US, China and South Korea join along; automotive sector sees highest jump in number of patents submitted; uneven trends observed
Here’s the article posted in Energy Post that talks about the hydrogen innovation pipeline which is showing strong signs ahead of the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam.
According to the article,
- Europe and Japan leading the world in terms of patent filings related to hydrogen.
- Technologies related to producing hydrogen accounted for the largest number of hydrogen patents in 2011-2020.
- The automotive sector experienced the biggest jump in hydrogen-related patent filings.
The research community focused on hydrogen technology is constantly coming up with amazing innovations, keeping us on our seats as we await that one discovery that can change the shape of the world.
The most promising hydrogen production methods currently under development are:
Our specialty focus areas include 
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a mature technology that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. It is considered one of the most promising methods for clean hydrogen production, especially when coupled with renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. Alkaline water electrolysis and proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis are the most developed technologies in this category.
Thermochemical Water Splitting
Thermochemical water splitting uses heat and chemical reactions to produce hydrogen from water. The sulfur-iodine (S-I) cycle and copper-chlorine (Cu-Cl) cycle are two of the most promising thermochemical cycles under development. These cycles can achieve high efficiencies and use nuclear or concentrated solar power as the heat source.
Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Photoelectrochemical water splitting uses light-absorbing semiconductors to directly split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This method has the potential for high efficiency and low cost, but it is still in the research and development stage. Improving the performance and stability of photoelectrodes is a key focus area for this technology.
Biomass Gasification and Pyrolysis
Gasification and pyrolysis of biomass and waste materials can produce hydrogen-rich syngas that can be further purified to obtain hydrogen. These thermochemical processes are considered promising due to their potential for low cost and the ability to use a wide range of feedstocks. Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of biomass is particularly promising as it can handle highly moisturized feedstocks without the need for drying.
Biological Hydrogen Production
Biological methods like dark fermentation and photo-fermentation use microorganisms to produce hydrogen from organic matter. These methods are still in the research and development stage but have the potential for low cost and the ability to use waste materials as feedstocks. Improving hydrogen yields and process efficiencies are key challenges for these technologies. While each of these methods has its own advantages and challenges, the combination of electrolysis powered by renewable energy and thermochemical water splitting using nuclear or solar heat appears to be the most promising path forward for large-scale, cost-effective, and clean hydrogen production in the near to medium term.
Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:
Hydrogen Pipeline in Texas: Lotus Infrastructure Launches NeuVentus – Lotus Infrastructure has introduced the NeuVentus platform for hydrogen pipelines, marking the launch of the first U.S. hydrogen pipelines. Hydrogen Pipeline In North Sea: RWE and Equinor Partner – RWE and Equinor have embarked on a joint venture to construct a green hydrogen pipeline connecting Germany and Norway. Green Hydrogen Pipeline To be Constructed by Norway and Germany A groundbreaking initiative between Norway and Germany plans to establish a hydrogen pipeline by 2030. Hydrogen Pipeline For Thyssenkrupp Steel Air Liquide: Powered by Air Liquide Air Liquide has completed a 4-kilometer hydrogen pipeline to Thyssenkrupp Steel in Duisburg, Germany.
