Articles tagged with "green-hydrogen"
New Catalyst Cuts The Cost Of Green Hydrogen
The article highlights a significant advancement in reducing the cost of green hydrogen production through a new catalyst developed by a collaboration between US startup Plug Power, Dutch firm VSParticle, and the University of Delaware. Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water using renewable electricity, typically relies on iridium-based catalysts, which are highly efficient but expensive and scarce. VSParticle’s innovation uses 90% less iridium than conventional catalysts by employing a novel dry deposition manufacturing process instead of traditional spray coating. This method not only optimizes iridium usage but also eliminates the need for harmful PFAS-based polymers and solvents, resulting in a more sustainable and cost-effective catalyst. The new catalyst features a uniform, nanoporous structure that significantly increases the active surface area of iridium, enhancing efficiency while reducing material costs. VSParticle reports achieving high efficiency with just 0.4 milligrams of iridium per square centimeter, compared to the usual 1-2 milligrams, and aims to bring the cost of green hydrogen down to $
energygreen-hydrogencatalystiridiumPEM-electrolysisrenewable-energyhydrogen-productionNew catalyst cuts iridium use by 80% for cheaper green hydrogen
Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel catalyst that reduces iridium usage in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers by over 80%, a breakthrough that could significantly lower the cost and improve the scalability of green hydrogen production. Iridium, a rare and expensive metal essential for current PEM electrolyzers due to its durability in acidic water-splitting environments, poses a major supply and economic challenge for expanding hydrogen fuel technologies. The new catalyst, named Ru₆IrOₓ, embeds iridium atoms within a ruthenium oxide lattice rather than coating the surface, enhancing stability by protecting ruthenium atoms from dissolution under harsh electrochemical conditions. The Ru₆IrOₓ catalyst demonstrated industrial-grade performance by sustaining a current density of 2 amperes per square centimeter for over 1,500 hours with minimal degradation, matching the activity of pure iridium catalysts while drastically reducing iridium content. Industrial tests confirmed its durability and efficiency, suggesting that durable PEM electrolyzers can be produced
energygreen-hydrogencatalystiridium-reductionPEM-electrolyzerssustainable-energyhydrogen-productionUK: World’s first hydrogen-run digger marks carbon-neutral milestone
The UK’s £10 billion Lower Thames Crossing project has become the nation’s first major infrastructure development to commit to carbon-neutral construction, marked by the deployment of the world’s first hydrogen-powered digger on site in Kent. This British-made JCB backhoe loader, operated by Skanska and fueled by hydrogen supplied by Ryze, is the first hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine machine used outside a test environment. In its first month, the digger has already reduced CO₂ emissions by over 1.1 US tons, supporting National Highways’ broader goal to eliminate diesel machinery from worksites by 2027. This initiative is backed by the UK’s largest-ever purchase of green hydrogen for construction. The Lower Thames Crossing aims to reduce its construction carbon footprint by 70% through the use of low-carbon materials such as steel and concrete, alongside innovative building methods, with any remaining emissions to be offset by the early 2030s. The project, which received planning permission in March
energyhydrogen-fuelcarbon-neutral-constructiongreen-hydrogenlow-carbon-materialsconstruction-machinerysustainable-infrastructureProof Of Life For Green Hydrogen Surfaces In Texas
The article highlights Texas's expanding role in the renewable energy sector, particularly its emerging involvement in green hydrogen production. While Texas is traditionally known as a hub for oil and gas, it also leads the US in wind power and is rapidly advancing in solar energy. The state is now leveraging this renewable energy capacity to develop green hydrogen, which is produced by splitting water molecules using renewable energy, rather than extracting hydrogen from fossil fuels. This development comes despite setbacks at the federal level, where a major Biden-era green hydrogen program was curtailed under the Trump administration. A key player in this resurgence is the US startup SunHydrogen, which is deploying innovative solar-powered hydrogen-producing panels at the Hydrogen ProtoHub demonstration facility at the University of Texas at Austin. Unlike conventional electrolysis that relies on offsite electricity, SunHydrogen’s photoelectrochemical technology integrates hydrogen production directly into a photochemical cell, mimicking natural photosynthesis. Recently, SunHydrogen achieved a milestone by demonstrating a 1.92 m
