Hydrogen Technology Uses

Duke Energy made an exciting green hydrogen announcement last week. It’s an important push forward from the private sector. And it may help overcome the intermittency of wind and solar power. Here’s the first line of the press release: “Duke Energy today announced it soon will break ground in DeBary, Fla., on the first demonstration project in the United States to successfully create clean energy using an end-to-end system to produce, store and combust 100% green hydrogen.” Duke will use the solar power plant at DeBary to power two electrolyzers, which will separate water into oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen will go into the air, while the hydrogen will be stored and later combusted to generate power, free of harmful emissions. The combustion angle is huge here. It makes this energy source “dispatchable”, meaning you can generate power whenever you’d like from it. That’s of course not the case with wind and solar power. The wind must blow. The sun must shine. Otherwise, you don’t get power output. What’s the advantage, though, if solar power is ultimately used to generate the hydrogen? Aren’t we just pushing the variable solar output further upstream? We’re not actually avoiding it, right? The theory is that if this approach works, you could “overbuild” solar, and use the excess solar power to generate hydrogen. By “overbuild”, I mean you build solar plants that when operating at peak capacity produce more power than is consumed at any given moment in time. You couldn’t route it all to the grid even if you tried. You store the excess, in the form of green hydrogen. The hydrogen acts as a battery, in this sense. Then you feed the hydrogen to a combustion turbine when you need extra power, like when the sun is setting at the end of the day. So, is this the solution? Have we overcome all our energy problems? No. Importantly, this whole setup is experimental. It’s one thing to prove this arrangement can function in this limited form. That’s an important step. But then we have the much larger, and frankly much more consequential, step of seeing how much costs can fall when we learn how to build and deploy these systems at scale. The press release gives us a sense of how close to the cutting edge we are here. Duke describes this system as “one-of-its-kind”. The company says the combustion turbine (CT) will be able to run on a blend of natural gas and hydrogen, or all the way up to 100% hydrogen. According to the press release, “[t]his will be the nation's first CT in operation running on such a high percentage of hydrogen.” This is an important forward push for the private sector. It’s a real-world deployment of an approach that is both clean and could potentially solve challenges associated with wind and solar power. There’s much work to do from here, but this is an important and exciting step. #energy #power #renewableenergy #hydrogen Duke Energy Corporation

✈️ Hawaii: The Perfect Launchpad for Hydrogen Transportation Innovation Hawaii isn’t just a tropical paradise—it’s a strategic hub for the next generation of transportation technologies. With its unique geography, abundant renewable resources, and forward-thinking energy goals, Hawaii is poised to lead the way in integrating hydrogen into aviation, heavy-duty trucking, and maritime sectors. Why Hawaii for Hydrogen Transportation? 1️⃣ Aviation: -Alaska Airlines has partnered with ZeroAvia to develop hydrogen-electric propulsion, bringing us closer to zero-emission flights. -Hawaiian Airlines is investing in 50 million gallons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and together these airlines are exploring collaboration for inter-island clean aviation solutions. -With a strong aviation industry presence and isolated geography, Hawaii is the perfect testing ground for hydrogen-powered air travel. 2️⃣ Heavy-Duty Trucks: -Hawaii’s ports and logistics sectors are ripe for adopting hydrogen fuel cell trucks, offering zero-emission solutions for cargo transport. -Hydrogen’s fast refueling and longer range make it ideal for heavy-duty applications, especially in rugged island terrains. 3️⃣ Maritime: -Hydrogen is transforming Hawaii’s shipping industry. The Port of Honolulu has already tested hydrogen fuel cell technology to replace diesel generators for refrigerated containers. -Federal grants are supporting the development of a hydrogen fueling station at Honolulu Harbor, paving the way for zero-emission port operations and marine vessels. The Opportunity Hydrogen isn’t just clean—it’s practical, scalable, and resilient. From powering planes and trucks to ships, hydrogen can help Hawaii achieve its sustainability goals while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Join the Hawaii Hydrogen Airport Initiative 🌺 We’re inviting clean tech innovators, hydrogen manufacturers, and aviation leaders to be part of the Hawaii Hydrogen Airport Initiative—a visionary project to create a hub for clean, sustainable aviation. Together, we can shape Hawaii as a global model for hydrogen-powered transportation. 🤝 Let’s Make It Happen Hawaii is the ultimate testing ground for hydrogen transportation solutions. Reach out to me to learn how your company can join this transformative initiative and help build the future of clean travel and logistics. Together, we can redefine transportation for generations to come. 🚀 #HydrogenInnovation #CleanEnergy #HawaiiHydrogenAirportInitiative #SustainableTransportation #FutureOfTravel #AJPerkins #MicrogridMentor

