The need for sustainable energy is reaching critical proportions. Current fuel sources release harmful greenhouse gases, and they will eventually run out. Alternative energy sources (such as wind or solar) have come a long way, but they are unlikely to meet energy demands in the foreseeable future. Even when homes get to a zero-emission point, it is important to note the sheer amount of energy consumed for industrial use. Large manufacturing plants can gulp as much energy as entire cities or even some countries.
Why Switch
The current cost of hydrogen makes it an unpalatable alternative for production companies. It is simply too expensive. Right now, the majority of hydrogen production in the United States — 95 percent — is a consequence of natural gas reforming, a thermal process with a poor production cost versus hydrogen energy production ratio. If it were less expensive or even comparable to the cost of current power sources, the benefits would be clear. Hydrogen burns cleaner than other fuel sources. Using hydrogen, manufacturing could become zero emission when energy is generated from renewable sources.
Natural Gas Turns To Natural Hydrogen
With energy usage projected to increase by 48 percent by the year 2040, new solutions are necessary, but there is time to develop alternative technologies. Much of that increase will be coming from natural gas unless technology offers a viable alternative. In 2012, annual natural gas usage hit 120 trillion cubic feet. By 2040, this could be as much as 203 trillion cubic feet. All of that natural gas produces carbon dioxide when burned, but what if there was another way?
If natural gas can be converted to hydrogen, it would decarbonize the many manufacturing processes. The challenge lies in the cost of making that conversion. Only by developing new technologies that lower the cost of conversion can these facilities become low emission. Given that some manufacturing plants burn more natural gas than the entire country of Austria in a year, finding an environmentally friendly and sustainable fuel source is a must.
Ups The Value On Hydrogen
The biggest push toward hydrogen comes from environmental concerns. Air pollutants do not have to be a major factor with the right mix of energy and cleaning. The latest in carbon capture technology may improve the outlook for hydrogen at the same time. Two United Arab Emirates University professors have developed a new type of sweetening unit that uses much less energy. The design relies on much of the same ideas as older models, but the small, porous membranes used reduce the amount of solvent and energy needed during the regeneration process.
Turning CO2 Into Fuel
Other new technologies involve converting CO2 into liquid fuel sources. A new catalyst in development shows promise by demonstrating the principles needed for the conversion. In testing, developers have turned CO2 into CO, the first step in a conversion process that would turn negative emissions into a fuel source.
Hydrogen Powered Vehicles
Although conversion technology has not yet become a viable alternative, auto makers are currently testing hydrogen as a possible fuel source. As the demand for the technology grows, the need for more natural gas becomes clear as a source for hydrogen production.
Technology Investment Into Sustainability
While virtually every developed country in the world looks for a sustainable energy solution, the answer may well become a series of small steps that address individual issues. More efficient and inexpensive carbon capture paired with natural gas to hydrogen conversion might be the answer to near-zero-emission manufacturing — but only when the technology is available. Today, the best options for cleaner fuel involve removing impurities from natural gas, like the conditioning services offered by Pure Blue.