transport and industry, is still 70% reliant on fossil fuels. Would the money not be better spent on Chile’s own renewable energy ambitions? Similarly, Namibia’s renewable electricity has been earmarked for green hydrogen exports to Europe, with multilateral banks looking to provide finance, but in Namibia, 45% of the population have no access to electricity at all.
Second, green hydrogen production could damage local communities and nature in many countries. There is an assumption that many developing countries have vast quantities of land to site the large renewable generation capacity needed to produce green hydrogen. However, in many cases this could lead to the displacement of local communities whose land is being designated for solar or wind farms to power hydrogen production. Additionally, a significant quantity of fresh water is consumed by electrolysis to produce hydrogen, which may compete with local water needs. In areas where freshwater is scarce, large desalination plants could be needed, with a huge potential impact on coastal ecosystems when salt brine is returned to the sea.
By 2030, Chile plans to be the world’s leading producer of green hydrogen, with massive developments foreseen in the Antofagasta and Magallanes, both ecologically sensitive regions with traditional populations. A World Bank study categorised hydrogen projects in Chile as having substantial environmental and social risks. Despite these concerns, the Chilean Government has signed an agreement with the World Bank to access a credit line of up to $350m (310.51bn pesos) for green hydrogen development.
Third, a lot of the current market predictions are based on highly speculative assumptions and uncertain technological innovations. There is an assumption that investment now will bring down the cost of green hydrogen production to levels competitive with traditional ‘grey’ hydrogen (made from natural gas) over the next decade, and that the developing world will export ‘cheap’ hydrogen and ammonia.
However, IRENA predicts that by 2050 three quarters of green hydrogen will be domestically produced and consumed, and only a quarter will be exported, mostly by pipeline. The EU has regulations in place aiming for green hydrogen to displace about one-third of grey hydrogen in industry by 2030. There is a good chance this increase in demand can largely be met with domestic supply from countries such as Finland and Spain. In the US, the Inflation Reduction Act plans to use tax credits to advance domestic production of clean hydrogen.
The International Energy Agency says that the contribution of hydrogen to net zero in the coming decades will be significantly lower than the contribution of renewable power, direct electrification and behavioural change. Hydrogen is not efficient or cost effective for many proposed applications such as cars or home heating, while other applications – such as in aviation or shipping – are still at the research and development or pilot stage. There are technical uncertainties that will limit hydrogen consumption this decade.
When considering any green hydrogen investment in the Global South, the World Bank and other multilateral banks need to consider the risk of stranded assets and public debt if there is no guaranteed offtaker, or if the cost of green hydrogen production and transport is not as cheap as market enthusiasts anticipate.
Fourth and finally, the loudest promoter of hydrogen is the fossil fuel industry and countries with vested interests in keeping their fossil fuel infrastructure active. Exxonmobil, Shell and BP have spent millions of dollars in recent years lobbying for pro-hydrogen legislation in the EU and US.
Japan is an active promoter of using ammonia derived from low-carbon hydrogen to co-fire up to 20% in coal power plants. The Asian International Infrastructure Bank is funding the construction of the Unique Meghnaghat gas plant in Bangladesh, saying it is aligned with the Paris Agreement because it is “hydrogen ready”, but without clarity on when, how or at what cost the transition to hydrogen might happen.
Without a doubt, green hydrogen has a role in the global energy transition, and markets will emerge for some industrial applications and potentially for some heavy transport. Where there is good evidence for green hydrogen making a real difference it should be supported, while ensuring it meets high environmental, human rights and social standards.
Instead of promoting a profligate expansion of green hydrogen based on market speculation, the World Bank should first focus its public finance on helping countries meet their own energy needs, through national and local renewable energy transitions.
New partnership to help boost production and supply of green hydrogen across entire value chain
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirate, 5 May 2023 – The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has signed a partnership agreement with thyssenkrupp aimed at advancing the green transformation in pursuit of global development and Paris Agreement goals.
Under the agreement, both organisations will work together and share knowledge on the large-scale production and supply of green hydrogen and other green energy carriers and their transport – along the entire hydrogen value chain in demand, supply and infrastructure. The agreement has been signed by IRENA’s General-Director Francesco La Camera and thyssenkrupp Chief Executive Officer Martina Merz in a virtual ceremony today.
