HNO International Secures $10 Million Hydrogen Offtake Agreement with Texas-Based Mobility Company
HOUSTON– HNO International (OTC: HNOI) is excited to announce a hydrogen offtake agreement with a Texas-based company supporting zero-emission mobility. Under the agreement, HNO will supply hydrogen from its 1.25 MW Scalable Hydrogen Energy Platform (SHEP™), which produces up to 500 kilograms of clean hydrogen daily.
This hydrogen will power the customer’s fleet of Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs), ensuring efficient and sustainable long-haul transportation. The agreement also integrates HNOI’s Compact Hydrogen Refueling System (CHRS™) for refueling support. With room for expansion, HNOI is projecting to reach nearly $10 million in multi-year contracts as HNOI rapidly scales hydrogen production within the first year of operation.
“This agreement highlights the growing demand for clean hydrogen fuel in heavy-duty transportation,” said Don Owens, founder and CEO of HNO International. “Our SHEP system and CHRS refueling stations provide reliable, scalable solutions for long-haul operations, helping reduce the environmental impact of freight mobility. We’re excited to support this effort and look forward to expanding our production capacity to meet rising demand.”
The Texas-based company, a leader in zero-emission mobility, is at the forefront of using hydrogen to decarbonize transportation. Their adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology supports both environmental sustainability and business growth by offering a viable alternative to diesel without compromising operational efficiency.
About HNO International
HNO International (HNOI) is a company specializing in the design, integration, and development of hydrogen-based energy technologies. With over 15 years of experience in hydrogen production, HNOI is on a mission to help lead the renewable energy transition by making energy accessible to businesses and communities. Their solutions, the Scalable Hydrogen Energy Platform (SHEP™) and the Compact Hydrogen Refueling Station (CHRS™), are setting new standards for hydrogen production.
What Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Reveal About U.S. Climate Action
Hydrogen is a key input for fertilizer, food processing, pharmaceuticals, toiletries and many heavy industries. It can also generate zero emission electricity in a fuel cell and be deployed as a combustible fuel without producing carbon emissions.
In terms of climate action, though, hydrogen has a problem. The primary source of hydrogen is natural gas, with coal also playing a role in some countries. That is changing as low-cost renewable energy and other new technologies create pathways for more sustainable sourcing. Wind and solar power, for example, can push hydrogen gas from water in electrolysis systems. Hydrogen can also be extracted from biogas, wastewater, agricultural waste and other sustainable resources.
But natural gas has a cost advantage. Pushing down the expense of alternative sources to compete with natural gas is what the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program aims to address. Administered by the United States Department of Energy and funded through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program has provided a total of $7 billion to help developers and local stakeholders establish seven regional hubs that take advantage of nearby resources for hydrogen production, transportation, storage and use.
It’s crunch time for natural gas
Although renewable and sustainable resources are the main focus of the Hydrogen Hubs program, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically earmarked part of the funding for natural gas project. That gesture is attributed to the support of outgoing Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, whose home state of West Virginia is a leading gas producer.
As a result of the gas carveout, the Department of Energy selected the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub for inclusion in the program. A joint effort among West Virginia, Ohio, and western Pennsylvania, it is the only hydrogen hub to focus exclusively on natural gas.
There is a catch, though. As proposed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the federal tax credits attached to the Hydrogen Hub program apply only to clean hydrogen, meaning it is created with alternative sources or natural gas and carbon capture. The carbon capture element all but eliminates the cost advantage of gas-sourced hydrogen, an issue that has already begun to undermine the Appalachian hub.
Three projects attached to the hub were canceled as companies withdraw at least in part due to concerns over the cost of carbon capture in November, Mountain State Spotlight reports.
“As of November, one-third of the original 15 projects making up the regional hydrogen hub has been removed,” reporter Sarah Elbeshbishi wrote for the news outlet.
Next steps for the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub
The Appalachian hub is “unraveling due to high costs, uncertain demand, undercapitalized and inexperienced project developers, and uneconomic applications,” Sean O’Leary, a researcher at the Ohio River Valley Institute, wrote in a report on the hub in October.
Part of the problem is that hydrogen from the project will be marketed for electricity generation and home heating, O’Leary said. Neither of these areas lead to a competitive scenario in the context of low-cost renewable energy alongside inexpensive natural gas.
It remains to be seen if the hub recovers after a new Secretary of the Treasury takes office next year. That depends partly on whether or not the carbon capture stipulation remains in place. While many gas industry stakeholders protested the carbon-reducing restrictions on the federal tax credit, others came out in support.
In March of this year, for example, a group of leading firms in the water-to-hydrogen electrolysis field advised the Department of the Treasury that they collectively plan to produce more than 6 million metric tons of “truly clean” hydrogen each year. At that pace, they argue, economies of scale kick in, reducing costs and incentivizing further investment.
The examples of California and Texas
As a contrast to the troubled Appalachian hub, California is moving full speed ahead with its Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems hub, which focuses exclusively on renewable energy and other non-fossil resources. In addition, instead of relying on uncertain markets in electricity generation and home heating, the California hub aims to produce hydrogen for fuel cell electric vehicles, as part of a broader decarbonization project focusing on the important West Coast transportation sector.
Stakeholders in the project have already leveraged their $1.2 billion Department of Energy grant to gather an additional $11.2 billion in other public and private funds.
Texas provides another good example. Though firmly in step with the fossil energy industry, Texas has also attracted a considerable amount of attention from green hydrogen investors, partly due to its abundance of wind and solar energy. Analysts have pointed out that the state’s sprawling fossil energy infrastructure — including seaports, pipelines and storage facilities — can be repurposed to support a new clean hydrogen industry.
With that in mind, the new HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub officially launched in Texas in November with $1.2 billion in federal funding. Like the California hub, the Texas hub is focusing on known hydrogen markets including fuel for fuel cell vehicles and cargo vessels, as well as refining and other industrial processes.
The Texas hub is diverse. Natural gas and carbon capture are part of the plan, as indicated by the inclusion of ExxonMobil among the leading developers. But the project is also supported by global clean hydrogen stakeholders, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, AES Corporation and Air Liquide, among others.
As the Texas hub begins to take shape, keep an eye on those seaports. U.S. energy policy may change next year, but if hydrogen exporters in Texas expect to gain an edge in the global marketplace, there will be less room for natural gas, and more room for alternative, sustainable supply chains.
Link: https://www.triplepundit.com/story/2024/clean-hydrogen-hubs/815606
These startups turn fossil gas into hydrogen, without all the emissions
The American startup Monolith is arguably furthest along in the quest to turn laboratory science into industrial-scale production. It uses high-heat pyrolysis to produce hydrogen and a dark powdery substance called carbon black, an additive used in tire and rubber manufacturing.
Monolith received a conditional $1 billion loan from the Department of Energy in late 2021 to build out its facility in Nebraska, which would deliver clean hydrogen to decarbonize fertilizer production. Monolith had to run a gauntlet to prove to DOE’s Loan Programs Office that it deserved such a loan. It has the rare distinction among pyrolysis startups of having actually sold its carbon products: Goodyear makes a tire for electric vehicles using Monolith’s carbon black.
However, Monolith did not finalize the loan before the Trump administration came to office and froze new disbursements for clean energy. The company was running short on cash while struggling to get its high-heat process to work reliably around the clock, per a Wall Street Journal article published in September. Monolith secured additional financing from its investors just before that story published.
Several other startups want to boost their revenues by turning methane into higher-value forms of carbon than carbon black, a relatively inexpensive commodity — if they can achieve the quality and consistency necessary to sell into those specialized and demanding markets.
A group of Cambridge University scientists founded Levidian in 2012 to create reliable, large-scale production of graphene, a carbon-based supermaterial discovered in Manchester, England, in 2004. After another eight years of research and development under the moniker Cambridge Nanosystems, the company was acquired and brought to market by a British entrepreneur.
Levidian eschews the catalysts, heat, and pressure that other startups use to split methane. Instead, the team ended up building a nozzle that sucks in methane gas, then uses electricity to generate microwave energy, which in turn creates a cold plasma torch that shaves carbon atoms from hydrogen atoms.
This yields hydrogen and graphene, which can be used in semiconductors, electronics, and batteries. Levidian can sell graphene for hundreds of dollars per kilogram, far more than carbon black, CEO John Hartley told Canary Media in January. Indeed, the company will host its first graphene auction on March 24. To install its technology, though, Levidian has focused on customers who want to clean up their fossil gas emissions.
“It’s really an onsite carbon-capture unit at its core: It catches carbon, makes hydrogen, and decarbonizes methane gas,” Hartley said. The first customers include Worthy Farm, which hosts the Glastonbury music festival; a wastewater treatment plant in Manchester; and the Habshan gas processing facility in Abu Dhabi.
U.S.-based Etch builds on research by founder Jonah Erlebacher, a materials science professor at Johns Hopkins University. The startup splits methane with what it describes as a recyclable catalyst that contains no rare minerals; it produces graphite and other forms of carbon.
The Etch team is wrapping up commissioning for its first “commercial-scale pilot” in Baltimore, a spokesperson told Canary Media. Last fall, the startup brought in a new CEO with commercial chops: Katie Ellet previously served as president of hydrogen energy and mobility for North America at Air Liquide, one of the few companies actually producing low-carbon hydrogen at scale, and a key player in six of the seven hydrogen hubs funded by the Department of Energy.
Steps toward scale in uncertain times
All these companies need to hit their stride just as the clean hydrogen market has entered a period of tumult.
The Biden administration hoped to jump-start a clean hydrogen economy with two major policies: A suite of billion-dollar grants to seven “hydrogen hubs” strategically chosen around the country, which are intended to link up production with entities that could use the fuel to clean up transportation and heavy industry, and a production tax credit to effectively lower the market price of hydrogen produced using low-carbon methods.
Now, the Trump administration has frozen payments on clean energy grants and loans. Prospective hydrogen producers had been waiting breathlessly for the final IRS guidance on the 45V tax credit; now that the lawyers have finally produced that guidance, the nascent hydrogen industry has to plead with the new administration to preserve those credits as it overhauls federal spending this year.
Given this swirling uncertainty, pyrolysis startups can take some solace in the fact that their business is not entirely dependent on the vagaries of hydrogen policy. At least they can sell carbon materials, which have clear value and established buyers who use the stuff in a non-theoretical way.
I asked Malkamäki if Hycamite identifies as a carbon company that also makes hydrogen or a hydrogen company that also makes carbon. He pointed out that the company name itself is a mashup of “Hy-” for hydrogen and “ca-” for carbon (and the -mite is a reference to a fanciful super-fuel that Donald Duck invented in a vintage comic strip). The revenues from the carbon products are “elementary for us to be profitable,” he said. “A couple of investors have said to us that hydrogen makes you sexy, carbon makes you money.”
That’s not to suggest breaking into the battery supply chain will be easy. It requires passing rigorous, multi-year testing by the battery makers that might buy Hycamite’s carbon products. But this kind of revenue can bolster a young business as it rides out the storm in Washington.
Nikola’s Journey to Zero Emissions: Sustainability in Action
Nikola is transforming transportation with zero-emission solutions, pioneering clean energy innovations and prioritising sustainability in its new report
Integrated truck and energy company Nikola is paving the way towards a net zero world, starting with the transportation industry.
Nikola’s 2023 ‘Sustainability Impact’ report highlights the company’s mission to lead in the transition to zero-emission transport.
The company’s goal is to invest into clean energy and sustainable vehicle technologies, fostering a circular economy while promoting diversity and safety across its operations.
The first electric vehicle was created in 1832.
What is in the Nikola report?
Inside the report, the company recognises that sustainability is a present and future way of life.
The company highlights key sustainability achievements but also future commitments by reporting its:
Commitment to zero emissions:
- Nikola focuses on decarbonising Class 8 trucks – these produce significant emissions
- Launched battery-electric (BE) and hydrogen fuel cell electric (HE) trucks, with hundreds already operating
Major achievements in 2023:
- Commercial launch of Nikola Tre FCEV, the first hydrogen Class 8 truck assembled in the US
- Achieved 100 sales orders for hydrogen trucks and expanded sales into Canada
- Launched the HYLA hydrogen energy brand and modular refuelling stations in California
- Collaborated with PGT Trucking and Nucor for clean energy supply chains
- Won awards, including the Altair Enlighten Award for Sustainable Product
Environmental impact:
- Developed products like BE and HE trucks, modular refuelers and mobile charging solutions
- Circular economy initiatives focused on battery reuse and recycling with 95% of lithium-ion battery materials reclaimed
- Clean energy solutions saved significant emissions compared to diesel equivalents
Diesel exhaust also contains carcinogens that can cause lung and bladder cancer.
Operational footprint:
- Manufacturing facility in Arizona powered 10% by solar energy, featuring energy-efficient technologies
- Achieved waste diversion goals through recycling metals, batteries and packaging materials
Social responsibility:
- Diverse workforce: 60% ethnically or gender diverse, 98% receiving performance reviews
- Comprehensive health and wellness programs for employees, including clinics and employer-paid health plans
- Established employee resource groups for inclusion and career development
Safety innovations:
- Zero fatalities and reduced incidents through ISO-certified safety systems
- Advanced vehicle safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot warnings and emergency braking systems
Governance and transparency:
- ESG oversight integrated into corporate governance
- Published first sustainability report with a focus on materiality assessments and future data disclosures
Greenhouse gas management:
- Reported Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with plans for renewable energy adoption and operational improvements.
Sustainability at Nikola
Nikola produces battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for heavy-duty commercial use, contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions in the transportation sector.
The company is also developing a hydrogen refuelling ecosystem called HYLA to support the transition to sustainable fuel sources.
Nikola focuses on remanufacturing, reusing and recycling batteries and truck components, in 2023, the company reused 192 metric tons of batteries and recycled 100% of scrapped lithium-ion batteries.
The company is energy-efficient in various ways. Nikola’s 670,000-square-foot Coolidge facility utilises eco-friendly technologies including LED lighting, smart-controlled energy systems and on-site solar panels – In 2023, more than 10% of the facility’s energy output was covered by solar power
The company outperformed internal targets for waste reduction, achieving a 45% diversion rate of manufacturing waste in 2023.
EV batteries use rare metals, including lithium, copper, cobalt, aluminum, nickel and graphite.
Why are Nikola making trucks sustainable
Sustainable trucks, such as electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, produce zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing air pollution and GHG emissions.
This reduction is crucial because trucks account for 25% of road transport emissions while representing less than 2% of vehicles on the road.
Electric trucks also offer long-term savings through lower fuel and maintenance costs, with energy efficiency ranging from 70-80% source-to-wheel compared to diesel trucks.
By eliminating harmful emissions, sustainable trucks contribute to cleaner air and healthier communities, particularly in urban areas.
Additionally, electric trucks significantly reduce noise pollution due to their quiet electric motors, making them ideal for late-hour urban deliveries.
As governments enforce stricter emissions regulations, sustainable trucks enable companies to comply with these standards and avoid potential fines.
Sustainable trucks also bolster energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating vulnerabilities to fuel price fluctuations.
