What is hydrogen?
Hydrogen, which has the chemical symbol of H, is the most abundant element in the universe. It’s quite literally the energy that fuels the sun and stars. Here on Earth, hydrogen is found in the greatest quantities in water (H2O), but it can also be found in natural gas, coal and petroleum.
Potential benefits of using hydrogen energy
Sustainable
Hydrogen is emerging as a potential way for us to significantly decarbonise future energy consumption, particularly in industries that are hard to electrify – like steel production. When produced using renewables, like solar and wind power – it can be a great source of cleaner energy.
Flexible
Flexibility is important when it comes to meeting the demands of the energy grid and hydrogen shows promise in this area as it can be used immediately or be safely stored and transported for later use.
Potential to meet demand
A transport fuel for heavy vehicles, an industrial gas, and the ability to store energy – hydrogen’s versatility would allow it to help provide significant support to domestic energy needs. Which means it could help, by providing firming capacity to the grid and improving energy security. In fact, it’s already used around the world safely, with more and more countries investing in this emerging energy.
According to a report by the Hydrogen Council, around 680 large-scale hydrogen project proposals were submitted worldwide in 2022 – representing a whopping USD $240 billion direct investment through to 2030. Seemingly aligned to the prediction from the International Renewable Energy Agency, which projects that hydrogen will account for 12% of global energy use by 2050.
“Renewable hydrogen will be a key component in powering a cleaner future for manufacturing, mobility and industrial customers in Australia.”
Ryan Willemsen-Bell, General Manager Future Fuels, Origin Energy
How hydrogen produces energy
When hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the air, or is burnt, it generates thermal energy. This energy can then be used to:
- Power fuel cell vehicles
- Replace natural gas in factory operations and other hard to abate sectors
- Blend into the existing natural gas network to reduce carbon emissions
And as the by-product of hydrogen use is water, rather than carbon dioxide, this makes it one of the cleanest fuels on the planet when produced from renewable sources.
How is hydrogen energy made?
Different methods are available for producing hydrogen, using a variety of resources like natural gas, biomass, nuclear and renewable energies like solar or wind. In today’s world, most of the hydrogen produced comes from fossil fuels.
Thermochemical process (steam methane reformation)
Natural gas contains methane (CH4) that can be used to produce hydrogen with thermal processes, such as steam-methane reformation and partial oxidation. Steam reforming is a high-temperature, chemical process in which carbon monoxide reacts with water vapor. Steam reforming is the most common method for producing hydrogen today and primarily utilises natural gas in reactions with steam. At high temperatures, and in the presence of specialized catalysts, the reaction products are hydrogen, CO, and CO2. Although this method relies on inputs that aren’t renewable, it could play an important part in the transition to a low-emissions future.
Electrolysis process
Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen particles. The reaction takes place in a unit called an electrolyser. Through electrolysis, the electrolyser system creates hydrogen gas. The oxygen that’s left over is released into the atmosphere or can be captured or stored to supply other industrial processes – like medical gases in some cases. The hydrogen gas is usually stored as a compressed gas or liquefied and transported.
Renewable hydrogen
Renewable hydrogen is produced from sustainable water, using renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydroelectric power to electrolyse the water through the electrolysis process we mentioned above.
Sustainable water
Sustainable water is water sourced responsibly from renewable sources to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future. The current proposal is to use locally sourced recycled wastewater to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. Recycled wastewater, also known as water reclamation and reuse, is physically and chemically treated wastewater to a quality suitable for its intended end use.
Origin is already experienced at beneficial use of recycled water. Since 2014, Origin has been recycling water from its upstream gas operations and providing this water to farmers for irrigation.
How is Australia placed to produce renewable hydrogen?
In 2019, Australia became one of the first countries to develop a National Hydrogen Strategy. It sets a vision for Australia to become a major hydrogen exporter and producer by 2030. In addition, $500 million in funding has already been announced to support hydrogen projects. With an abundance of renewable energy options – like solar panels and wind turbines – and land, Australia’s well-positioned to be a world leader in producing renewable hydrogen.
Exporting hydrogen
Australia has unique advantages in terms of exporting hydrogen, based on its high-quality renewables, available land mass to develop renewables and proximity to key markets. By harnessing these emerging technologies, Australia would be able serve its domestic market as well as export green hydrogen to other countries. Developing a hydrogen industry wouldn’t just benefit the Australian economy, including through the creation of jobs, it would help reduce emissions too.