energygreen-hydrogenrenewable-energysolar-powerhydrogen-productionclean-energySunHydrogenSwedish team's new approach could help develop sustainable solar fuels
Swedish researchers from Lund University have made a significant breakthrough in developing sustainable solar fuels by improving the efficiency of iron-based systems for solar energy conversion. Their study reveals previously hidden mechanisms that enable iron-based molecules to transfer electrical charge more effectively to acceptor molecules, a critical step in producing solar fuels like green hydrogen. This advancement addresses a major challenge where energy loss occurs because acceptor molecules tend to adhere to catalysts before charge transfer completes. By using advanced molecular-level calculations, the team discovered that neighboring molecules assist in completing the charge transfer, thereby reducing energy losses and enhancing system efficiency. This research is an important step toward making solar fuel production viable using common, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly metals such as iron, as opposed to costly rare Earth metals. While the study focuses on optimizing the initial charge separation process, further work is needed to develop finished solar fuels. Ultimately, these findings could contribute to producing cheaper and more sustainable solar fuels, which are crucial for decarbonizing energy systems in transportation, heating,
solar-energysustainable-fuelsiron-based-catalystsenergy-efficiencygreen-hydrogendecarbonizationrenewable-energy-materialsChina's solar-powered system produces hydrogen from air moisture
Researchers at the Hefei Institute of Physical Science, led by Prof. YIN Huajie, have developed an innovative solar-powered system that produces green hydrogen directly from moisture in the air, eliminating the need for external water or energy inputs. This breakthrough addresses a significant challenge in sustainable hydrogen production, which traditionally relies on high-purity water, limiting its feasibility in arid regions. By combining atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) with proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEMWE), the system uses a specially engineered hierarchically porous carbon material to efficiently absorb and evaporate water from low-humidity air, feeding it into an electrolyzer powered solely by solar energy. Laboratory tests demonstrated that the system maintains stable water collection and hydrogen production even at humidity levels as low as 20%, achieving nearly 300 milliliters of hydrogen per hour at 40% humidity. It also showed excellent long-term operational stability and zero carbon emissions, confirmed by field tests. This technology offers a promising pathway for sustainable
energygreen-hydrogensolar-poweratmospheric-water-harvestingproton-exchange-membrane-electrolysisporous-carbon-materialssustainable-energyHow a US electrolyzer redefines hydrogen efficiency
Verdagy Hydrogen, a California-based company, has developed a reengineered alkaline water electrolyzer platform called “Dynamic AWE” that significantly improves hydrogen production efficiency beyond conventional systems. By adapting chlor-alkali chemistry and employing a unique single-cell architecture that virtually eliminates shunt currents—electrical losses common in traditional alkaline stacks—Verdagy claims to have surpassed US Department of Energy (DOE) efficiency targets years ahead of schedule. The company validated its efficiency gains through rigorous benchmarking, normalizing performance data to atmospheric pressure and accounting for compression power, enabling fair comparisons across different electrolyzer designs. The efficiency improvements translate directly into substantial economic benefits. For example, a 1 kWh/kg efficiency gain at an electricity price of $50/MWh results in savings of $0.50 per kilogram of hydrogen produced. At scale, such as a 100-megawatt plant, this could amount to $3.65 million in annual savings. While this alone may not fully close the cost gap with
energyhydrogen-productionelectrolyzerclean-energygreen-hydrogenelectrolysisenergy-efficiencyThe Global Green Hydrogen Industry Moves On, US or No US