Finally, achieving climate neutrality by 2050 requires the trucking industry to be fully decarbonised, making sustainable trucks essential for long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
By addressing environmental challenges, fostering social responsibility and achieving operational excellence, Nikola is setting a powerful example for the future of the transportation industry and a net-zero world.
Link:https://sustainabilitymag.com/articles/nikolas-journey-to-zero-emissions-sustainability-in-action
GE Vernova’s H-Class Hydrogen Capable Gas Turbine Fleet Accumulates Three Million Operating Hours
- Industry leading technology continues to grow with a fleet of 116 units in operation, providing 67 gigawatts of electricity, which is the equivalent capacity needed to power more than 50 million U.S. homes
- Company expanding capacity to help meet growing power generation demand, including more than $160 million investment in Greenville facility
- The fleet is the most responsive and flexible in the industry enabling grid operators to dispatch power quickly and a great complement to intermittent renewable sources
ATLANTA, GA — GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) today announced that its industry leading H-Class gas turbine technology has amassed more than 3 million commercial operating hours across 116 units globally, the equivalent capacity needed to power more than 50 million U.S. homes. In addition to benefitting customers to provide efficient, dispatchable baseload power and supporting the energy transition, the growing fleet of operating HA gas turbines can provide significant value for GE Vernova through long-term maintenance and services contracts.
Since the first HA unit launched in commercial operations in 2016 with record-setting combined cycle efficiency, the HA fleet has generated more than 67 gigawatts (GW) of power, equal to one of these turbines running for 342 years, The fleet has helped power plant operators provide efficient electricity, reduce emissions, increase efficiency, retire coal-fired facilities, and integrate greater levels of renewable energy.
“This is an exciting milestone for the industry’s largest HA fleet,” said Eric Gray, President & CEO, GE Vernova’s Gas Power business. “Thanks to the strong collaboration with our customers, we are able to help them meet electrification and decarbonization goals with powerful and efficient technologies like the HA gas turbine. As more HA turbines come online, these milestones will only accelerate, while driving significant services for GE Vernova for decades to come and bringing greater reliability and operating performance for our customers.”
In addition to electrification, GE Vernova’s HA gas turbines have a pathway to decarbonization—both pre-combustion with hydrogen, with a current capability to burn up to 50% by volume of hydrogen when blended with natural gas, and post-combustion with carbon capture and sequestration. For example, at the new Net Zero Teesside Power project in the U.K., GE Vernova will supply a 9HA.02 turbine to power the world’s first commercial scale gas-fired power station with carbon capture.
In addition to traditional power generation and decarbonization, GE Vernova’s HA gas turbines are also well positioned for the growing need for more and larger, energy-intensive data centers. Recent agreements with Chevron and NRG and Kiewit are testaments to our commitment to accelerating new generation capacity to support demand growth and of the fleet’s broad appeal.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that data centers have the potential to double their energy usage by 2026. The rise of AI computational demand, along with the investment supercycle in electric power sector, has moved the IEA to raise its growth forecasts for global power. In its latest report, released in February, the IEA reported global electricity demand is expected to rise at a faster rate over the next three years, growing by an average of 3.4% annually through 2026. — one of the strongest sustained growth trajectories in many years.
To help meet this growing demand, GE Vernova announced more than $160 million investment in its Greenville, South Carolina, facility earlier this year. GE Vernova’s world-class manufacturing and services facility in Greenville will continue to represent the company’s largest gas turbine manufacturing plant and the HA Repairs Center of Excellence for the Americas Region, with the most powerful off-grid gas turbine validation facility in the world. This investment is focused on increasing capacity to help meet market needs, including plans to produce 70 to 80 heavy-duty gas turbines per year beginning in the second half of 2026 and shipping approximately 20 gigawatts annually starting in 2027.
Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association and MHI Hydrogen Infrastructure formalize collaboration to further advance clean energy objectives
The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (PNWH2) and MHI Hydrogen Infrastructure’s (MHI H2I’s) Boardman Hydrogen Hub project have signed a subrecipient agreement that advances PNWH2’s objectives and movement toward the deployment of clean hydrogen infrastructure and technologies in the region.
The agreement marks the formalization of nearly two years of collaboration, further enabling MHI H2I’s project development efforts and allowing access to federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED).
MHI H2I intends to utilize hydrogen technology and solutions from its parent company Mitsubishi Power Americas to further advance the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub’s (PNWH2 Hub’s) development and adhere to the clean energy goals set forth by the DOE.
The PNWH2 Hub, one of the seven regional hydrogen hubs aimed at decarbonizing the U.S. energy sector, continues to progress through Phase 1 of DOE’s H2Hubs Program, which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to 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 hub, comprised of eight groups of projects, also known as nodes, across Washington, Oregon and Montana, will leverage the region’s innovative technology and renewable energy to expand the use of clean hydrogen across multiple sectors. As disclosed, these projects aim to deliver promising solutions to reduce the carbon emissions of hard-to-decarbonize sectors of the economy like heavy-duty transportation, port operations, fertilizer and cement production, as well as power generation.
Node 6, led by MHI H2I, in partnership with Portland General Electric and Williams, aims to develop hydrogen for clean dispatchable electricity generation and provide hydrogen to Node 3 for liquefaction and supply into the heavy-duty transportation market, MHI revealed, adding that Node 6 features hydrogen production via electrolysis and peak power generation using 100% hydrogen capable turbines. Other key infrastructure includes a hydrogen pipeline which will provide long-duration energy storage for the power plant and hydrogen delivery to Node 3, located approximately 20 miles from the production site.
Scott Neumeister, Director of Regional Business Development, MHI Hydrogen Infrastructure, commented: “This important step solidifies our position in the PNWH2 Hub and underscores our strong commitment to advancing the hydrogen economy in the U.S. The Pacific Northwest is poised to serve as a national benchmark for successful low-carbon intensity and economically viable green hydrogen production. The development of hydrogen infrastructure at scale in the U.S. is critical, as is developing robust commercial frameworks for long-term services and support. While the challenges ahead are significant, they also present opportunities to innovate and collaborate across the industry. We look forward to continuing our efforts and working together toward a carbon-free energy future.”
Chris Green, President of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association, stated: “Our dedicated group of partners form the backbone of PNWH2’s work to accelerate the investment in and deployment of clean hydrogen technologies. Formalizing our project subrecipient agreements marks a significant step in laying the groundwork for the Hub’s development, putting us on the path to achieving our goal of establishing the Pacific Northwest as a leader in bringing new energy manufacturing jobs to our region.”
To remind, the U.S. DOE announced the selection of seven hubs to receive $7 billion in funding to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen back in 2023. The hubs are expected to collectively produce millions of metric tons of hydrogen annually, thereby getting the country closer to reaching the 2030 production target and lowering emissions from hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors that represent 30% of total U.S. carbon emissions.
Hydrogen Energy Faces Pivotal Moment Under Trump
Several energy sources face a perilous future under President Donald Trump, but none seem to be on the brink of a make-or-break moment quite like hydrogen.
The world’s most plentiful element could play a major role in a low-carbon future as a fuel for vehicles and industrial plants—if companies can put it to use at the right price. But getting the hydrogen industry off the ground will depend on tax credits that could get cut under President Donald Trump and a Republican Congress.
Last week, a coalition of groups, including some from the oil and gas and auto industries, wrote a letter to Republicans in Congress asking them to keep the subsidies. They are putting their pleas in Trumpian terms: the tax credits “will serve as a catalyst to propel the United States to global energy dominance,” the letter says.
Signatories include General Motors and chemical company Dow, along with the American Petroleum Institute.
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Without those credits, the hydrogen industry’s future looks bleak. The letter says that private companies are ready to invest billions in hydrogen tech, but that money is “at risk” if companies don’t have certainty on the tax credits.
The news about hydrogen lately hasn’t been encouraging. In a recent interview, the CEO of Bloom Energy, one of the leading companies associated with hydrogen, said he doesn’t see the technology taking hold for a while. “We believe that the hydrogen economy will come one day, but it’s not in the near future,” said CEO KR Sridhar.
Energy and auto behemoths like Exxon and GM will be OK without hydrogen, because they have much larger businesses in other areas. But some other companies could face a tougher road.
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Plug Power, the largest U.S.-based producer of clean hydrogen, has struggled due to the uncertainty. Its stock is down nearly 40% since the election, and now trades at just $1.58 per share. Plug has hydrogen plants in Georgia and Louisiana and received a federal loan in the final days of the Biden administration that would finance the construction of a new plant in Texas. The Trump administration has put those loans on hold for review. Plug President Sanjay Shrestha told Barron’s he expects the company to make it through any vetting, given that the contract was already approved. “The way we’re looking at it is it’s a federally binding contract,” he said.
In a statement on Monday, Plug CEO Andy Marsh said he still expects the contract to hold up. But in order “to mitigate potential funding risks” the company is “actively exploring alternative financing options, including private equity, to ensure sustained growth and operational flexibility despite potential disruptions in government funding.”
Without the loan, Plug would be in a bind. It has contracts to sell hydrogen to customers like Walmart —which uses it in heavy machinery like forklifts—but it doesn’t make enough hydrogen on its own to fulfill those contracts. So it has been paying a premium to buy it from other players, and losing money on each kilogram. It needs new plants so it can make more of its own hydrogen, which it says it will be able to do profitably.
The Department of Energy didn’t respond to a request for comment on the status of the Plug loan.
Hydrogen is used in various U.S. industries, from refining to fertilizer. But almost all of it is made using a carbon-intensive process that involves natural gas. The Biden administration, along with officials in several other countries, think hydrogen could become a much more important energy source—and a low-carbon one—with some government help.
There are at least two ways to make “clean” hydrogen. One is to use renewable or nuclear electricity to power a device called an electrolyzer that separates the oxygen and hydrogen atoms in water. Another is to use the dirtier natural gas method but capture the carbon it produces and then store it underground. The Biden administration introduced tax credits called 45V for both methods through the Inflation Reduction Act. Hydrogen producers can receive credits worth as much as $3 per kilogram if they make it using the cleaner methods—those subsidies make clean hydrogen cost-competitive with the dirtier kind, or even cheaper.
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Hydrogen has two attributes that make it particularly useful in the energy transition. Unlike wind and solar power, it’s combustible—meaning it can be used in industrial applications that require heat. And it’s transportable. Turning renewable power into hydrogen means the power can be stored in liquid form and shipped around the country or the world. It means that “excess” wind and solar power that isn’t needed at the moment can still be useful, because it can be used to make hydrogen.
The problem is that there isn’t much excess wind or solar power today. It’s all needed to make electricity, according to Sridhar of Bloom Energy. “It’s like asking me how much am I saving when I can’t even feed myself every day. I’m not saving anything, right?” he said.
The Biden administration had high hopes for hydrogen, and even set up seven hydrogen “hubs” around the country that are eligible for $7 billion in federal funding through the 2021 infrastructure law. Big companies like Exxon Mobil and Mitsubishi Power are involved. Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods advocated for the tax credits on the company’s latest earnings call. But the future of those hubs is in doubt as the Trump administration takes over.
“Those projects are really at risk,” said Kate Gordon, who was a senior advisor to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm under Biden and is now CEO of nonprofit California Forward. If they fall through, Gordon expects the companies involved to pivot back to oil and gas, the industries where many of them already operate.
The Department of Energy didn’t respond to a request for comment on the status of the hydrogen hub projects.
Link: https://www.barrons.com/articles/dow-hydrogen-power-energy-trump-1afe2c66
Ballard Announces Fuel Cell Engine Order Totaling Approximately 5 MW for Bus Market
VANCOUVER, CANADA – Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ:BLDP; TSX:BLDP) today announced a multi-year supply agreement from Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles (‘MCV’, www.mcv-eg.com), a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer based in Egypt, for fuel cell engines totaling approximately 5 MW.
The supply agreement for 50 FCmove®-HD+ engines, and initial order of 35 units, represents the continued growth of the relationship with MCV which started in 2022 with fuel cell engine integration support and the first fuel cell engine order placed in 2023. Deliveries of the 50 engines are expected between 2025 and 2026 and will initially support projects in the EU.
“We are delighted with this order and the continued engagement with MCV,” said Oben Uluc, Vice President, Europe Sales & Marketing at Ballard. “In 2024 we took in 1,600 bus engines orders across 7 OEMs, and this agreement continues the momentum into 2025. As the fuel cell bus market continues to mature, we look forward to the use of Ballard fuel cell engines to decarbonize public transit across the globe.”
Today, Ballard powers more than 1,800 fuel cell buses worldwide, which have collectively logged over 200 million miles of operational service. Ballard’s fuel cell engines have demonstrated a 99% availability rate and zero reported safety incidents and offer an alternative to diesel engines without compromising on routes, capacity, availability, or refueling times.
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems’ (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) vision is to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet. Ballard zero-emission PEM fuel cells are enabling electrification of mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, and stationary power. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.
Regulators to assess environmental risks of Northwest Hydrogen Hub
The U.S. Department of Energy is beginning its environmental impact assessment of the program, which promises about $1 billion in federal funding for the region.
By: Alex Baumhardt – December 19, 2024 1:00 pm
An ad for hydrogen powered cars is displayed in Jersey City, New Jersey at an event hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Dept. of Energy. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
A year after naming the Northwest one of seven new “regional hydrogen hubs” in a nationwide competition, the U.S. Department of Energy is beginning its review of possible environmental risks of developing certain hydrogen projects and is inviting the public into the process.
The review, announced Wednesday, will analyze any adverse effects from developing hydrogen projects and the impact of potential infrastructure, their scope, design and construction. But the assessments are only a first step and do not necessarily mean the projects will go forward and receive funding, the agency said. It is holding a virtual meeting for the public in January and will take comments until spring.
The projects involve the development and distribution of “green” hydrogen energy and its end users. Green hydrogen can be produced with water and used without emitting greenhouse gases. Green hydrogen energy is seen as a key source of clean energy to help reduce climate-warming emissions from sectors that currently rely on fossil fuels and are hard to electrify because of the huge amounts of energy they demand.
Learn more and submit comments
Register here to attend a virtual meeting about the hydrogen hub environmental assessment on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Submit comments on the environmental assessment process through March 23, 2025 here.
The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub, which includes Washington, Oregon and Montana, was chosen in 2023 to receive about $1 billion in federal funding during the next decade. Companies have proposed 10 projects for the Northwest hub so far, including several hydrogen production facilities, hydrogen distribution pipelines and storage projects, and projects that would spur adoption of hydrogen-powered trucks, buses and hydrogen refueling stations, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
The hydrogen produced in the Northwest could also be used to make fertilizer, and power energy-demanding processes like semiconductor manufacturing.
By replacing fossil fuels in some transportation and in hard to electrify sectors, the hub could divert up to 1.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year, according to the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association. That’s equivalent to removing about 400,000 gasoline-powered cars from roads annually.
But the Northwest Hub has faced challenges getting off the ground, with project developers pausing plans due to unaffordable renewable energy prices as regional rates for electricity — needed to make green hydrogen — skyrocket. They’re also facing a lack of demand along with delays and confusion over a federal tax credit that was meant to spur investment and jump-start the industry.