“Seven regional hydrogen hubs spanning Appalachia, California, the Midwest, the Gulf Coast, the American heartland, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Pacific Northwest are poised to receive $7 billion in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding under the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program (H2Hubs). The selections, unveiled by the Biden administration on Oct. 13, are now expected to enter into award negotiations with the DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED). OCED on Friday noted that selection for award negotiations “is not a commitment by DOE to issue an award or provide funding.” Before awards are issued, the DOE and its applicants “will undergo a negotiation process, and DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection for any reason during that time,” it said. The DOE said the seven hubs vying for the lucrative billion-dollar opportunity first introduced in September 2022, were selected for their technical merit, financial and market viability, proposed speed of deployment, project management, and community benefits. The hubs are expected to form the foundation of a national clean hydrogen “network” that could demonstrate the production, processing, delivery, storage, and end-use of hydrogen. The White House on Friday said that combined, the seven hubs could produce more than 3 million metric tons of “clean hydrogen” per year, achieving nearly a third of the U.S.’s 2030 clean hydrogen production goal. The DOE on Friday suggested the awards conform to federal guidance for what constitutes “clean hydrogen.” Clean hydrogen, it said, “refers to hydrogen produced through electrolysis—separating liquid water into hydrogen—using renewable or low-carbon emissions energy sources, such as wind, solar or nuclear. Clean hydrogen can also refer to hydrogen produced using steam methane reforming with carbon capture and permanent storage (CCS) technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”” https://lnkd.in/gZcdNepH

Toyota's hydrogen-powered Hilux pickup truck. Here's more on it 👇  Toyota's hydrogen-powered Hilux pickup truck is moving into its final development phase. Ten prototype vehicles have been built in the UK. Five will undergo rigorous testing in real-world conditions. The other five will be used for demonstrations. This hydrogen Hilux combines Toyota's 30 years of fuel cell experience with its popular pickup truck design. From the outside, it looks just like a regular Hilux. But under the hood, it's a whole different story. The truck uses core technology from Toyota's Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car. It has three hydrogen tanks built into the frame, storing 7.8 kg of liquid hydrogen. This gives the truck a range of up to 373 miles on a single fill-up. The fuel cell stack, containing 330 cells, is mounted above the front axle. A battery in the back stores electricity produced by the fuel cell. This powers a 180-horsepower electric motor on the rear axle. ➡️ Here are some key features of the hydrogen Hilux: • It has the same exterior dimensions as a regular Hilux • The fuel cell produces 172 horsepower • The electric motor delivers 300 Nm of torque • It uses a lithium-ion battery with 84 cells The project started in early 2022 with a feasibility study. It involved collaboration between Toyota and several partners. The UK government provided funding support. Prototype construction began in June 2023 and was completed by December. This project isn't just about one truck model. It's part of Toyota's broader push into hydrogen technology. The company is already working on third-generation fuel cells. These are expected to hit the market in 2026-2027. The new tech aims to increase driving range by 20% and reduce costs by over one-third. Toyota is also exploring ways to make fuel cell stacks more versatile. They're looking at creating different power outputs to suit various vehicle types. Engineers are even working on redesigning fuel tanks for better vehicle integration. This hydrogen Hilux project shows how alternative fuel technologies can work in larger vehicles. It's a step towards making hydrogen power practical for more than just cars. Toyota's long-term investment in hydrogen technology is paying off. They're pushing the boundaries of what's possible from the Mirai sedan to this Hilux prototype. P.S. Repost this to your network ♻️

Hydrogen fuel cells aren’t coming. They’re already here... And they’re not just for spacecrafts or trucks anymore. They’re quietly being tested as drop-in replacements for diesel generators at data centers and the implications are massive. Why now? Because data centers are facing a dual crisis: Grid stress from skyrocketing AI demand. Sustainability mandates from customers and regulators. Here’s what makes hydrogen fuel cells a compelling solution: No combustion = no particulate matter or carbon emissions. Modular, scalable, and drop-in ready. Fast-start reliability rivaling diesel gen sets. Ideal for microgrids and off-grid resiliency. One pilot project (backed by leading OEMs) has already demonstrated hydrogen-powered backup at a rural hospital serving as an emergency hub. Next stop? Megawatt-scale deployments at hyperscale campuses. Yes, infrastructure gaps remain. Hydrogen distribution is still a challenge. But the playbook is forming and data center leaders are watching closely. The future of backup power may be quieter, cleaner, and made of water vapor. #datacenters