The article discusses the global progress in the green hydrogen industry, highlighting how countries like Saudi Arabia and China are advancing in this sector despite limited US government engagement since the Trump administration. Saudi Arabia, traditionally an oil and gas powerhouse, is actively pursuing green hydrogen initiatives by partnering with startups such as Estonia’s Stargate Hydrogen and its Research, Development, and Innovation Authority. This partnership aims to leverage Saudi Arabia’s abundant wind and solar resources to produce green hydrogen via electrolyzers, which use renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy, develop a domestic electrolyzer manufacturing industry, and position the kingdom as a global hub for green hydrogen and sustainable energy technologies. The article also notes that oil and gas companies, including ExxonMobil, are increasingly incorporating green hydrogen into their operations, primarily to improve their sustainability image, though this is sometimes criticized as greenwashing. Saudi Arabia is exploring opportunities to export green hydrogen to
energygreen-hydrogenrenewable-energySaudi-Arabiadecarbonizationelectrolyzershydrogen-fuel-cellsLargest electrolyzer system in US goes live in New York State
Cummins Inc.’s zero-emissions division, Accelera, has deployed the largest US-built proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer system—a 35 MW unit—at Linde’s hydrogen plant in Niagara Falls, New York. Powered entirely by local renewable hydroelectric energy, this system produces green hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen without emissions. Manufactured in Minnesota, the modular and scalable electrolyzer is designed to decarbonize industrial processes and enable commercial-scale green hydrogen production, supporting both energy efficiency and regional industrial needs. The project marks a significant milestone in advancing clean hydrogen technology in North America and reinforces New York’s leadership in the clean energy transition. Beyond environmental benefits, it is expected to stimulate local job creation and economic growth. Accelera, with over 600 PEM electrolyzers deployed globally—including previous 20 MW and 25 MW systems in Canada and Florida—demonstrates its commitment to expanding green hydrogen production capacity. Cummins, a global power solutions leader,
energygreen-hydrogenelectrolyzerrenewable-energyPEM-electrolyzerclean-energyhydrogen-productionFuel cell breakthrough for EV, aviation surpasses one-megawatt power
Researchers at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have achieved a significant milestone by operating core components of a next-generation fuel cell system at over one megawatt of power each. This breakthrough is part of the BALIS project, which aims to develop powerful, climate-friendly propulsion systems for aircraft, ships, and heavy-duty vehicles. The DLR team is also constructing a unique test facility capable of developing and evaluating fuel cell electric propulsion systems with outputs up to 1.5 megawatts. This facility, located at the E2U Empfingen Development Centre for Environmental Technology, is notable for its scale and flexibility, allowing comprehensive testing from individual components to entire powertrains. The BALIS project’s fuel cell technology, when powered by green hydrogen produced from renewable energy, offers a promising path toward carbon-dioxide-free mobility. This advancement could revolutionize power-intensive transportation sectors by reducing fossil fuel dependence and enabling zero-emission travel. The DLR setup integrates twelve fuel cell modules, each with
energyfuel-cellselectric-propulsiongreen-hydrogenzero-emissiontransportation-technologyrenewable-energyIndia's Renewable Energy Is Progressing, But The World Isn't Paying Attention (Part 2) - CleanTechnica
India is making significant strides in its renewable energy transition by developing a diverse portfolio that extends beyond solar power to include wind, bioenergy, and green hydrogen technologies. Central to this effort is the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched to build a green hydrogen ecosystem with incentives for electrolyzer manufacturing and pilot projects targeting decarbonization in challenging sectors such as steel and transportation. A flagship initiative under this mission is the Pudimadaka Green Hydrogen Hub near Vishakhapatnam, a gigawatt-scale facility developed by NTPC Green Energy. Alongside hydrogen, India is advancing bioenergy through the National Bioenergy Programme, which supports projects like the National Biogas and Manure Management Programme that utilize agricultural waste for clean energy. Wind energy also plays a crucial role, with government support via the Viability Gap Funding scheme encouraging offshore wind projects, including a 500 MW tender off Gujarat’s coast. Significant capacity additions are occurring in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, backed by major investments from companies such as Tata Power