DiagnaMed and QIMC to Advance Hydrogen Production Technology at the Ville Marie Clean Natural Renewable Hydrogen Project
TORONTO, Jan. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DiagnaMed Holdings Corp. (“DiagnaMed” or the “Company”) (CSE: DMED) (OTCQB: DGNMF), a leading innovator in hydrogen production technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, is thrilled to announce a strategic collaboration with Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC, FSE: 7FJ, OTCQB: QIMCF) (“QIMC”). This partnership will deploy DiagnaMed’s pioneering technology, designed to accelerate the extraction of natural clean hydrogen, at QIMC’s Ville Marie Hydrogen Project in Québec.
Transforming the Clean Natural Hydrogen Energy Landscape
Fabio Chianelli, Chairman and CEO of DiagnaMed, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“We are delighted to partner with QIMC on this ground-breaking initiative. By field-testing our novel hydrogen-producing technology at the Ville Marie Clean Natural Renewable Hydrogen Project, we are taking a significant step toward advancing clean energy solutions. This collaboration underscores DiagnaMed’s commitment to forging strategic alliances with energy innovators, enabling cost-effective, carbon-neutral hydrogen production that aligns with global sustainability goals.”
Driving Innovation Through Collaboration
John Karagiannidis, CEO of Québec Innovative Materials Corp., commented:
“We are thrilled to strategically collaborate with DiagnaMed on this transformative project. The Ville Marie Clean Natural Renewable Hydrogen Project represents a pivotal opportunity to integrate innovative technologies into sustainable energy production. By leveraging DiagnaMed’s cutting-edge hydrogen technology, we are strengthening our commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and positioning QIMC as a leader in the emerging natural hydrogen sector. This partnership is a testament to the potential of collaboration to drive impactful change and create long-term value for stakeholders.”
Revolutionizing Hydrogen Production
DiagnaMed’s cutting-edge hydrogen production technology represents a breakthrough in clean energy. Developed by Dr. Qingwang Yuan of the HOPE Group at Texas Tech University, the patented method (WO2023044149A1) combines hydraulic fracturing with electromagnetic wave heating to extract hydrogen from light oil, gas, and shale reservoirs, as well as ultramafic rock formations.
This technology offers unparalleled efficiency and sustainability, with potential hydrogen production costs as low as $0.86 per kilogram. The method aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Hydrogen Energy Earthshot” initiative to achieve $1/kg hydrogen production by 2031.
By reusing existing oil and gas infrastructure, it delivers a competitive advantage, positioning DiagnaMed and QIMC at the forefront of the clean natural hydrogen revolution.
In exchange for the collaboration, QIMC will receive 2,000,000 shares of DMED.
About Québec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC)
Québec Innovative Materials Corp. is a forward-thinking exploration and development company committed to harnessing Canada’s abundant natural resources responsibly. With a focus on natural hydrogen and high-grade silica deposits, QIMC is driving innovation to support the AI-powered, carbon-neutral economy. Through environmental stewardship and cutting-edge extraction technologies, QIMC is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions and shaping a greener future.
For more information on QIMC’s Ville Marie Clean Natural Renewable Hydrogen Project, visit https://qimaterials.com/ville-marie.
About DiagnaMed
DiagnaMed Holdings Corp. (CSE: DMED) (OTCQB: DGNMF) is a leading innovator in hydrogen production technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Visit DiagnaMed.com.
For more information, please contact:
Fabio Chianelli
Chairman and CEO
DiagnaMed Holdings Corp.
Tel: 416-800-2684
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.diagnamed.com
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Statement
Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as “will”, “may”, “expect”, “could”, “can”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe”, “projected”, “aims”, and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption “Risk Factors” in Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2024 (“MD&A”), dated August 22, 2024, which is available on the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state, province, territory or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, province, territory or jurisdiction.
Why Ohio companies are investing in hydrogen cars despite infrastructure issues
Hydrogen fuel cell cars could overcome some buyers’ reluctance to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles, but whether fueling infrastructure can deliver is iffy.
Three Ohio companies are investing in hydrogen fuel cell passenger vehicles even as the U.S. market for electric vehicles continues to grow. Each has an innovative approach to the chicken-and-egg problem of having fuel available when and where drivers need it.
The Ohio companies’ focus on fuel cell passenger vehicles is unique nationwide, especially for a state that doesn’t yet have any public hydrogen fueling stations. California, where almost all of the country’s hydrogen fuel cell cars are registered, still has fewer than 60 public stations.
“When we see hydrogen transportation deployment projects, it’s really more on the medium- and heavy-duty side,” said Mark Henning, a researcher at Cleveland State University’s Energy Policy Center at the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs.
A hydrogen car is essentially an electric vehicle with an onboard fuel cell providing electricity alongside a battery. General Motors first displayed a prototype for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle back in the 1960s, but hydrogen cars weren’t available to U.S. consumers until leases for the 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell began, with sales of the Toyota Mirai starting that fall.
Hydrogen car sales have been essentially limited to California, where state policy and public funding supported the development of some public fueling stations. Since then, only about 18,000 fuel cell cars have been sold in the U.S.
Yet Ohio companies have been working on hydrogen energy for more than two decades. The state trade association, the Ohio Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Coalition, traces its history back to 2003.
If successful, the current efforts could eventually provide another option for switching away from gasoline-powered cars. While electric vehicles are comparable in price, hydrogen cars can be refueled quickly — assuming the infrastructure is available — and offer more consistent range in cold weather. But much could hinge on how quickly hydrogen infrastructure develops, as well as how quickly and effectively plug-in electric vehicle makers deal with their own range and charging challenges.
One example of the desire for hydrogen vehicle alternatives comes from DLZ, an engineering, architectural and project management company headquartered in Columbus with offices across the United States as well as in India and Costa Rica. The company has a fleet of about 250 vehicles across the Midwest, including electric vehicles. In 2022, it added six Hyundai hydrogen fuel cell cars for use by professionals from its Columbus office.
“The hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have a lot more consistent performance in range and durability,” especially in cold weather, said Ram Rajadhyaksha, DLZ’s executive vice president. The range for the cars is sufficient for round trips the office’s professionals make to site locations around the state, he explained at the Ohio Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Coalition symposium in North Canton last month.
Hydrogen fuel cell cars aren’t sold in Ohio yet, so DLZ had its six Hyundai vehicles shipped from California to Columbus. Except for the fuel cells, dealers in Ohio can provide any necessary service the vehicles may need, Rajakhyasksha said.
The cars also need a regular source of hydrogen, so DLZ added its own. Its station in Columbus can generate about 20 kilograms of hydrogen per day, using electricity from a solar array atop a large building on company property. A net metering agreement lets DLZ sell any excess electricity from the array to the grid.
Nonetheless, there were hurdles, including permitting, building codes, supply chain issues during the tail end of the pandemic, and even signage codes.
Made in Ohio
While California has been the country’s epicenter for fuel cell vehicles, Honda Motors is now producing the first American-made hybrid hydrogen vehicle at its Marysville plant in Ohio. Its 2025 CR-V e:FCEV model can go roughly 270 miles on a tank of hydrogen. There’s also a small electric battery which provides a driving range of about 30 miles. A 110-volt power outlet on the vehicle can run small home appliances or other equipment.
That range is about the same as Honda’s all-electric Prologue SUV, which also has a comparable list price. But the company believes there is room for both.
“It’s not one or the other,” said Dave Perzynski, assistant manager for hydrogen solutions business development at Honda, who also spoke at the Ohio Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Coalition symposium. “It’s using the right equipment at the right place at the right time.” The CR-V’s electric charging range is about right for his daily round-trip commute, he said, while the fuel cell offers flexibility for longer trips.
Honda’s goal is to achieve 100% decarbonization, Perzynski said. However, limits on local electric grids can make that difficult in some places. “If you can electrify it, if it works, then do that,” he said. “And once that stops working, then thank goodness we’ve been investing in hydrogen for the last 20 years, because there are places and times when you run out of power.”
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As a practical matter, the Ohio-made cars’ initial market will be California. For other states, Honda is counting on others to build out the fueling infrastructure.
“The only way we can do that is through a coalition,” Perzynski said. “We can’t build infrastructure alone.”
Building a network
Millennium Reign Energy in Dayton has a membership model to develop hydrogen infrastructure along with the demand for it. Its Emerald H2 network will help customers buy used fuel cell vehicles, while also providing access to hydrogen fueling stations designed and built by the company.
As the number of customers in an area grows, Millennium Reign Energy would swap out the fueling station for one with larger capacity. The smaller station would then go to another location. Access to the stations would be for members only, although members traveling outside their local area could use stations elsewhere.
“Our mission is to build the first transcontinental hydrogen highway,” said CEO Chris McWhinney as he explained the model at the fuel cell program last month. The company’s fueling stations are already operating at places outside the United States, as well as three private facilities in Ohio. The company plans to add its first Emerald H2 network stations in the Dayton area early next year.
The stations use electricity and water to make hydrogen, so using one with a nearby source of solar, wind, hydropower or geothermal energy can provide green energy, versus just moving emissions from tailpipes up to power plants, McWhinney said. That can also bring the cost for the hydrogen fuel down below that of gasoline, he suggested, as renewable electricity continues to get cheaper.
Hurdles ahead
Whether hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles are the best use for renewable energy remains questionable. A study published in Joule last August found battery-electric vehicles were roughly three times more efficient in using renewable electricity than fuel-cell vehicles.
“The battery-electric case is much more efficient than the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle,” said Greg Keoleian, co-director of the University of Michigan’s MI Hydrogen initiative, and one of the co-authors of the Joule study. Ideally, renewable energy will be used efficiently, given the limited amount on the grid now and the urgent need to decarbonize because of climate change, he said.
Battery electric cars also have a much bigger charging network, with nearly 70,000 stations nationwide, Keoleian noted. Cost is also an issue, he added, noting that hydrogen fuel in California currently costs about five times as much as gasoline would to go the same distance.
Henning did note that one of Ohio’s public transit systems, SARTA, the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority, has had hydrogen buses as part of its fleet since 2016. Transit fleets also often need a handful of passenger vehicles, which might be able to use tbuses’ hydrogen fueling station while also qualifying for bulk discounts that may start with the acquisition of five or six vehicles, he said.
The Department of Energy’s recent push for hydrogen hubs might also play an indirect role, suggested Sergey Paltsev, deputy director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Sustainability Science and Strategy. None of the hub projects so far focus on light-duty vehicles, but infrastructure developed for other purposes could make it easier to develop fueling stations. In that case, the Ohio companies could be angling for a competitive advantage.
Yet much remains unknown about whether the incoming Trump administration will continue incentives begun in the Biden administration, Henning said. The law’s tax credit can apply to fuel cell vehicles with final assembly in North America, which might apply to Honda’s hybrid car — if the Inflation Reduction Act continues.
“I do think there is an appetite and there is a customer base for fuel cell electric vehicles, and I can imagine different use cases where that makes more sense” than an all-electric car, said Grant Goodrich, executive director of the Great Lakes Energy Institute at Case Western Reserve University. Multiple people in Northeast Ohio have expressed reluctance to buy an electric vehicle now, especially given the challenges of harsh winter weather.
Yet the infrastructure for electric vehicles is much farther ahead, and electric vehicle makers continue to work to improve performance. “Will the technology of battery and electric vehicles improve enough to stay ahead of FCEV adoption so that is able to keep that challenge at bay?” Goodrich asked.
Early last month, he would have put money on the EV makers to stay ahead. After hearing the presentations from Honda, Millenium Reign Energy and DLZ, he’s not so sure.
“It’s not a done deal,” Goodrich said, noting that the hydrogen fueling experience also seems to be a more natural replacement for the habits customers have adopted as drivers of vehicles with internal combustion engines. “If it was to roll out faster, I think you could see some competition there.”
Padilla Applauds New Treasury Guidance Boosting Clean Hydrogen Power Development
Treasury’s final rules governing the 45V clean hydrogen production tax credit. The rules include critical changes to support the successful development of a strong domestic clean hydrogen industry, including California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub.
The updates in the final rules follow Padilla and 12 of his Senate colleagues urging the Department of the Treasury to revise its initial guidelines to ensure hydrogen production’s economic viability while achieving its environmental goals. These changes include exempting states like California with existing renewable power mandates from the incrementality requirement; offering more flexibility on timing requirements for matching renewable energy use; including a pathway to demonstrate electricity transfers between regions; and creating an alternative pathway to incrementality for individual nuclear reactors.
“This announcement is a major win for California’s ARCHES hydrogen hub and its mission to produce and utilize renewable, clean hydrogen across the state,” said Senator Padilla. “The new rules will create more green jobs in California and help decarbonize hard-to-reach sectors like ports and heavy-duty transportation. Treasury’s updated guidance also considers California’s advanced climate policies and aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act’s goals by avoiding overly strict regulations on development. As our state wrestles with growing climate threats, I will continue working hard to secure the resources ARCHES needs to deliver cleaner air, good-paying jobs, and lower energy costs to California.”
“We greatly appreciate the Biden Administration’s leadership and collaboration throughout this entire stakeholder feedback process,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to the Governor and Director of the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “The final rules create the certainty needed for developers to invest in and build clean, renewable hydrogen production projects in states like California, working within our legally binding policies that cap carbon emissions. These rules will further expedite our efforts to replace diesel in transportation, natural gas in power production and decarbonize agriculture, aviation, maritime, and other heavy industries. Most importantly, this new guidance will help us clean our air, create family sustaining jobs, and keep our nation-leading economy moving.”
“Today’s announcement on the 45V tax credit will accelerate clean energy innovation in California and across the nation,” said Angelina Galiteva, CEO, ARCHES. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with federal, state and local stakeholders to scale up hydrogen technologies, create jobs, boost local economies, and further solidify California’s role as a global hub for clean energy innovation.”
Senator Padilla has been a strong supporter of the development of clean hydrogen power in California. After securing up to $1.2 billion for the ARCHES hydrogen hub, he toured hydrogen projects at the Port of Oakland last year. In 2023, Padilla and the late Senator Dianne Feinstein sent a letter to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm urging the Department of Energy to support the ARCHES clean hydrogen hub proposal as part of its Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program.
ARCHES aims to establish a renewable, clean hydrogen market and ecosystem in California by 2030, creating a projected 220,000 jobs in the state and reducing harmful downstream emissions that disproportionately impact underserved communities and accelerate the climate crisis. California published a roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2045, which included a projected 1,700-fold increase in the use of hydrogen across multiple industrial sectors.
Lignin-Based Jet Fuel Demonstrates Hydrogen Storage Capabilities
In a recent study published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Washington State University‘s Professor Bin Yang and colleagues showed that a lignin-based jet fuel they produced can chemically bind hydrogen in a stable liquid form.
Bin Yang, professor in WSU’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering, stands with Andrew Lipton, scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, next to a nuclear magnetic resonance instrument used in experiments on new sustainable fuels. Image Credit: Andrea Starr and Eddie Pablo | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
This international team of scientists has developed a technique to store and release volatile hydrogen using lignin-based jet fuel, potentially opening up new avenues for sustainable energy generation.
The study has multiple possible applications in fuels and transportation, and it could eventually make it easier to capitalize on hydrogen’s potential as a high-energy, zero-emission fuel source.