IRENA’s Director-General Francesco La Camera said: “Renewables-based hydrogen is a critical pillar to decarbonise our economies, meet climate goals and secure energy supplies. Today’s agreement between IRENA and thyssenkrupp will significantly increase knowledge exchange and enable technological solutions to accelerate the production, delivery and use of green hydrogen.”
Martina Merz, CEO thyssenkrupp said: “We at thyssenkrupp want to make a significant and fast contribution to global decarbonization. That’s why we are very pleased to start working with IRENA to speed up the green transformation worldwide. Such partnerships are essential to make the green transformation a success. Because the green transformation is the greatest challenge of our time – more of a disruption than just a transformation. And the tasks can only succeed in a global alliance.”
The scope of the collaboration includes identifying green hydrogen applications based on different industries and potential domestic hydrogen demand and developing the business case for green hydrogen as a major contributor to deep decarbonization.
With a focus on driving green solutions further, both sides will also engage with a broad range of stakeholders within IRENA’s Collaborative Framework on Green Hydrogen, Coalition for Action and the Alliance for Industry Decarbonization.
Hyundai Motor Premieres Commercialized Model of Its XCIENT Fuel Cell Tractor and Vision for Hydrogen Mobility in US
May 03, 2023
- Hyundai Motor debuts the commercialized model of its class 8 fuel cell electric tractor and shares its vision for a hydrogen mobility value chain in the U.S.
- At its press conference, Hyundai Motor introduces its advanced fuel cell technologies and strategy for fostering a hydrogen ecosystem and achieving carbon neutrality
- The company to leverage local partnerships to establish a hydrogen commercial vehicle (CV) value chain and provides a preview of a clean logistics project for Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) dedicated electric vehicle factory
- XCIENT Fuel Cell’s premiere in the U.S. follows successful deployment in global markets and more than 4 million miles of cumulative driving in commercial operations
- XCIENT Fuel Cell tractor and fuel cell technology on display at booth #5888; the company also has taken part in a CV industry panel discussion
- ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, May 2, 2023 – Hyundai Motor Company today premiered its new XCIENT Fuel Cell tractor, the commercialized class 8 6×4 fuel cell electric model, for the North American commercial vehicle (CV) market at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo.
- The company is exhibiting the XCIENT Fuel Cell tractor and the hydrogen fuel cell system at North America’s largest advanced transportation technology and clean fleet event at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California through May 4.
- Hyundai envisions an integrated hydrogen ecosystem business to achieve carbon neutrality
- At Hyundai Motor’s press conference, Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Business at Hyundai Motor, emphasized the importance of achieving carbon neutrality to realize the company’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’ He spoke of the company’s strong commitment to hydrogen mobility and shared its ambition to foster the development of a clean hydrogen ecosystem.
- “We firmly believe that hydrogen is one of the most powerful and pragmatic solutions for achieving our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’ with emission-free mobility as a fundamental pillar for a sustainable society,” said Ramirez. “Our hydrogen fuel cell technology has pioneered the industry, with a real-world proven track record of its efficiency and durability. We are leveraging these merits to further transform transportation with hydrogen energy for a broad range of mobility applications, including commercial vehicles, marine vessels and even air mobility. We now look beyond mobility toward an integrated hydrogen ecosystem, from production of hydrogen to its storage, transport and delivery. Hyundai is uniquely positioned to cover all aspects and deliver a seamless solution across the value chain.”
- Also at the press conference, Mark Freymueller, Senior Vice President and Head of Commercial Vehicle Business Innovation at Hyundai Motor, revealed the company’s plan for XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks, underlining the company’s local partnerships to form a solid hydrogen value chain as building blocks toward accelerating the deployment of clean fleets in the U.S.
- “For years, we have been initiating hydrogen value chains in various regions. Together with our partners, we are making hydrogen mobility a viable solution for our customers. We go beyond the truck itself to include areas such as hydrogen refueling and truck maintenance,” said Freymueller. “Here in the U.S., we plan to do the same, since each case needs its tailor-made service approach, especially during the transition phase from traditional to hydrogen. We plan to provide the best hydrogen value chain scenario for each and every customer.”