energyrenewable-energygreen-hydrogenwind-energybioenergysolar-powerclean-energy-projectsChina's Sungrow Flexes Its Green Hydrogen Muscles In Europe
Chinese company Sungrow Power Supply is advancing its green hydrogen ambitions in Europe by establishing a cutting-edge hydrogen research and development facility at Munich Airport Business Park, Germany. Launched on August 19 through its Sungrow Hydrogen branch, the new Sungrow Research Center aims to accelerate the commercialization of green hydrogen technologies globally, with a focus on water electrolysis and Power-to-X applications—using green hydrogen as a versatile energy carrier. The facility includes four specialized laboratories and is designed with ample space for future expansion, forming part of Sungrow’s comprehensive innovation chain alongside its existing hydrogen production platform and research centers. This move comes amid a dynamic and competitive global green hydrogen market, where China has emerged as a dominant player, supplying about half of the world’s green hydrogen as of 2022. While some legacy stakeholders have scaled back green hydrogen investments to focus on fossil fuels, Sungrow’s strategy reflects long-term confidence in the sector’s potential. One key application for green hydrogen is in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (
energygreen-hydrogenhydrogen-researchclean-energySungrowenergy-innovationhydrogen-electrolysisWorld’s largest 100% hydrogen closed-loop plant to rise in China
Construction has begun in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China, on the world’s largest 100% hydrogen-fired turbine power system, featuring a 30MW turbine integrated into a renewable energy storage and generation setup. This pioneering project combines wind (500MW capacity), solar (5MW off-grid photovoltaic array), hydrogen production via 240MW electrolysers, hydrogen storage, and green ammonia production (150,000 tonnes annually) into a single closed-loop system. Unlike previous hydrogen turbine demonstrations, China’s system will run solely on hydrogen rather than a hydrogen-natural gas blend, marking a global first at this scale. The project aims to establish an “electricity–hydrogen–electricity” closed-loop cycle, converting renewable electricity into hydrogen for storage and later electricity generation during low renewable output periods, thereby stabilizing the grid and addressing intermittency. Developed by Mingyang Hydrogen and Shenzhen Energy, the facility supports Inner Mongolia’s ambition to become a national hydrogen energy demonstration hub and serves as a potential model for
energyhydrogen-energyrenewable-energygreen-hydrogenwind-powerenergy-storageclean-energyinvisible nanobubbles boost clean energy, water, and battery tech
A U.S.-based company, Moleaer Inc., has developed a patent-pending nanobubble technology that significantly enhances the performance of thin-film coatings used in lithium-ion batteries, PEM fuel cells, green hydrogen systems, and water filtration membranes. By integrating billions of nanobubbles into liquid coatings during fabrication, this method improves porosity, dispersion, and structural uniformity of the films without altering their chemical composition. This results in up to a 66% increase in water permeability for ultrafiltration membranes, a 20% boost in power output for PEM fuel cells, and a 17% improvement in current density for hydrogen electrolyzers, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving economic viability. In lithium-ion batteries, the nanobubble-enhanced films enable faster charging, better capacity retention, and improved performance under high-demand conditions, contributing to longer battery life. The technology has been independently validated and can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes without major overhauls, facilitating easier adoption. Moleaer
nanobubblesclean-energylithium-ion-batteriesfuel-cellsgreen-hydrogenwater-filtrationthin-film-technologyA Clean Energy Developer Spots New Opportunities In The US
The article highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the U.S. clean energy sector amid significant investment setbacks. Over the past six months, $22 billion in major clean energy investments have been canceled or delayed, with Republican-held congressional districts disproportionately affected. Despite these setbacks, new investments continue, including a notable $1.8 billion green hydrogen facility announced in June. The political and policy environment remains turbulent, with shifting federal support and local opposition complicating development, especially in rural areas where clean energy projects often face resistance despite their potential financial benefits. Amid this landscape, Treaty Oak Clean Energy, a Texas-based independent power producer, is positioned to advance its substantial 17.3 gigawatt pipeline of solar, wind, and battery storage projects. Treaty Oak focuses on rural markets, where clean energy development has become increasingly difficult due to new restrictions and budget pressures on counties following recent federal tax law changes. However, the company sees opportunity as counties seek new tax revenues and farmers and ranchers look to lease