This new, lignin jet fuel-based technology could enable efficient, high-density hydrogen storage in an easy-to-handle sustainable aviation fuel, eliminating the need for pressurized tanks for storage and transport.
Bin Yang, Professor, Washington State University
Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year.
Researchers from WSU, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the University of New Haven, and Natural Resources Canada collaborated on the study to address one of the primary obstacles associated with using hydrogen as a fuel. The lightest element’s low density and explosive nature make storage and transportation technically difficult, inefficient, and costly.
The January study describes how the study team identified the new hydrogen-storing mechanism by leveraging chemical reactions to make aromatic carbons and hydrogen from lignin jet fuel, which Yang’s group developed as an experimental fuel based on lignin, an organic polymer found in plants.
Yang added, “Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that could help the US meet its targets for zero-emission mobility, integration of renewables, and decarbonization of industry.”
The result led to new applications for Yang’s lignin jet fuel, which he created at WSU after testing a new continuous technique to produce the fuel from agricultural waste. Experiments have demonstrated that sustainably produced fuel can improve engine performance and efficiency while eliminating aromatics, the polluting elements found in conventional fuels.
“This innovation offers promising opportunities for compatibility with existing infrastructure and economic viability for scalable production. It could help create a synergistic system that enhances the efficiency, safety, and ecological benefits of both sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen technologies,” Yang stated.
Next, WSU researchers will work with scientists at the University of New Haven to develop an AI-powered catalyst that improves and completes processes, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
The study was funded by the US Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, as well as the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office.
Link: https://www.azocleantech.com/news.aspx?newsID=35496
Researchers discover way to store hydrogen using lignin jet fuel
An international team of scientists has discovered a way to store and release volatile hydrogen using lignin-based jet fuel that could open new pathways for sustainable energy production.
In a new study in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Washington State University Professor Bin Yang and colleagues demonstrated that a type of lignin-based jet fuel they developed can chemically bind hydrogen in a stable liquid form. The research has many potential applications in fuels and transportation and could ultimately make it easier to harness hydrogen’s potential as a high energy and zero emissions fuel source.
“This new, lignin jet fuel-based technology could enable efficient, high-density hydrogen storage in an easy-to-handle sustainable aviation fuel, eliminating the need for pressurized tanks for storage and transport,” Yang said.
This new, lignin jet fuel-based technology could enable efficient, high-density hydrogen storage in an easy-to-handle sustainable aviation fuel, eliminating the need for pressurized tanks for storage and transport.
Bin Yang, professor
Washington State University
For the study, researchers at WSU, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the University of New Haven, and Natural Resources Canada set out to address one of the major challenges with using hydrogen as a fuel source. The lightest element’s low density and explosive nature make storage and transport technically challenging, inefficient, and expensive.
The January article details how the research team discovered the new hydrogen-storing process using chemical reactions that produced aromatic carbons and hydrogen from lignin jet fuel — an experimental fuel developed by Yang’s lab based on lignin, an organic polymer found in plants.
“Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that could help the U.S. meet its targets for zero-emission mobility, integration of renewables, and decarbonization of industry,” Yang said.
The discovery points to new uses for the lignin jet fuel developed at WSU by Yang, who previously tested a new continuous process that creates the fuel from agricultural waste. Experiments have shown that the sustainably produced fuel could increase engine performance and efficiency while dispensing with aromatics, the pollution-causing compounds found in conventional fuels.
“This innovation offers promising opportunities for compatibility with existing infrastructure and economic viability for scalable production,” Yang said. “It could help create a synergistic system that enhances the efficiency, safety, and ecological benefits of both sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen technologies.”
Next, WSU researchers will collaborate with scientists at the University of New Haven to design an AI-driven catalyst that enhances and completes the reactions, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
Funding for the work came from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and its Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office.
UToledo Leads $3M Initiative to Equip Workers for Emerging Hydrogen Economy
The emerging hydrogen economy is projected to trigger new jobs in the United States, ranging from maintenance technicians to highly specialized engineers.
Will the workforce be ready? Yes, with the help of The University of Toledo.
The University of Toledo’s Dr. Mark Mason, Dr. Lesley Berhan and Dr. Sujata Shetty (not pictured) head a collaborative initiative to prepare regional workers for emerging jobs in hydrogen production, distribution, storage and use.
UToledo is the leader of a collaborative initiative aimed at training regional workers for new and existing jobs related to hydrogen production, distribution, storage and use. It’s supported by $3 million in congressionally directed spending through the U.S. Department of Energy.
The cutting-edge initiative reflects the integral role of UToledo, a regional economic force with a $2.8 billion economic impact on northwest Ohio, in strengthening the workforce and the community in and beyond its corner of the state.
“UToledo is committed to preparing students to meet the current and future needs of the workforce,” said Frank Calzonetti, vice president for innovation and economic development at UToledo. “Nearly everything we do is in the service of workforce development from our non-degree certificate programs to our forward-looking academic and professional programs to our grant-supported work to improve workforce training and education and our many research opportunities that provide our graduates skills in the use of cutting-edge technology and research techniques.”
Dean Monske is the president and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership of Northwest Ohio.
“Talent rising from The University of Toledo helps northwest Ohio remain competitive in the global market,” Monske said. “When it comes to hydrogen energy, this rapidly evolving industrial landscape requires knowledge-based talent with the enhanced skillsets necessary for these growing sectors. In our role of helping companies meet the talent needs of business, we turn to educational institutions like UToledo to ensure success.”
Workforce development activities take numerous shapes at UToledo.
As a leading academic partner in the Northwest Ohio Glass Innovation Hub, a $31.3 million investment announced last year by the Ohio Department of Development, UToledo is co-leading scientific research and preparing highly trained graduates to strengthen the region’s national leadership in glassmaking and solar energy technology.
A major regional undertaking, the innovation hub is expected to create 1,600 new jobs and contribute $284 million to the local economy through 2029.
Other examples range from making sure engineers are trained in latest technologies to supporting great science teachers in all communities.
In the College of Engineering, a recently opened Mechatronics Lab is outfitted with cutting-edge robots, machine vision systems and other equipment funded in part through the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS) and Super RAPIDS programs.
And the Judith Herb College of Education is home to an ongoing initiative to support sixth through 12th grade science teachers in high-need districts in Ohio and Kentucky that’s funded with $2.3 million through the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Scholarship Program.
These initiatives complement standing resources like the UToledo Family Business Center and the UToledo Business Incubator, which recently opened a new APEX Accelerator dedicated to boosting government contract participation in northwest Ohio.
“There are so many opportunities for the University and our expert faculty to partner with industry in ways that benefit students with experiential learning opportunities, advance scientific discoveries and create new jobs in our region,” UToledo Interim President Matt Schroeder said. “As Toledo’s university, we are proud to be the regional force powering opportunities to learn, care, work and play. Supporting workforce development is at the core of that vision.”
The hydrogen workforce initiative entails assessing needs and opportunities for academic degree programs, courses and certifications, with plans to then develop curricula, implement programs and recruit students as early as Fall 2026.
The project will support the use of hydrogen as a clean energy source, an energy carrier and as a precursor to chemical products by training the workforce in the safe use of hydrogen for a number of applications, said UToledo’s Dr. Mark Mason, who draws on his experience as a chemist in his role as principal investigator.
He joins co-principal investigators Dr. Lesley Berhan, a mechanical engineer and associate dean for student success and strategic initiatives in the College of Engineering, and Dr. Sujata Shetty, who brings expertise in urban and regional planning as director of the Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center.
“As an increasingly attractive clean energy source, hydrogen has the potential to transform industries ranging from transportation to energy production,” Mason said. “Our initiative will support the significant investments in this emerging economy by equipping the workforce for new and existing jobs.”
UToledo and its partner institutions are currently completing an intensive information-gathering process, mapping the current hydrogen ecosystem and identifying the skills and trades required in its supporting workforce.
By the spring partners will begin to apply their findings toward curriculum and program development in collaboration with academic partners, including undergraduate courses and academic programs at partner four-year institutions and associate level academic programs, worker training and certification programs at partner community colleges.
“I worked to secure this $3 million award to advance the study of advanced hydrogen technologies at The University of Toledo, Owens Community College, Case Western Reserve University, Cuyahoga Community College, Lorain County Community College and Northwest State Community College in partnership with the Workforce Intelligence Network and the Ohio Aerospace Institute,” said U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, who represents Ohio’s Ninth Congressional District and is the ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.
“Transitioning to a hydrogen-based economy will require a trained workforce from trade and technical levels through advanced engineering graduates. I am proud to see The University of Toledo leading the way in training the next generation to adapt to cutting-edge innovation and technology. This will help to provide good paying jobs for future generations of workers in northwest Ohio and across our nation.”
The clock is ticking on Trump’s ability to challenge the hydrogen tax credit
Last week representatives from 117 trade associations, energy companies, and hydrogen hub projects issued a letter to Congress and the Trump administration asking them to keep the federal hydrogen tax credit.
The tax credit was originally proposed in the Inflation R
eduction Act of 2022 and aims to incentivize clean production of hydrogen and allow hydrogen to compete with cheaper, traditional energy sources, like fossil fuels. The push for hydrogen was proposed as a decarbonization solution for difficult-to-electrify industries like steel making, construction, and heavy trucking.
As Trump halts renewable energy policies, proposes the development of a fossil fuel-friendly “energy dominance council,” and slashes federal funding across sectors, hydrogen stakeholders worry that the U.S. government’s commitment to hydrogen energy could be at risk.
“Representing the full diversity of the American hydrogen industry, we stand ready to work with you to implement President Trump’s bold energy dominance agenda,” the letter authors wrote.
The letter highlights why the signees believe that the hydrogen credit should be preserved, including its potential to drive economic development, increase “energy abundance,” and protect national security. The authors state that the American hydrogen industry “could generate 700,000 jobs by 2030” and “generate $140 billion in revenue.” Signees included groups like the American Petroleum Institute, the American Chemistry Council and three of the nation’s seven federally-funded hydrogen hubs.
When the tax credit was originally proposed, it held bipartisan support and still does in many states. That broad support was evident during development of the nation’s seven federally-funded hydrogen hubs, but the hubs have now entered a state of uncertainty as Trump and Elon Musk, tech billionaire and leader of Trump’s special commission tasked with slashing federal spending, overhaul federal agencies. Funding for these projects is supposed to be doled out in four phases over the next 10-12 years from the Department of Energy.
The rules for the credit were finalized in January, near the end of the Biden administration, by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service and received a mixed reception from industry groups and environmentalists. Industry groups had requested more pathways for natural gas use in hydrogen and less stringent requirements for clean hydrogen production, while environmentalists had asked for a stronger emphasis on using renewable energy sources rather than fossil fuels in hydrogen production, and more stringent rules for emissions calculations.
Link: https://www.ehn.org/hydrogen-tax-credit-trump-2671234222.html
Final 45V hydrogen tax credit guidance draws mixed response
While hydrogen industry leaders generally welcomed the final rule’s increased flexibility, some said the complicated tax credit guidelines will stymie industry growth.
Published Jan. 6, 2025
By
Emma Penrod
Pgiam for iStock via Getty Images
Listen to the article6 min
Dive Brief:
- The final rule for the 45V clean hydrogen production tax credit, which the U.S. Treasury Department released Friday morning, drew mixed responses from industry leaders and environmentalists.
- Clean hydrogen development within the U.S. ground to a halt following the release of the initial guidance in December 2023, leading industry participants to call for revisions that would enable more projects to qualify for the tax credit.
- While the final rule makes “significant improvements” to Treasury’s initial proposal, the guidelines remain “extremely complex,” according to the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association. FCHEA President and CEO Frank Wolak and other industry leaders said they look forward to working with the Trump administration to refine the rule.
Dive Insight:
Friday’s release closed what Wolak described as a “long chapter” for the hydrogen industry. But industry reaction to the final rule was decidedly mixed, and it remains to be seen whether the rule — which could be overturned as soon as Trump assumes office — will remain unchanged.
“The final 45V rule falls short,” Marty Durbin, president of the U.S. Chamber’s Global Energy Institute, said in a statement. “While the rule provides some of the additional flexibility we sought, … we believe that it still will leave billions of dollars of announced projects in limbo. The incoming Administration will have an opportunity to improve the 45V rules to ensure the industry will attract the investments necessary to scale the hydrogen economy and help the U.S. lead the world in clean manufacturing.”
But others in the industry felt the rule would be sufficient for ending hydrogen’s year-long malaise.
“With this added clarity, many projects that have been delayed may move forward, which can help unlock billions of dollars in investments across the country,” Kim Hedegaard, CEO of Topsoe’s Power-to-X, said in a statement. Topsoe aims to build a $400 million electrolyzer manufacturing facility in Chesterfield, Virginia.
Beth Deane, chief legal officer for electrolyzer manufacturer Electric Hydrogen (EH2), said she was aware of some three to five hydrogen projects that had been waiting for the final guidance before moving forward. EH2 initially supported the original guidance, but the company later came to agree with other industry players that the guidance needed revision, Deane said. Based on its own internal analysis, the company concluded that only a handful of hydrogen projects could be built prior to 2027, and that allowing these projects to move forward without hourly offsets would have a minimal impact on emissions.
Given the industry logjam created by the past two years of uncertainty, Deane said she believes the industry would be best served if lawmakers left Friday’s final rule intact.
“Additional refinements that can unlock the full potential of the hydrogen industry and ensure manufacturing jobs stay in America are most efficiently accomplished by leaving the rule in place and relying on future administrative or legislative action to provide more flexibility,” she said.
The final rule maintains the “three pillars” that made the initial proposal from last December unpopular with industry. For hydrogen made using electrolyzers and renewable energy to split water into its atomic components, manufacturers must still offset their energy use with carbon-free energy attribute certificates on an hourly basis. The electricity used must be generated within the same region the hydrogen is made, and it must come from generation assets that began operation within 36 months of when the hydrogen facility is placed into service.
The Inflation Reduction Act by statute limits the 45V credit to facilities that produce no more than 4 kilograms of CO2 per kilogram of hydrogen, but Friday’s release did not include rules governing this emissions assessment.
The final rule added several new exemptions, including an exception for electricity produced by nuclear power plants at risk of closure and one for electricity generated in states with renewable portfolio standards that meet certain criteria. According to the Treasury Department, Washington and California currently meet these criteria, but additional states could qualify if they were to adopt more stringent energy standards.
Electricity from generators that have installed carbon capture and sequestration could also qualify under the rule, if the CCS system is placed into service within 36 months of a new hydrogen facility. For hydrogen produced using methane gas, manufacturers will no longer have to demonstrate that their plant represents the first productive use of said methane.
The final rule’s guidelines for the use of methane in hydrogen production drew criticism from several environmental groups.
“The rule does not guarantee protections against climate harms caused by methane, a potent greenhouse gas emitted from blue hydrogen production. Policymakers must continue to grapple with accounting for methane as better data comes available in the future,” Erik Kamrath, hydrogen advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in a statement.
While not perfect, the final rule generally maintained key emissions protections while granting additional flexibility to manufacturers of electrolytic hydrogen, Kamrath said.
