Hydrogen production is experiencing an expansion phase, once criticism of its carbon footprint has passed. But they have found a solution thanks to an innovative project which reduces them to zero. An invention that will revolutionize our lives, just like these panels for unlimited solar energy production.
Hydrogen, a 100% renewable and unlimited fuel
Hydrogen has long been the industry’s bet for a more sustainable future. Although it does not exist in isolation in nature, its potential as a renewable fuel is enormous. The key lies in electrolysis, a process that uses electricity produced from renewable sources.
Although the viability of green hydrogen has raised questions, it is hoped that the increased availability of renewable energy will make its production less expensive. According to the International Energy Agency, this method of obtaining green hydrogen could save 830 million tonnes of CO2 per year.
Replacing all gray hydrogen would require around 3,000 TWh of additional energy per year. This is the equivalent of Europe’s current electricity demand. Despite concerns over the high cost of producing green hydrogen, this problem is expected to ease as decarbonization progresses.
The ideal would be to produce it directly from water by electrolysis, by breaking down water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen. However, this process is often expensive and requires large amounts of electricity which in many cases does not come from renewable sources.
Saudi Arabia launches world’s largest hydrogen plant
Saudi Arabia has announced an ambitious project that could transform hydrogen production around the world. Construction of a $5 billion green hydrogen plant in the city of Neom will begin this month and is expected to be operational by 2026.
This plant, led by the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC), will become the largest in the world, with the capacity to produce up to 600 tonnes of hydrogen per day, without any carbon emissions. The company recently received a large shipment of wind turbines.
According to project managers, this is a key step in integrating solar and wind energy into the project. The plant, which will run exclusively on renewable energy, positions itself as a leader in the energy transition, supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a leading hydrogen exporter.
This project not only represents a technological breakthrough, but also a commitment to sustainable development, with an exclusive agreement for the global export of green ammonia derived from the hydrogen produced. Besides, you may already remember what happened not far away (in the United Arab Emirates) during the COP.
Hydrogen production, an additional part of its macro-project
The NGHC project is a vital part of the Oxagon macro project in NEOM, an industrial city that aims to become an advanced renewable energy manufacturing ecosystem. The arrival of the wind turbines marks a significant milestone for Oxagon and highlights the expansion of the NEOM port, vital for the import and export of materials.
The city, with a capacity of over 90,000 people and a technology 4.0 industrial zone, will be an advanced model of a sustainable city of the future. It will serve as a port and logistics center for the NEOM region, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify its economy.
The current challenge, when it comes to hydrogen production, is the cost and difficulty of production. Although it is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, it is not found alone, but is generated from substances that contain it, such as water, coal and natural gas.
As you can see, the production of hydrogen without emissions is now a reality. This invention comes at the right time, as we must look for new solutions to decarbonize our economies. Perhaps we will also leave behind nuclear energy, which this American tycoon wants to resurrect (with the approval of the European Union, of course).