- The company aims to foster partnerships and future businesses to provide fleet operation solutions for hydrogen truck customers and expand the hydrogen value chain in the U.S., using its initial business entry as a bridgehead.
- To that end, Hyundai Motor shared its outlook for an eco-friendly CV business incubation project at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), the dedicated electric vehicle factory being built in Georgia. The project is centered on the development of a hydrogen mobility value chain. HMGMA will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies that can produce up to 300,000 EVs annually and an innovative production platform, developed and demonstrated by the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore (HMGICS). Through the project, the Metaplant will incorporate an eco-friendly logistics system integrating hydrogen fuel cell trucks and a complete hydrogen value chain.
- XCIENT Fuel Cell’s proven record for reliability and capability
- At the press conference, Martin Zeilinger, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor’s Commercial Vehicle Development, introduced the commercialized model of the XCIENT Fuel Cell tractor, highlighting its technology and proven record for capability and reliability.
- First launched in 2020, XCIENT Fuel Cell has been deployed in five countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Israel, Korea and New Zealand, and has successfully accumulated over 4 million miles so far. It is the only heavy-duty fuel cell electric model with a proven record of real-world application and technological reliability. The model shown at the event is the 6×4 tractor equipped with two 90 kW hydrogen fuel cell systems (total 180 kW power) and a 350 kW e-motor. Its gross combination weight is a maximum 82,000 lbs and offers a driving range of over 450 miles per charge even when fully loaded.
- XCIENT Fuel Cell implements the world-leading hydrogen fuel cell system offered by HTWO, Hyundai Motor Group’s hydrogen energy dedicated business brand. HTWO’s business includes application of Hyundai’s proprietary fuel cell systems for various forms of mobility, such as advanced air mobility, automobiles, vessels and trains, as well as for stationary power generation.
- Zeilinger also participated in the industry panel discussion, ‘Staying Ahead of the Curve: Emerging Vehicle Availability,’ which covered fleet procurement, fuel cell storage systems, leading technologies for next-generation fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) and timing of commercialization. He highlighted how Hyundai Motor is a pioneer in fuel cell technologies with field-proven products and services deployed worldwide.
- “Hyundai has been focusing on hydrogen for over 20 years,” Zeilinger said. “Our advanced fuel cell technology already is in use through various applications and especially in the commercial vehicle sector, showing its powerful performance and reliability.”
- Hydrogen’s potential in the commercial vehicle sector and beyond
- Hyundai Motor views hydrogen as the clean energy solution for CVs, including energy-intensive heavy-duty trucking, due to their various advantages in production, transportation, distribution and storage. Hydrogen is an energy carrier with high density that allows FCEVs to provide sustained energy output suitable for long-haul driving and carrying heavy loads. FCEVs enhance work and infrastructure efficiency compared to battery electric vehicles (BEV) by minimizing downtime with quicker refueling.
- With the U.S. government’s significant support and more players entering the hydrogen market, Hyundai Motor is confident that the total cost of ownership for FCEVs will drop considerably, and that climate change and supply chain issues will accelerate the transition to clean energy sources.
- Hyundai Motor Group also plans to foster the development of a clean hydrogen ecosystem through a ‘Waste-to-Energy,’ in which the hydrogen production system uses the biogas extracted from organic waste such as food waste, livestock manure, and sewage sludge. The clean hydrogen is applied in various industries, including transportation, construction and power generation. The Group is currently demonstrating the concept business model with a local Korean government and reviewing the expansion of the demonstration to cities outside Korea as well. The Group is also reviewing a hydrogen energy business model to integrate the whole value chain from clean hydrogen production through the ‘Waste-to-Energy’ to carbon capture, utilization, storage (CCUS), transportation, supply and applications.
- XCIENT Fuel Cell on display from May 2-4 at ACT Expo 2023
- XCIENT Fuel Cell is on display at Hyundai Motor’s booth (#5888, open to the public May 2–4) along with the company’s hydrogen fuel cell system. The company is also operating an XCIENT Fuel Cell ‘Ride & Drive’ test drive program at the expo.