The final rule also extends the deadline to meet the hourly accounting standard by two years, to 2030. Hydrogen manufacturers will be allowed to calculate their emissions on an hourly basis, potentially enabling them to claim the 45V tax credit for some, but not all, of the hydrogen they produce if they are unable to acquire energy attribute credits for certain times of the year.
Link: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/final-45v-hydrogen-tax-credit-guidance-mixed-response/736499/
NASA Awards NIAC Funding to Hydrogen Hybrid Power for Aviation Sustainable Systems (Hy2PASS)
NASA has announced the recipients of its 2025 Phase I NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) awards, which fund early-stage studies aimed at transforming aerospace missions. Among the 15 selected concepts is the Hy2PASS (Hydrogen Hybrid Power for Aviation Sustainable Systems) project, led by Phillip Ansell from the University of Illinois, Urbana. Hy2PASS aims to revolutionize sustainable aviation with innovative hydrogen hybrid power systems designed for commercial transport aircraft.
Hy2PASS: A Novel Approach to Aviation Sustainability
The Hy2PASS project seeks to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen hybrid fuel cell and gas turbine engine systems for next-generation aircraft. Unlike traditional hybridization, which combines electrical or mechanical power sources, Hy2PASS introduces hybridization through air handling.
Key aspects of the system include:
- Using a fuel cell to power an electrically driven compressor that supplies oxygen to both the fuel cell cathode and the gas turbine burner.
- Eliminating the need for core compressor stages in the gas turbine by mechanically uncoupling the compressor from the turbine.
- Enabling variable pressure ratios for the compressor, which optimizes performance and allows for innovative aircraft designs.
This approach drastically reduces mission energy requirements and provides a zero-emission solution, aligning with NASA’s Strategic Objective 3.2 to drive sustainable aviation.
Game-Changing Aircraft Capabilities
The Hy2PASS system paves the way for radically new aircraft architectures and mission profiles by integrating hybrid systems in a manner that optimizes energy usage and eliminates climate-impacting emissions. The project also focuses on optimizing aircraft systems and trajectories to maximize energy efficiency.
NIAC Program and Strategic Goals
NASA’s NIAC program nurtures visionary concepts by awarding up to $2.625 million in grants to evaluate transformative aerospace technologies. Hy2PASS aligns with NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) Strategic Thrust 3, which seeks ultra-efficient subsonic transport systems.
Future Prospects
If successful, Hy2PASS could become a foundational technology for sustainable aviation, providing a pathway to zero-emission commercial transport and supporting NASA’s long-term goals for efficient and revolutionary vehicle advances.
US Finalizing Billions for Rivian, Plug Power Before Trump Retakes Office
- Financing expected to be announced as soon as Thursday
- DOGE co-leader vows scrutiny of ‘11th-hour transactions’
The Biden administration is poised to finalize billions of dollars in financing for electric-vehicle maker Rivian Automotive Inc. and hydrogen company Plug Power Inc. before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House, according to people familiar with the matter.
The funding, expected to be announced by the Energy Department as soon as Thursday, includes a loan guarantee of almost $1.7 billion for Latham, New York-based Plug to construct hydrogen plants that are key to the company’s growth plans.
The department is also expected to announce as soon as Thursday the closing of a federal loan to Rivian for the construction of a Georgia manufacturing plant, the people said. The exact amount of the Rivian loan wasn’t clear, but one of the people said it’s in the neighborhood of the $6.6 billion conditional commitment the Biden administration made in November.
The Energy Department and the companies didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. Plug Power shares jumped as much as 6.6% before the start of regular trading, while Rivian’s stock advanced as much as 4.4%.
Financing for the two companies comes as the Energy Department’s loan program — which effectively became a $400 billion-strong green bank during Joe Biden’s presidency — faces new threats from Trump’s incoming administration.
During his first term, Trump asked Congress to eliminate the program. This time, some in his inner circle want to get rid of or retool the Loan Programs Office to finance fossil fuels and other energy sources favored by Republicans.
Already, one of the two leaders tapped by Trump to lead the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, Vivek Ramaswamy, has said the incoming administration will scrutinize billions of dollars in “11th-hour transactions,” including the loan offer to Rivian.
Biden administration adds exemptions into new climate rules for hydrogen energy
The Biden administration on Friday finalized fairly strict climate rules for the nascent hydrogen energy industry — but the rules contain new flexibilities that are expected to make them less stringent than the administration’s original proposal.
The final rule issued by the Treasury Department on Friday determines which facilities can qualify for lucrative tax credits for hydrogen energy.
The tax credits are seen as an important piece of the Biden administration’s climate agenda since hydrogen power could be an important tool to lower carbon emissions from industries like aviation, steel and cement — whose emissions are particularly difficult to eliminate.
The tax credits are key for making hydrogen from low- or no-emitting sources economically viable.
White House Climate Adviser John Podesta said in a written statement that the changes “provide the certainty that hydrogen producers need to keep their projects moving forward and make the United States a global leader in truly green hydrogen.”
Hydrogen energy can be made by either using electricity to separate the hydrogen out of water molecules in an electrolyzer or through a reaction between methane and steam.
Use of the hydrogen energy itself does not create any planet-warming emissions, but the process of making it with steam or generating the electricity to power the electrolyzer can produce emissions.
Because electrolyzers use up so much electricity, the Biden administration said in a proposed guidance earlier this year that to qualify for the credit, hydrogen produced this way needed to meet certain standards.
Particularly, it required this type of hydrogen to be paired with an additional new energy source to provide that power and that this power be produced within the same hour and in the same region that the hydrogen energy is produced.
Friday’s final regulation largely maintains these safeguards — but also adds some industry-friendly carve-outs.
This includes a new provision that allows existing nuclear plants that may have been in danger of retiring without powering hydrogen energy to count as a new power source as well as a delay in the hourly-matching requirement.
It also says that electrolytic hydrogen projects in California and Washington do not need to be built with an additional power source because those states already have strict emission caps for the power sector.
The standards for methane-based hydrogen, which is made from sources including fossil gas and biogas, are also changed in the final rule.
Dan Esposito, electricity manager at the energy and climate think tank Energy Innovation, described the changes for methane-based hydrogen as a “mixed bag.”
“There are some elements that are quite strong and aligned with experts’ recommendations in the climate space, and then there’s a couple details that leave the door open for a lot of emissions,” he said.
Esposito also expressed concerns about the exemptions for nuclear and state policies, saying they are “real problems,” but he added that the rules overall are positive and these provisions “do not poison the program.”
“While the final rule will subsidize some dirty hydrogen projects, on the whole it represents a win for climate,” Esposito told The Hill.
Industry praised the changes as necessary to get the emerging industry off the ground.
Frank Wolak, president and CEO of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association said in a written statement that the administration “made significant improvements … compared to the initial proposal.”
“There are also multiple areas where implementation and timing will be up to the incoming Trump-Vance Administration,” he added. “This issuance of Final Rules closes a long chapter, and now the industry can look forward to conversations with the new Congress and new Administration regarding how federal tax and energy policy can most effectively advance the development of hydrogen in the US.”
The future of the tax credits and guidance surrounding them is still somewhat uncertain given the change in administration.
Republicans have indicated they want to repeal some, but not all, of the energy tax credits that are part of the Democrats’ 2022 climate, tax and health care bill. Hydrogen energy is likely to be spared a complete repeal, but it’s not clear whether any changes will be made.
Link: https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5064545-biden-administration-climate-rules-hydrogen/
Siemens and Guofu Hydrogen Partner To Accelerate Global Green Hydrogen Production
The technology company Siemens, China-based Guofu Hydrogen, a leading supplier of integrated solutions for hydrogen energy, and RCT GH Hydrogen, a Germany-based supplier of hydrogen systems and services, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advancing the hydrogen value chain.
Courtesy of Siemens
The partnership marks a significant step forward in the global expansion of green hydrogen technology as it focuses on the development and manufacture of electrolyzers and green hydrogen production.
The agreement establishes Siemens as the preferred supplier and technology partner across the entire value chain of Guofu Hydrogen’s expansion plans. The partnership focuses on three key areas: developing and engineering Guofu’s electrolyzers and electrolyzer systems, equipping new electrolyzer manufacturing facilities starting in Germany, and developing, constructing, and operating new hydrogen production plants. RCT GH Hydrogen, as a technology partner, will lead the engineering, procurement, and construction of state-of-the-art hydrogen production facilities.
“This strategic partnership exemplifies Siemens’ commitment to driving the industrialization of green hydrogen production,” said Axel Lorenz, CEO of Process Automation at Siemens. “Our portfolio and domain expertise, combined with Guofu Hydrogen’s vision and RCT GH Hydrogen’s proven engineering capabilities, will help establish new standards in electrolyzer manufacturing efficiency and scalability. Together, we’re not just building factories – we’re building the foundation for a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem that will play a crucial role in the global energy transition.”
“Partnering with Siemens allows us to leverage world-class automation and digital capabilities,” said Pinfang Wu, Board Chairman of Guofu Hydrogen. “This collaboration will significantly accelerate our expansion into global markets and strengthen our position as a leading provider of green hydrogen solutions. Together, we’re creating a blueprint for the future of hydrogen production.”
As a key contributor, RCT GH Hydrogen will leverage its experience in hydrogen plant construction and systems integration to ensure that the electrolyzer manufacturing facilities meet the highest efficiency and safety standards.
“This collaboration enables us to set new benchmarks in hydrogen infrastructure development, contributing significantly to the global decarbonization effort,” said Prof. Dr. Peter Fath, CEO of RCT GH Hydrogen. “It also underscores RCT GH Hydrogen’s pivotal role in shaping a sustainable hydrogen economy through advanced technologies and innovative solutions.”
Siemens will be delivering products, solutions and services from across its Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, including industrial automation and instrumentation. The deal also includes electrification and building technology, industrial communication, and cybersecurity solutions. Siemens is also contributing its wide range of digital services and software for the design, engineering, simulation, optimization and standardization of the entire hydrogen value chain, from electrolyzer manufacturing to the operation of hydrogen plants.
Another key element of the collaboration is the development of a global hydrogen partner ecosystem that’s bringing together suppliers, technology providers, and end-users to accelerate innovation and standardization across the industry. This ecosystem will be supported by the Siemens Xcelerator, the company’s open digital business platform that enables seamless integration and collaboration throughout the value chain.
UBC Okanagan and FortisBC Collaborating on made-in-B.C. Hydrogen Research
Investment from FortisBC is propelling low-carbon innovation at UBCO
The University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) recently powered up a new hydrogen research lab (H2LAB)—one of the most advanced of its kind in North America. FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) is supporting the project, helping the university drive innovation and hydrogen energy research. FortisBC hopes to understand how hydrogen can be blended into its gas supply, allowing this renewable and low-carbon gas[1] to play a role in meeting the energy needs of homes and businesses while supporting B.C.’s climate action plan.
The H2LAB located in UBCO’s Innovation Precinct is a cutting-edge space more than five years in the making. The 2,000 square foot lab was made possible by $2.3 million in funding by UBC, bolstered by $500,000 in research funding by FortisBC and another $800,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
Dr. Sina Kheirkhah presents his hydrogen research.
According to Dr. Will Hughes, Director of UBCO’s School of Engineering, the H2LAB is an investment that not only elevates UBCO’s research, educational opportunities for students and innovation capacity, but is a facility that can bring long-term positive impact for industry in the region, the province and beyond.
“The H2Lab is a world-class space for clean energy innovation to occur right here in the Okanagan,” says Dr. Hughes. “That kind of innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it takes collaboration. We are deeply grateful to FortisBC for their support of the research already going on in the lab. We view this lab as a hub for academia and industry to work together to advance low-carbon energy knowledge, testing, techniques and infrastructure.”
Equipment in the H2LAB.
As a critical energy provider, FortisBC is leading the way in developing low-carbon[2] energy options like Renewable Natural Gas[3] (RNG), being the first utility in North America to offer a voluntary RNG program 15 years ago. FortisBC continues to invest in innovative solutions, such as hydrogen, to further reduce carbon emissions and advance climate action.
“Through innovation, FortisBC is taking steps to help reduce emissions while meeting the energy needs of homes and businesses across our province,” said Dawn Mehrer, vice president of corporate services and technology at FortisBC. “Our collaboration with UBCO and their research at the H2Lab is a key part of this journey. Together, we’re exploring how hydrogen can be integrated safely and effectively into our gas system, and the insights we’re gaining will play a vital role in shaping the future of low-carbon energy, including hydrogen blending with natural gas to reduce emissions even further.”
Today, UBCO and FortisBC representatives toured the lab for the first time since it was in operation. Research was also on display today from Dr. Dimitry Sediako’s colleagues Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff, Dr. Sina Kheirkhah and Dr. Sunny Li who are all furthering hydrogen research and innovation with their teams at UBCO.
Dr. Sunny Li discusses computer modelling in hydrogen research.
One of the UBC engineering researchers already at work in the lab is Dr. Sediako, who also heads up UBCO’s High Performance Powertrain Materials lab.
Dr. Sediako and his team are currently exploring the effects of hydrogen and hydrogen-enriched natural gas on existing infrastructure.
“We are so lucky to have FortisBC with us as an industry partner as we work to advance hydrogen testing and technology at UBCO,” says Dr. Sediako. “Hydrogen gas has applications for so many industries and sectors, so being able to test materials and techniques is critically important as we work toward wider adoption.”
Dr. Sediako points out that while many people have heard of hydrogen being explored for usage in the energy sector and other industries there are still many misconceptions around its safety and deployment. Among other applications, this lab will work to study possible issues with the hope of one day having hydrogen safely and reliably delivered through existing gas infrastructure.
PhD student Rashiga Walallawita shares examples from his research on hydrogen embrittlement.
“Today is all about celebrating the collaboration between FortisBC and UBCO—where we are, and where we are going, with hydrogen research,” said Dr. Hughes. “We’re proud to showcase this space and let industry and community know that it stands at the ready. Come and work with us. Bring us your challenges and opportunities. Be part of hydrogen innovation in the region. Our doors are open.”
For more information on FortisBC and hydrogen, visit fortisbc.com/hydrogen.
For more information on UBCO, visit: ok.ubc.ca.
About UBC Okanagan / School of Engineering
UBC’s Okanagan campus is an innovative hub for research and learning founded in partnership with local Indigenous peoples, the Syilx Okanagan Nation, in whose traditional, ancestral and unceded territory the campus resides. The Okanagan campus combines a globally recognized UBC education with a tight-knit and entrepreneurial community that welcomes students and faculty from around the world in British Columbia’s stunning Okanagan Valley. The most established and influential global rankings all consistently place UBC in the top five per cent of universities in the world, and among the top three Canadian universities. The latest subject rankings from Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings for engineering and technology, and Maclean’s place UBC Engineering second-highest in Canada, and 25th globally according to QS. For more visit ok.ubc.ca.
About FortisBC Energy Inc.
FortisBC Energy Inc. is a regulated utility focused on providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, including natural gas, Renewable Natural Gas and propane. FortisBC Energy Inc. employs around 2,143 British Columbians and serves approximately 1,086,500 customers across British Columbia. FortisBC Energy Inc. owns and operates two liquefied natural gas storage facilities and approximately 51,600 kilometres of gas transmission and distribution lines. FortisBC Energy Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electricity and gas utility industry. FortisBC Energy Inc. uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. For further information on FortisBC Energy Inc., visit fortisbc.com. For further information on Fortis Inc., visit fortisinc.com.