#Hydrogen is poised to drive substantial carbon emission reductions in long-haul trucking, one of the hardest-to-abate sectors in the U.S. economy. Long range, rapid refueling times, and high payload capacity, make hydrogen an efficient option for long-haul trucking. Deploying the infrastructure and technology to more customers throughout the country is the impetus behind a handful of Air Liquide’s ongoing efforts with partners across the value chain including retailers and OEMs. Together, we are working to provide an integrated hydrogen offer where the availability of molecules and technology meets the needed infrastructure and favorable policies. John McElroy’s article, “Why I Changed My Mind About Hydrogen Vehicles,” is worth a read on this topic. Personally though, I have never changed my mind about H2 vehicles. John highlights how liquid hydrogen distribution, which is enabled by companies like Air Liquide, along with “cryopump” refueling stations, support the economic viability of #fuelcell energy vehicles (FCEVs). I believe the future of mobility will be very diverse and evolve from an “easy” gasoline fits all – to a more diverse set of solutions depending on the need. In today’s landscape, it has always been very clear that hydrogen in #heavyduty transport will have a substantial key role.  ⤵️

Scientists have developed a new method for hydrogen production. Here's more... It's called two-step water electrolysis and it's more efficient than traditional methods. The research was led by Prof. CHEN Changlun from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science. This method separates hydrogen and oxygen production in time and space. It uses a special electrode called a bipolar electrode. The team created cobalt-doped nickel hydroxide bipolar electrodes on carbon cloth. These electrodes can store and release electrical charge effectively. Cobalt doping improves conductivity and prevents unwanted oxygen production. The scientists also developed new catalysts without expensive noble metals. One catalyst is molybdenum-doped nickel cobalt phosphide. Another is a plasma-induced iron composite cobalt oxide bifunctional electrode. These catalysts are highly active and durable. The process works by switching the direction of the electric current. This allows hydrogen and oxygen to be produced at different times. The method results in low cell voltages and high energy conversion efficiency. It also has high decoupling efficiency, separating H2 and O2 production. The team improved layered double hydroxide (LDH) electrodes too. They used nonthermal plasma to prepare nitrogen-doped nickel-cobalt LDH. This significantly improved the electrodes' capacitance and conductivity. Two-step electrolysis solves problems with traditional alkaline electrolyzers. It matches better with fluctuating renewable energy sources like wind and solar. It eliminates hydrogen/oxygen mixing under high pressure, improving safety. The method doesn't need expensive membrane separators. How it works: • Step 1: Charge the electrode • Step 2: Use the stored charge to make hydrogen Benefits: • No mixing of hydrogen and oxygen (safer) • Works well with solar and wind power • No need for expensive separators • More efficient than old methods This could make large-scale hydrogen production more cost-effective. The technology could be used for large-scale hydrogen storage. It might power 5G base stations and data centers in the future. This research is a significant step towards industrial-scale clean hydrogen production. The results were published in the Chemical Engineering Journal and the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science. PS. Repost this to your network ♻️

Announced in late 2023, the Michigan-backed clean hydrogen hub project, Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen, was awarded up to $1 billion by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop regional supply chains for the production, distribution, and use of hydrogen in trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. The project expects to create 13,600 direct jobs—12,100 in construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs.     MIO, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and OFME released an RFI seeking feedback on the deployment of a hydrogen refueling station in Detroit. The publicly available station expects to support the decarbonization of long-haul trucking along the northern half of the NAFTA corridor (Chicago – Quebec) long-term, and in the near-term, provide fuel for a small fleet of hydrogen fuel cell trucks for short haul routes or drayage operations in Southwest Detroit. The project is affiliated with the MachH2 Hydrogen Hub funded by the U.S. DOE’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub program. Feedback is sought from all parts of the hydrogen technology supply chain, as well as from organizations with expertise in equity, labor, and environmental justice.      The RFI can be found in the State of Michigan’s SIGMA Vendor Self-Service portal by selecting “View Published Solicitations” and searching for RFI# 240000000007. https://bit.ly/4bqqyCm     The information info session recording is now available for on-demand viewing/sharing: https://bit.ly/4bq3R1d     For questions, please contact the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification: https://lnkd.in/gnAXhqQm 

Germany is leading the way in green transportation with the introduction of hydrogen-powered passenger trains, a groundbreaking shift toward clean energy and zero-emission travel. The Coradia iLint trains, developed by Alstom, run entirely on hydrogen fuel cells, replacing diesel-powered locomotives and emitting nothing but water vapor and steam, no harmful CO₂ emissions! Designed for non-electrified railway routes, these hydrogen trains are reducing carbon footprints while maintaining efficiency, with some models, like the Mireo Plus H, capable of traveling up to 1,200 kilometers per charge. By embracing hydrogen technology, Germany is cutting down thousands of tons of CO₂ annually, setting a precedent for sustainable transportation worldwide.