[1] FortisBC uses the term renewable and low-carbon gas to refer collectively to the low-carbon gases or fuels that the utility can acquire under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Clean Energy) Regulation, which are: Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane), hydrogen, synthesis gas (from wood waste) and lignin. FortisBC’s renewable and low-carbon gas portfolio currently includes only Renewable Natural Gas. Other gases and fuels may be added to the program over time. Depending on their source, all of these gases have differing levels of lifecycle carbon intensity. However, all of these gases are low carbon when compared to the lifecycle carbon intensity of conventional natural gas. The current burner tip emission factor of RNG is 0.27 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule of energy (gCO2e/MJ) and the current renewable and low-carbon gas portfolio lifecycle emissions for stationary combustion are -22 gCO2e/MJ. This is below B.C.’s low carbon threshold for lifecycle carbon intensity of 30.8 gCO2e/MJ as set out in the 2024 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation amendments.
[2] When compared to the lifecycle carbon intensity of conventional natural gas. The burner tip emission factor of FortisBC’s current Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane) portfolio is 0.27 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule of energy (gCO2e/MJ). FortisBC’s current RNG portfolio lifecycle emissions for stationary combustion are -22 gCO2e/MJ. This is below B.C.’s low carbon threshold for lifecycle carbon intensity of 30.8 gCO2e/MJ as set out in the 2024 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation amendments.
[3] Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane) is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It is derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create RNG. When RNG is added to North America’s natural gas system, it mixes with conventional natural gas. This means we’re unable to direct RNG to a specific customer. But the more RNG is added to the gas system, the less conventional natural gas is needed, thereby reducing the use of fossil fuels and overall greenhouse gas emissions.
There’s something better than hydrogen on the planet: America has found it in white rocks
The finding of white hydrogen, the natural survey in Earth’s crust, causes a worldwide thrill. This reason would offer the world to the cost-effective solution for the climate cost of generation, in an incredibly well-renewable energy source. France and the US recently discovered new evidence that it has potential, setting the pace for a clean energy revolution.
Scientists unveil huge white hydrogen reservoir in Lorraine Basin, France
Researchers Jacques Pironon and Phillipe De Donato of France’s National Centre of Scientific Research have found probably one of the largest reservoirs of what might be termed white hydrogen ever discovered. An apparatus uses to study gas dissolved at depth was employed to measure increasing hydrogen concentration levels with increased drilling depths, as search progressed at northeast France’s Lorraine mining basin.
At 1,100 meters, the sample showed 14% hydrogen; at 1,250 meters, this hydrogen level increased to 20%. Accumulation of estimates for this unexpected discovery ranges between 6 and 250 million metric tons of white hydrogen.
Thus, in a way, this discovery opens a whole new view on enormous geologic hydrogen systems, which have been ignored so much. Scientists were blown over until about five or six years ago in making huge, bright assumptions about natural hydrogen: the subject stood beyond the realms of possibility.
But fields such as these from Mali onwards have disproved that. The well in Bourakébougou, which produces a whole village with hydrogen for more than a decade, awakened the researchers’ curiosity in probing deeper. Geoffrey Ellis, a geochemist in the US Geological Survey, summed it up, claiming, “Not that hydrogen’s not available, but we haven’t been looking in the right places.”
What white hydrogen is from nature’s factory: Creating it deep within the Earth
White hydrogen is naturally generated through serpentinization, in which water reacts with iron-rich rocks to make hydrogen, and radiolysis in which radiation breaks down water molecules. Unlike gray or blue hydrogen, which require energy-steeped processes and in most circumstances depend on fossil fuels, white hydrogen is produced through naturally occurs formations in the crust of the Earth with little human interference; thus, it becomes a clean and renewable energy source.
It has also been proven further by research conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A team under Professor Iwnetim Abate is working to optimize hydrogen extraction from rocks by developing advanced catalysts and high-throughput systems for their tests to analyze rocks efficiently (such as this one shocking the world). This might lead to the best conditions in producing hydrogen, including temperature, pressure, and pH, and reduce production costs by several orders of magnitude.
White hydrogen: A $1 energy solution set to power the future
Massive white hydrogen reserves can be well above tens of billions of tons worldwide, and even 1% from this could supply up to 500 million tonnes every year for 200 years in the future, which is five times the amount produced globally today.
High-cost benefits are equally apparent: bringing out white hydrogen may cost around $1 per kilogram compared to $6 for green hydrogen, thus a revolution in energy-intensive industries like steel, aviation, and shipping.
Well, many start-ups and investors are now getting into it: in Australia, drilling high-concentration sites by Gold Hydrogen, while the likes of Koloma and Natural Hydrogen Energy in the United States have their exploration efforts along with Koloma currently having over $91 million in funding, including backing from Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures.
There are new difficulties, such as drilling depths, regulations, and scalability, but it seems that commercialization could come within some years. Here, a big step is found toward fully understanding the potential by drilling 3,000 meters in the Lorraine Basin in France.
White hydrogen, having the cleanest burning qualities and requiring very little process, is pretty much the cleanest energy source (like this powerful energy in America) there can be. It has a possibility to change energy systems in the world and can change places like Lorraine, which were historically based on coal production, into renewable energy centers.
For scientists and startups, it is one of the technologies that can enable society to speed up the clean energy transition and tackle serious issues of urgent climate. The time has come, and the white hydrogen era has begun. Hope is visible for the sustainable future.
Link: https://www.ecoticias.com/en/theres-something-better-than-hydrogen/9801/
Canadians Can Cripple Hydrogen Greenwashing, But What About EU, USA, & Oz?
Recently I took a stroll through the implications of Canada’s anti-greenwashing improvements delivered through the truth in advertising provisions of Bill C-59. Originally, it merely caused all oil and gas firms and their lobbying and propaganda groups to magically disappear their entire social media presence and large parts of their websites. However, I pointed out that it clearly made claiming that hydrogen buses were zero emissions or even low emissions illegal and subject to fines of tens and hundreds of millions.
Well-to-wheel emissions challenges for hydrogen, chart by author
There’s no way, given the methodological requirements and peer-reviewed literature, that it wouldn’t pass muster in Canadian courts. Hydrogen for transportation is much higher carbon to manufacture in the best possible case than using electricity directly in batteries. Hydrogen is a fairly potent greenhouse gas, albeit indirectly by preventing methane from breaking down, with a global warming potential 13 to 37 times that of carbon dioxide. And hydrogen leaks, 1% or more per touch point in supply chains that can have eight or more touch points. Making it at transit garages just means making it in much less efficient, leakier, more failure-prone non-industrial scale electrolyzers, so that’s not a solution.
In the lowest emissions per kilometer case of all the various transit plans I studied, electrolyzing water at a Winnipeg transit garage with Manitoba’s very low carbon electricity, emissions were still 15 to 16 times that of battery-electric buses, and a significant percentage of diesel. That option was too expensive for city council, so they pivoted their plans to one which would produce roughly 3.2 times as many emissions well-to-wheel as diesel buses, something that’s not remotely a solution. In Ontario, emissions were likely in the range of 90% of diesel buses.
That’s why hydrogen buses break Canada’s greenwashing laws. They aren’t even low emissions, yet are labeled constantly as zero emissions. The global standard for emissions is well-to-wheel, not tank to wheel, and battery-electric is lower emissions tank-to-wheel as well, because batteries don’t leak greenhouse gases and hydrogen buses do.
Of course, people I engage with immediately asked about other jurisdictions, and whether there was any hope for finally putting a stake through the heart of the revenant energy carrier, stopping it from sucking the blood out of governmental subsidies and preventing real climate action. The news is mostly good.
The European Union has significantly enhanced its greenwashing laws to combat misleading environmental claims and promote transparency. Key updates include the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive and the proposed Green Claims Directive, which establish stricter requirements for substantiating environmental claims. Businesses must now provide clear, standardized, and verifiable evidence for any claims about environmental benefits, such as “carbon-neutral” or “eco-friendly.” The directives also introduce explicit prohibitions on vague or generic claims that lack substantiation.
Importantly and like Canada’s C-59, the updated legislation empowers non-governmental organizations and consumer advocacy groups to initiate legal action against offenders, leveraging collective redress mechanisms. These measures aim to hold companies accountable, protect consumers from deceptive practices, and foster trust in the transition to a sustainable economy.
Under the enhanced EU greenwashing laws, companies making unsubstantiated environmental claims could face fines of up to 4% of their annual global revenue, ensuring penalties are proportionate to the scale of the violation.
Shell has to be very careful of any claims it makes as that could result in about US$13 billion in fines, and it is because the oil and gas majors in Europe figured out the implications of greenwashing legislation immediately, while the transportation sector hasn’t. As a result, Shell says things like “Hydrogen-fuelled trucks can reduce carbon emissions for the heavy-duty mobility sector as their tailpipe emission is water vapour.” Not will, not zero, not well-to-wheel, but they are very careful to bound their claims. It’s still nonsense, as well-to-wheel is the requirement, but might stand up in court, depending on what else they say in other places.
Of course, Shell is completely silent on hydrogen’s global warming potential and leakage, so they aren’t remotely out of the water due to the requirement for claims being aligned with leading methodologies, not tightly bounded claims that leave big implications.
BMW, which claims its IX5 Hydrogen has “CO2 emissions, combined WLTP in g/km: 0,” could be in for around $6 billion in fines. Iberdrola, which claims “It does not emit polluting gases, neither during combustion nor during production” is at risk of couple of billion in fines. Solaris claims “The Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen is a zero-emission city bus powered by a hydrogen cell” could be subject to $33 million in fines. Air Products, which claims “When used in the heavy-duty transportation and heavy industrial sectors of our economy, hydrogen energy can help reduce global emissions by 20%” could see $500 million in fines.
Toyota, whose European website promises “a wide range of zero emissions mobility solutions to appeal our customer diverse needs,” could see $9.4 billion in fines. Thyssenkrupp, which claims “Our society and our industry need a sustainable system to replace fossil fuels with their long-term CO2 emissions. This is the only way we can stop climate change. The solution? Hydrogen,” could see $1.4 billion. TotalEnergies, which claims incorrectly that “Used as a vehicle fuel, hydrogen has a minimal environmental footprint,” could face $9 billion in fines.
Of course, just as the Canadian government incorrectly identifies hydrogen as a zero emissions transit fuel based on a clearly incorrect methodology, and hence is open to being hoist on Bill C-59, Europe is not guilt-free in this greenwashing. As one commenter on LinkedIn pointed out, “I’m skeptical that it would apply in this case, given that H2 and derivatives are considered as options in RED II and AFIR – where build-up of its fueling infrastructure along main “TEN-T” transit corridors across the EU is even mandated.”
However, the European Union’s enhanced greenwashing legislation empowers non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to take legal action against both private entities and public authorities, including governments and EU institutions, over misleading environmental claims. This capacity stems from the Aarhus Convention, which grants NGOs the right to challenge acts or omissions that violate environmental laws. Recent cases, such as Greenpeace’s lawsuit against the European Commission for classifying fossil gas and nuclear energy as sustainable investments, highlight this capability. Additionally, the EU’s Directive 2024/825 strengthens this legal framework by setting stricter standards for environmental claims and enabling NGOs to hold public authorities accountable for greenwashing.
If I were an NGO in Europe that was outraged at the hydrogen greenwashing going on and the forcing of high-emissions hydrogen down European’s throats at great taxpayer expense, I’d be seriously considering leveraging the greenwashing laws to take Brussels, RED II, and AFIR to court. There is no such thing as low-emissions hydrogen well-to-wheel, wind-turbine-to-wheel, or solar-farm-to-wheel after all, and full lifecycle is the only standard that will stand up in court.
On to Australia. Its greenwashing laws, enforced under the Australian Consumer Law, aim to prevent misleading or deceptive environmental claims by businesses. Overseen by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), these laws require companies to ensure that any sustainability or environmental claims are accurate, substantiated, and not likely to mislead consumers. Recent enforcement actions have targeted false claims such as “100% eco-friendly” or “carbon-neutral” without credible evidence.
Companies found in breach can face significant penalties, including fines of up to A$50 million, three times the financial benefit gained, or 30% of adjusted turnover for corporate violations. The ACCC and ASIC have been increasingly active in prosecuting greenwashing cases, reflecting a broader push to hold companies accountable for their environmental representations and protect consumers from deceptive marketing practices.
Assuming 50% of annual revenue is adjusted turnover, after a few taxes and other similar things are removed, the following firms should be questioning their marketing. Toyota, which ignores the global well-to-wheel standard and misleadingly claims “The only tailpipe emissions produced by a hydrogen fuel cell is water vapour,” could see US$39 billion in fines, although it hasn’t been getting many benefits, so would likely be forced to tell the court that it has made no money from hydrogen globally, never mind in Australia, so shouldn’t be fined. That would be fun.
Fortescue, which has been slowly backing away from green hydrogen to much more sensible solutions, still makes claims like “Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy like solar, wind, hydropower or geothermal energy. This means zero carbon dioxide emissions,” and so could be subject to $2.5 billion in fines. Engie, which says that its “plan is to operate across the entire value chain of renewable hydrogen, from carbon-free power generation to the three key end uses: mobility, industry and energy storage,” could see $12.4 billion in fines.
Santos, the APA Group, Linde subsidiary BOC, and more are all dangling in the wind at present with their greenwashing claims about hydrogen.
Then there are fossil fuel propaganda organizations like black coal front group Low Emission Technology Australia (LETA), which says things like “Clean hydrogen – produced with little or no carbon emissions – will be a major player alongside renewable energy in the move to a low-emissions economy,” based on carbon capture related to blue hydrogen, which is even more laughably high emissions than green hydrogen. It was funded to the tune of $700 million a few years ago, so it could stand some good fines for its inaccurate claims, and not just about hydrogen.
Remarkably the right-wing fossil fuel fluffing organization the Institute of Public Affairs doesn’t make any false claims about hydrogen’s low emissions, instead just saying a lot of things about the marvels of unabated fossil fuels, but that’s a different problem.
Even notionally positive groups in Australia get in on the act. Australia’s Renewable Energy Association (ARENA), makes the false claim that “When it is produced using renewable energy or processes, hydrogen is an emissions free fuel and becomes a way of storing renewable energy for use when it is needed.”, and as such could be subject to fines, and as it had an AU$544 million budget in 2023, that could be beefy as well, potentially in the $50 million range.
Of course, a key weakness of current Australian greenwashing regulations is that only the ACCC can act. Everyone else can only make complaints to the ACCC, which I encourage everyone to do based on the evidence presented in my Canadian article which lays out all of the evidence, including the only global methodology that is accepted and acceptable, the global warming potential of hydrogen and the degree to which it leaks..
On to the USA, which enforces greenwashing laws through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which regulates truth-in-advertising to ensure environmental claims are accurate and substantiated. The FTC’s Green Guides provide detailed standards for marketers, requiring claims such as “eco-friendly” or “carbon-neutral” to be clear, specific, and backed by scientific evidence. Violations can result in fines of up to $50,120 per infraction, as well as additional penalties, such as cease-and-desist orders, mandatory corrective advertising, and restitution to consumers. Recent enforcement actions include fines against companies for misleading recycling claims and deceptive carbon offset programs.
If large groups of consumers are impacted, the $50k per infraction can mount into the millions. Of course, only the FTC can start actions and President-elect Donald Trump has named Andrew Ferguson as the next chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Known for his critiques of aggressive antitrust enforcement, Ferguson has pledged to end what he calls the “war on mergers” and focus on addressing perceived censorship by tech companies. His appointment, along with Trump’s nomination of Mark Meador to fill a commissioner vacancy, is expected to realign the FTC’s regulatory stance toward a more pro-business and deregulatory agenda, potentially reshaping policies on mergers, competition, and digital markets.
Yeah, no likelihood of greenwashing actions in the USA for the next several years. This is a place where you would expect California to be leading the country, and it kind of is with the Voluntary Carbon Market Disclosures Act, which basically requires full disclosure if any carbon neutrality claims are based on buying offsets. Not really going to help.
With the focus on “freedom” of speech in the United States with the incoming Administration and its core supporters, it’s going to be deeply unlikely that the “freedom” of high-emissions corporations to tell complete and utter porkies to all and sundry will be curtailed in any way.
And so the west, as always these days, is full of countries and regions trying to do the right thing, and the United States as well. Given the size of the fines permissible and the increased ability for NGOs in at least Canada and Europe to bring action directly, I would hope that some serious money would be flowing into governmental coffers over the coming years. A lot of it should be coming at the expense of non-solutions like hydrogen.
Elon Musk halts Tesla EV production: Now he’s testing a fuel he once called “stupid”
The Electric Vehicles (EV) pioneer and founder of the multi-billion dollar enterprise Tesla, Elon Musk has announced in June earlier this year a shocking transition of the company. Tesla is a leader in innovative EVs. It is therefore a shock to say the least that Musk has stated that the company will be shifting their focus to hydrogen power.
Once the “dumbest fuel,” now a fuel of the future?
Must has previously stated his criticisms towards hydrogen as an energy storage. In a TV interview, he stated that hydrogen fuel is the “dumbest thing”. However, increasing competition from China’s BYD EVs. The decision was most likely a strategic move to remain competitive as EVs become more prevalent on the road. Hydrogen fuel-cell technology is also being explored by Chin and Japan.
By developing and exploring fuel cell technology, it is not only an evitable decision, but will diversify Tesla’s product offerings and keep them ahead as automobile leaders. The possibilities of fuel-cell technology are incredibly lucrative. Not only are there zero-emission from hydrogen energy with a by product of only water, but it would open up a world of possibility of harnessing pure hydrogen to keep in line with eco-friendly goals.
The first fuel-cell powered car is expected to debut in 2026
Not only is the hydrogen exploration a surprise, but a reveal date for their first model is fast approaching. Tesla has set an ambitious date for the release of their first hydrogen powered car by 2026. The model has been dubbed “Model H” and will use advanced fuel-cell technology. Tesla plans on advancing and solving problems with storing hydrogen and its associated infrastructure.
Currently, there are less than 17,000 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in the U.S. with all of them being in California. California is the only U.S. state with a network of retail hydrogen fueling stations. To make hydrogen powered cars more prevalent, new infrastructure will have to be developed to support the novel technology. Previously, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota were the only companies with hydrogen powered commercial vehicles available.
How does a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle actually work?
The electric motor in hydrogen fuel-cell cars is the same technology which is used in EVs to turn the wheels of a car. The difference is, instead of being powered by a battery, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are powered by fuel-cell stack where pure hydrogen passes through a membrane to combine with oxygen from the air. This produces electricity to turn the wheels. Water vapor is the only by product of the process. Drivers would need to refill their vehicles with carbon-fiber high-pressure tanks at “hydrogen fueling stations”.
The trouble is, to create pure hydrogen to power the fuel-cell, we would need to use a considerable amount of energy to harness this hydrogen from a compound. Pure hydrogen by itself is very difficult to find in nature. We usually find it bonded to another element as it has a strong propensity to bind with anything. This makes it such a good energy carrier. This cracking process however would release carbon dioxide as a by-product.
The possibilities of hydrogen technology are attractive, but there is still a long way to go with regards to a vehicle running on hydrogen only. Toyota’s current hydrogen vehicles incorporate a battery to help the car accelerate. Hydrogen power works best at constant speeds and not off of differing magnitudes of speeds which a commercial vehicle commands.
Tesla has long dominated the EV market with their innovative and futuristic technology. Tesla is sure to contribute significantly to hydrogen fuel-cell technology. We may see a pure hydrogen powered vehicle on the road sooner than we think.
Link: https://www.ecoticias.com/en/elon-musk-tesla-stops-making-tesla/7170/
House Energy Committee weighs incentives for nuclear and hydrogen energy development
In its first meeting of the new legislative session, members of the House Energy Committee took testimony Tuesday morning on a resurrected package of bills aimed at expanding research, development and production of hydrogen and nuclear power.
The committee welcomed input from researchers and representatives from energy utilities, nuclear plants, colleges and labor groups to give their thoughts on the six bills looking to incentivize research into nuclear and hydrogen energy, and support efforts to bring new nuclear reactors online through educational grants and tax credits.
“This legislative package does three important things, incentivizes Michigan businesses to become part of the supply chain associated with the growth of nuclear energy, encourages growth in the workforce training and retention program to support nuclear energy in the state, and clarifies the siting requirements for advanced nuclear systems. These are all key steps for the state to take leadership in this technology,” Todd Allen, the chair of the department of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences at the University of Michigan, said while giving his support to the bills.
Rep. Pauline Wendzel (R-Bainbridge Township), the committee’s chair, kicked off testimony on the bills by highlighting Michigan’s status as a top 10 state for nuclear power, telling members this package would help make the state not only a national leader, but a global leader on nuclear power.
“Nuclear energy is experiencing a renaissance — I think we’re all aware of that right now — not just in the United States, but in the entire world. Global energy demand is rising. Data centers are coming online, we’ve got AI, [electric vehicles] and we are seeking increased demand for reliable energy sources,” Wendzel said.
House Energy Committee Chair Pauline Wendzel (R-Bainbridge Twp.) testifies on a slate of bills aimed at promoting nuclear energy development in Michigan. | Screenshot
The package, House Bills 4124–4129 will mark Michigan as open to business for nuclear investors around the world, Wendzel said, arguing that simply keeping the state’s existing nuclear plants in operation will not secure Michigan’s place as a leader in nuclear energy.
In the time since these efforts were first introduced, other states have taken their own steps to promote nuclear energy development, Wendzel said.
“Tennessee is looking to mirror job retention and education portions of this package while adding a $92.6 million investment. Texas has moved aggressively this year, already copying a good portion of this package while adding a multi billion dollar fund, billion, to support new nuclear facilities in their state, and Indiana, just right to our south, who is stealing things from us, is also taking action,” She said. “My counterpart in their Senate is advancing legislation allowing investor owned utilities to recover development costs of SMRs [small modular reactors].”
The package was crafted to ensure lawmakers aren’t simply throwing money at the problem, but structuring financial incentives to reward investment, innovation and efforts to build the workforce needed for these efforts, Wendzel said.
House Bill 4127 creates a legal definition for an SMR while House Bill 4124 creates a research and development tax credit for the design, development and implementation of SMRs, Wendzel said, with House Bill 4128 offering a production credit for the first 10 gigawatt hours these facilities generate, rewarding development and workforce training efforts.
The remaining bills in the package center around workforce attraction and development efforts, addressing concerns raised by members of the nuclear industry, State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) said.
“In Michigan, we are blessed to have universities that train some of the most talented nuclear engineers and operators in the country. The unfortunate problem is that they tend to leave the state and go to the rest of the country. And so we worked on this side of the package to encourage people to stay in the state, but also to encourage our universities and our community colleges to make investments in both the nuclear and the hydrogen workforce space,” Andrews said.
Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) testifies before the House Energy Committee on March 4, 2025 in support of a set of bills looking to incentivize research, development and production of nuclear energy in Michigan. | Screenshot.
Andrews’ House Bill 4129 establishes a workforce attraction-retention scholarship program with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, providing direct grants, tax credits, or both to in-state and out of state graduates who commit to employment at a new or existing nuclear or hydrogen energy facility for a minimum of three years after receiving a degree or credential.
The remaining bills in the package establish a fund and a grant program for post-secondary schools that establish or expand educational programs that lead to degrees or credentials supportive of the nuclear and hydrogen industries, or who offer scholarships to students committed to working in those industries.
Andrews’ noted that Lake Michigan College, a local community college in his district, already had a successful program to credential students and send them into the nuclear workforce.
Ken Flowers, provost and vice president of academic affairs of Lake Michigan College, later told members of the committee that the college is 20 minutes from the Holtec Palisades nuclear plant and north of the D.C. Cook nuclear plant. House Bills 4124-4129 would greatly help their community with skill training and workforce development effort, and help ramp these efforts up quickly, Flowers said.
Paul Rhodes trains Holtec employees Palisades in a mock operation room in Covert Twp. on Aug. 12, 2024. | Lucy Valeski
“I’ll give you an example. In 2008 in January, we did not have an energy focused program. We got a call from both Palisades and Cook at the same time, and by September of 2008 we had over 150 students in programming,” Flowers said.
The skills from these programs are transferable, Flowers said, and will also help drive skilled trades programming, industrial-based programming, and advanced manufacturing programming.
The college also holds strong relationships with the local Michigan Works branch, Berrien County Regional Education Service Agency and has developed programming to bring energy training into local highschools, Flowers said.
Robert Joerg, the director of government affairs of the Michigan Laborers District Council, said the package would create a number of high paying jobs, with their union’s members employed in several Michigan energy facilities, ranging from renewables, to fossil fuels to nuclear and the transportation of fuels.
Their members are also key to construction and decommissioning of these plants, with roughly 200 members working at facilities undergoing refueling and maintenance, Joerg said. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy points to research noting SMRs could create 7,000 direct and indirect jobs.
While the package also received support from several other university and labor organizations as well as DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, Sierra Club Michigan pushed back against the package in written testimony submitted to the committee members.
“Nuclear energy is the most expensive energy source, often requiring significant government subsidies. SMRs are not an exception,” Tim Minotas, Sierra Club Michigan’s deputy legislative and political director wrote in his testimony.
“Even if SMRs receive billions of dollars in financial support as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), they cannot compete in the market against cheaper existing technologies such as wind, solar, and batteries. The levelized cost of electricity from SMRs is over five times that of power from wind turbines and utility-scale solar plants. While renewable energy and storage costs are declining rapidly, nuclear construction costs are rising,” Minotas wrote, pointing to the $35 billion price tag on Georgia’s Vogtle plant, which came online in 2024.
Minotas also argued nuclear reactors present serious timeline and operational issues, with asset management and financial advisory firm Lazard noting that utility-scale solar facilities can be built in about 9 months, whereas nuclear reactors can take 69 months or longer, excluding permitting efforts which can take years.
Additionally, Michigan and the United States lack a permanent central repository to dispose of spent nuclear fuel cells, Minotas said, arguing any community housing an SMR would have to plan to be a de facto long-term nuclear waste disposal site.
“The potential degradation of Great Lakes water used for cooling, and the lack of a safe disposal solution for radioactive waste are critical concerns. As rising Great Lakes water levels, storm surges and heavy rainfall erodes coastal and inland flood defenses, nuclear plants storing waste along our waterways are not a safe bet in a changing climate,” Minotas said, citing a 2021 study published in Nature Energy which found the frequency of climate-related nuclear plant outages is nearly eight times higher than it was in the 1990s.
While the Sierra Club of Michigan does not necessarily oppose the use of currently-operating nuclear plants to support the state’s clean energy transition, or the use of green hydrogen, it instead argues the state should focus its efforts on building up capacity for energy transmission; expanding investments into wind and solar; developing utility, residential and community level energy storage; ramping up energy efficiency and demand response efforts and removing barriers to distribute and community-owned energy generation like rooftop or community solar.
“Rather than subsidizing an industry with an uncertain future, our state should invest in proven, rapidly deployable clean energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and battery storage. Or at the very least, ensure they are included and financially supported along with the others in this bill package,” Minotas said.
6.2 trillion tons: US hydrogen jackpot could be double than Earth’s gas reserves
The US Geological Survey (USGS) published a map showing locations in the United States that may contain significant reserves of “geologic hydrogen,” challenging conventional beliefs about its availability.
Governments worldwide are actively seeking alternatives to oil and gas. For a long time, experts doubted that enough naturally occurring hydrogen reserves existed to serve as a viable alternative energy source.
However, the new map released by the USGS counters this assumption.
“For decades, the conventional wisdom was that naturally occurring hydrogen did not accumulate in sufficient quantities for energy purposes,” explains Sarah Ryker, the USGS associate director for energy and minerals, in an official announcement.
“This map is tantalizing because it indicates that several parts of the U.S. could have a subsurface hydrogen resource after all.”
Is the US sitting on a clean energy source? Maybe
After conducting an extensive geological survey, USGS researchers compiled a groundbreaking map that categorizes which states most likely harbor rich amounts of hydrogen reserves.
This map builds on a previous study published last month by USGS researchers, which suggested that untapped hydrogen lying beneath the Earth’s surface could total an astounding 6.2 trillion tons.
Just 2% of this amount could theoretically provide carbon-free fuel for the world for 200 years. “We estimate that the energy content of this recoverable hydrogen is roughly double the energy contained in all the proven natural gas reserves on Earth,” noted authors Geoff Ellis and Sarah Gelman in their recent study in Science Advances.
First, they established a strong argument and provided compelling evidence for the plentiful existence of this potential new energy source.
“We have demonstrated that there is significant potential for geologic hydrogen as an emerging energy resource,” Gelman says in the announcement.
Next, they focused on identifying possible locations of these resources within the United States.
But as nothing like this had ever been done before, they had to develop a new methodology that they applied to the contiguous 48 states.
By assessing ideal conditions for hydrogen accumulation, such as “hydrogen sources, reservoir rocks, and seals to trap gas,” they discovered that many states have tappable naturally occurring hydrogen reserves.
The map divides the country into two categories: areas highly likely to contain usable hydrogen and areas less likely to have it.
States identified as having potential include Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, the Four Corners states (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah), the California coast, and certain regions along the Eastern Seaboard.
However, this map is just the beginning; it will be updated as further investigations are conducted. This is only the first step toward assessing the true extraction potential of hydrogen.
Is hydrogen the future?
Study authors project that hydrogen may “account for as much as 30% of future energy supply in some sectors.” Additionally, global demand for hydrogen is expected to increase more than fivefold by 2050.
As the commitment to achieving zero-carbon emissions remains a priority for both scientists and governments, the current methods for obtaining hydrogen are costly and inefficient.
Have USGS researchers finally discovered the key to sustainable energy? Is the U.S. sitting on an abundant supply of clean hydrogen energy waiting to be unlocked? And how will we go about extracting it? This innovative and groundbreaking map serves as the first step in addressing these questions.
Link: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/the-us-could-be-sitting-on-a-massive-amount-of-hydrogen
These startups turn fossil gas into hydrogen, without all the emissions
Finland’s Hycamite and other companies are splitting methane into solid carbon and hydrogen, a potential alternative for the troubled clean hydrogen market.
Hycamite turns fossil gas into hydrogen and solid carbon at its Customer Sample Facility in Kokkola, Finland. (Hycamite)
A 67-person Finnish startup called Hycamite has just completed a facility it hopes will revolutionize production of low-carbon hydrogen.
The plant, in the industrial port city of Kokkola, on Finland’s west coast, will soon receive gas shipments from a nearby liquefied natural gas import terminal and turn the fossil fuel into hydrogen. That in itself is not novel — pretty much all of the world’s commercially produced hydrogen comes from methane, the main ingredient in natural gas. But all those legacy hydrogen producers end up with carbon dioxide as a byproduct, and they vent it into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. Hycamite will make hydrogen without releasing CO2, using a little-known process called methane pyrolysis.
“We split the methane with the help of catalysts and heat — there’s no oxygen present in the reactor, so that there’s no CO2 emissions at all,” founder and Chairman Matti Malkamäki told Canary Media in a December interview. “We are now entering industrial-scale production.”
Hycamite’s Customer Sample Facility in Kokkola can produce 5.5 tons of clean hydrogen per day, or 2,000 tons per year, Malkamäki said. Instead of creating carbon dioxide as an inconvenient gaseous byproduct, pyrolysis yields solid carbon. Hycamite uses catalysts developed over 20 years by professor Ulla Lassi at the University of Oulu, which transform the methane into “carbon nanofibers with graphitic areas.” This solid carbon can be processed further to produce graphite that Malkamäki plans to sell to battery manufacturers and other high-tech industries.
Hycamite’s founder and chairman, Matti Malkamäki. (Hycamite)
Hycamite closed a $45 million Series A investment in January to fund operations at the hydrogen plant. But it’s just one of a growing cluster of climatetech startups betting that the dual revenue stream of hydrogen and useful carbon products gives them an edge in the nascent marketplace for clean hydrogen, a much-hyped, little-produced wonder fuel for solving tricky climate problems.
Low-carbon hydrogen theoretically could clean up emissions-heavy activities like long-distance trucking, shipping, steel making, and refining — if anyone can manage to make it, at volume, at prices that compete with the dirty stuff that’s already available. In the U.S., some hydrogen producers and fossil fuel majors have talked about retrofitting carbon-capture machinery onto existing hydrogen plants, but nobody’s built a full-scale “blue hydrogen” operation so far. Renewables developers have evangelized “green hydrogen,” which is made by running clean electricity through water to isolate hydrogen, but they need electrolyzers and the production of clean electrons to get considerably cheaper. Until then, they’ll depend heavily on government policy support.
Now President Donald Trump is treating Joe Biden’s suite of clean energy policies like a piñata, and it’s hard to tell if incentives for producing green hydrogen will even survive. That’s already scaring off investors from large, capital-intensive green hydrogen projects. But the up-and-coming pyrolysis crew could find a niche: Their projects are smaller and nimbler, and they consume natural gas, one sector that Trump has ordered his government to encourage.
Turning gas into clean energy gold
Methane pyrolysis entrepreneurs like Malkamäki are heeding the call of fundamental chemistry.
“Thermodynamically, it’s far more energy-favorable to split methane than to split water,” said Raivat Singhania, a materials scientist who scrutinizes hydrogen startups at Third Derivative, a clean energy deep-tech accelerator. Water’s chemical bonds hold together more fiercely than methane. That means companies trying to make clean hydrogen by splitting water need huge amounts of electricity to overcome the strength of its bonds; sourcing that electricity creates a daunting cost and a logistical hurdle.
Not only does methane-splitting require less energy, it can be done with a simpler plant design than water electrolysis, using fewer moving parts or fragile pieces of equipment, Singhania noted. This analysis informed Third Derivative’s investment in Aurora Hydrogen, which breaks methane using microwaves.
Those thermodynamic advantages come with tradeoffs. Namely, would-be methane pyrolyzers need a ready source of methane, which in practical terms means a pipe delivering fossil gas. That inevitably entails some level of upstream emissions.
Methane pyrolyzers also need to be located where gas is abundant. It’d be hard to scale up in places like Europe, post Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, or Massachusetts when winter rolls around. But supply is ample across much of the U.S., which is producing more fossil gas than any country ever. Hycamite is building its commercial test facility in its home base of Finland, but the company is looking to the U.S. to deploy its technology, Malkamäki said.
Right after taking office in January, Trump responded to world records in U.S. fossil fuel production by declaring an “energy emergency” and ordering his administration to clear the way for even more fossil fuel extraction.
It’s not clear whether the fossil fuel industry can or wishes to increase production dramatically; in market-based systems, excess supply tends to deflate prices. Whether production stays at current record highs or pushes further skyward, the U.S. will have plenty of gas to go around, and methane pyrolysis companies could generate the kind of new demand that the industry desperately needs. Moreover, they would be using American fossil fuel abundance to create materials useful for the transition to clean energy.
For that to happen, though, pyrolysis startups need to break through early technical demonstrations and start producing at scale.
Out of the lab and into the fray
Hycamite is not the only company chasing the pyrolysis dream.
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The American startup Monolith is arguably furthest along in the quest to turn laboratory science into industrial-scale production. It uses high-heat pyrolysis to produce hydrogen and a dark powdery substance called carbon black, an additive used in tire and rubber manufacturing.
Monolith received a conditional $1 billion loan from the Department of Energy in late 2021 to build out its facility in Nebraska, which would deliver clean hydrogen to decarbonize fertilizer production. Monolith had to run a gauntlet to prove to DOE’s Loan Programs Office that it deserved such a loan. It has the rare distinction among pyrolysis startups of having actually sold its carbon products: Goodyear makes a tire for electric vehicles using Monolith’s carbon black.
However, Monolith did not finalize the loan before the Trump administration came to office and froze new disbursements for clean energy. The company was running short on cash while struggling to get its high-heat process to work reliably around the clock, per a Wall Street Journal article published in September. Monolith secured additional financing from its investors just before that story published.
Several other startups want to boost their revenues by turning methane into higher-value forms of carbon than carbon black, a relatively inexpensive commodity — if they can achieve the quality and consistency necessary to sell into those specialized and demanding markets.
A group of Cambridge University scientists founded Levidian in 2012 to create reliable, large-scale production of graphene, a carbon-based supermaterial discovered in Manchester, England, in 2004. After another eight years of research and development under the moniker Cambridge Nanosystems, the company was acquired and brought to market by a British entrepreneur.
Levidian eschews the catalysts, heat, and pressure that other startups use to split methane. Instead, the team ended up building a nozzle that sucks in methane gas, then uses electricity to generate microwave energy, which in turn creates a cold plasma torch that shaves carbon atoms from hydrogen atoms.
This yields hydrogen and graphene, which can be used in semiconductors, electronics, and batteries. Levidian can sell graphene for hundreds of dollars per kilogram, far more than carbon black, CEO John Hartley told Canary Media in January. Indeed, the company will host its first graphene auction on March 24. To install its technology, though, Levidian has focused on customers who want to clean up their fossil gas emissions.
“It’s really an onsite carbon-capture unit at its core: It catches carbon, makes hydrogen, and decarbonizes methane gas,” Hartley said. The first customers include Worthy Farm, which hosts the Glastonbury music festival; a wastewater treatment plant in Manchester; and the Habshan gas processing facility in Abu Dhabi.
U.S.-based Etch builds on research by founder Jonah Erlebacher, a materials science professor at Johns Hopkins University. The startup splits methane with what it describes as a recyclable catalyst that contains no rare minerals; it produces graphite and other forms of carbon.
The Etch team is wrapping up commissioning for its first “commercial-scale pilot” in Baltimore, a spokesperson told Canary Media. Last fall, the startup brought in a new CEO with commercial chops: Katie Ellet previously served as president of hydrogen energy and mobility for North America at Air Liquide, one of the few companies actually producing low-carbon hydrogen at scale, and a key player in six of the seven hydrogen hubs funded by the Department of Energy.
Steps toward scale in uncertain times
All these companies need to hit their stride just as the clean hydrogen market has entered a period of tumult.
The Biden administration hoped to jump-start a clean hydrogen economy with two major policies: A suite of billion-dollar grants to seven “hydrogen hubs” strategically chosen around the country, which are intended to link up production with entities that could use the fuel to clean up transportation and heavy industry, and a production tax credit to effectively lower the market price of hydrogen produced using low-carbon methods.
Now, the Trump administration has frozen payments on clean energy grants and loans. Prospective hydrogen producers had been waiting breathlessly for the final IRS guidance on the 45V tax credit; now that the lawyers have finally produced that guidance, the nascent hydrogen industry has to plead with the new administration to preserve those credits as it overhauls federal spending this year.
Given this swirling uncertainty, pyrolysis startups can take some solace in the fact that their business is not entirely dependent on the vagaries of hydrogen policy. At least they can sell carbon materials, which have clear value and established buyers who use the stuff in a non-theoretical way.
I asked Malkamäki if Hycamite identifies as a carbon company that also makes hydrogen or a hydrogen company that also makes carbon. He pointed out that the company name itself is a mashup of “Hy-” for hydrogen and “ca-” for carbon (and the -mite is a reference to a fanciful super-fuel that Donald Duck invented in a vintage comic strip). The revenues from the carbon products are “elementary for us to be profitable,” he said. “A couple of investors have said to us that hydrogen makes you sexy, carbon makes you money.”
That’s not to suggest breaking into the battery supply chain will be easy. It requires passing rigorous, multi-year testing by the battery makers that might buy Hycamite’s carbon products. But this kind of revenue can bolster a young business as it rides out the storm in Washington.
Enough Hydrogen to Last 200 Years Found Underground, Say American Researchers
According to a recent study published in Science Advances, researchers from the US Geological Survey (USGS) have calculated that Earth’s underground reserves contain nearly 6,000 billion tonnes of hydrogen. Remarkably, just a small fraction of this resource would be enough to meet global energy needs—if we can locate and extract it efficiently.
What’s New About This Study?
The study, led by Geoffrey Ellis and Sarah Gelman, highlights the immense potential of geological hydrogen as an energy resource. Using advanced mathematical models and the mass balance method, the researchers estimate that exploiting just 2% of this underground hydrogen—around 100 billion tonnes—could provide more energy than all proven natural gas reserves combined.
Hydrogen Recovery Challenges
The total global quantity of natural hydrogen in Earth’s subsoil ranges from 10³ to 10¹⁰ Mt, with the most likely estimate being ~5.6 × 10⁶ Mt (or an average of ~6.8 × 10⁷ Mt). However, most reserves are believed to be too deep, too small, or located too far offshore to be economically viable at present.
That said, even a fraction of these reserves would be sufficient to meet the projected hydrogen demand of 500 million tonnes by 2050. Drawing comparisons to the shale gas boom in the United States, the study suggests that geological hydrogen could significantly contribute to the global energy supply within a few decades. By the end of the century, it could account for half of the projected supply of blue hydrogen.
Is Hydrogen a Renewable Resource?
The study provides encouraging insights into the sustainability of natural hydrogen. Researchers estimate a 94% probability that underground hydrogen reserves will exceed extraction rates until at least 2100, with a 75% probability extending beyond the year 2200.
Surprisingly, natural hydrogen appears to be renewable. The Earth’s natural production rate of hydrogen is estimated at around 5 Mt per year. This suggests that natural processes generating hydrogen could potentially keep pace with extraction rates.
Independent Study with Expert Insights
The authors, who have no vested interests in the sector, worked with experts such as Viacheslav Zgonnik from Natural Hydrogen Energy and French geochemist Eric-Claude Gaucher to refine their findings.
The full study can be read here.
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Woodside Energy Group Delays Investment in Oklahoma Hydrogen Project
Woodside Energy Group has postponed its final investment decision on the H2OK liquid hydrogen project in Oklahoma, focusing instead on the Beaumont New Ammonia project in Texas. This shift comes amid regulatory changes and recent political developments in the United States.
Strategic Shift Amid Regulatory and Political Changes
Woodside Energy Group, a major player in the global energy sector, has decided to delay the final investment decision on its anticipated H2OK liquid hydrogen project based in Oklahoma. This decision allows the company to prioritize the Beaumont New Ammonia project in Texas, reflecting a strategic pivot in response to the current economic and political climate in the United States.
Impact of Regulatory Changes
The delay is partly due to the need to assess the implications of the newly released 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit regulations by the US Department of Treasury. These regulations are critical in determining the financial viability of projects like H2OK, which depend significantly on governmental incentives to offset initial high costs associated with green energy technologies.
Influence of Political Landscape
The recent inauguration of President Donald Trump, who has initiated several executive orders to reduce restrictions on fossil fuel production, has added another layer of complexity. These orders aim to make it less expensive and more efficient to drill for oil and gas, which poses a direct challenge to the competitiveness of renewable energy projects like those pursued by Woodside.
Corporate Responses and Market Reactions
Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill indicated that while the decision to delay the hydrogen project was influenced by a need to prioritize more immediately viable projects, it was not directly related to Trump’s policies. However, she acknowledged that the company must reassess the broader impact of these policies on renewable projects, particularly in light of potential suspensions of funds under the Inflation Reduction Act, which previously supported hydrogen development with tax credits.
Global and Domestic Implications
The delay in the H2OK project is reflective of a larger trend where energy companies are reconsidering the pace and scale of their renewable energy investments. This trend is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and economic incentives that favor fossil fuels, especially in regions like the United States where policy shifts have significant implications for global markets.
DOE Launches New Funding Opportunity for Small Businesses Focused on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell R&D
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opened new funding to small businesses for innovative clean energy technologies as part of its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs. SBIR and STTR are competitive funding opportunities that encourage U.S.-based small businesses to engage in research and development to accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies.
Through SBIR and STTR, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has enabled thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop cutting-edge technologies required to accelerate our transition to a clean energy future.
SBIR/STTR provides funding in two phases: Small businesses can receive up to $200,000 in Phase I to prove the feasibility of an idea; successful awardees can then receive up to $1 million in Phase II for further development including prototyping, validation, and testing.
As part of this funding opportunity, the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office is seeking proposals related to the following topics:
- Safety Technologies for Large-Scale Hydrogen Deployments
- Novel Concepts for Low-Energy, Low-Cost Hydrogen Loss Mitigation
- Durable, Efficient, and Low-Cost PEM Fuel Cell Cathode Catalysts for Heavy-Duty Transportation Applications
- Membranes and Separators for Alkaline Electrolyzers
- Innovative Manufacturing Concepts to Support Scale-Up of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell Trucks
- In-Situ Diagnostic Tools for Clean Hydrogen Production
- Power Electronics Enabling Conversion of Low-Cost Intermittent Electricity to Low-Cost Hydrogen
- Facilitate the Development and Expansion of a Robust Supply Chain for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Systems and Components
Mandatory letters of intent for this funding opportunity are due Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, by 5 p.m. ET.
Slides from an informational webinar held last week are posted at the link directly below.
Please review the funding opportunity for more information.