energyclean-energyrenewable-energysolar-powerwind-powerbattery-storagegreen-hydrogenSaudi plans new hydrogen-to-ammonia facility twice Neom’s plant size
Saudi Arabia is advancing its green hydrogen ambitions with the planned Yanbu Green Hydrogen Hub, a facility nearly twice the size of the ongoing 2.2 GW Neom project. Developed by ACWA Power and Germany’s EnBW, the Yanbu site will feature 4 GW of electrolysis capacity, producing up to 400,000 tons of green hydrogen annually. This hydrogen will be converted into green ammonia for global export. The front-end engineering design (FEED) contract has been awarded to Spain’s Técnicas Reunidas and China’s Sinopec, marking the start of detailed planning. The project includes desalination systems and a dedicated export terminal, though renewable power generation—expected from separate solar and wind farms—is not part of the current contract but is essential for fully green hydrogen production. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goal to invest $270 billion in energy by 2030 and supply 10% of the world’s hydrogen exports. The Yanbu hub will be pivotal in providing
energygreen-hydrogenammonia-productionrenewable-energyelectrolysisSaudi-Arabiaclean-energy-projectsFortescue Cancels Flagship Hydrogen Projects: UK Should Take Notice - CleanTechnica
Fortescue’s recent cancellation of two flagship green hydrogen projects—one in Gladstone, Australia, and another in Arizona, USA—signals significant economic challenges facing hydrogen as a mainstream energy source beyond industrial feedstock use. Despite substantial financial backing, government grants, and initial optimism, both projects proved financially unviable amid shifting policy landscapes and market realities. The Arizona project, an 80 MW facility, was undermined by the removal of US hydrogen subsidies, leading to a $150 million pre-tax loss write-off. Similarly, the Gladstone plant, partially operational and supported by about A$60 million in government grants, was shut down due to high costs and competitiveness issues, with potential grant repayments under evaluation. These setbacks underscore hydrogen’s struggle to compete economically without extensive subsidies, a pattern echoed globally as major firms like BP, Shell, and Iberdrola scale back or abandon hydrogen energy projects. The broader hydrogen industry faces mounting practical and financial hurdles, including infrastructure challenges related to storage, distribution,
energyhydrogen-energygreen-hydrogenenergy-policyrenewable-energyenergy-infrastructureenergy-subsidiesPassion Drives PH Automotive Pioneer Francisco Motors to Export to Nigeria - CleanTechnica
Francisco Motors Corp. (FMC), a pioneering Philippine automotive company, is preparing to export its electric vehicle, the Pinoy Transporter, to Nigeria as part of its strategy to bring Philippine technology to international markets. FMC recently partnered with Nigerian entrepreneur Emmanuel Akpakwu, who is also the Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Lagos, to facilitate this expansion. Initially, FMC plans to export completely built-up units (CBUs) for real-world testing in Nigeria, with a long-term goal of establishing a local assembly plant to produce vehicles more cost-effectively. The company aims to distribute vehicles throughout West Africa, sourcing most parts from the Philippines and some from Thailand, Germany, Australia, and China. Chairman Elmer Francisco expressed frustration over the slow support from Philippine government and businesses in developing the country’s e-vehicle market, which has led FMC to establish a factory in China to serve global markets while awaiting local government processes. Francisco is also advancing green hydrogen technology through a partnership with Net
electric-vehicleshydrogen-energygreen-hydrogenautomotive-manufacturingenergy-storagesustainable-transportclean-energy-technologyNew green hydrogen tech makes clean fuel directly from wastewater
Researchers from RMIT University, in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, Australian Synchrotron, and the University of New South Wales, have developed an innovative technology that produces green hydrogen fuel directly from wastewater without requiring purified water. This method leverages metals naturally present in wastewater—such as platinum, chromium, and nickel—as catalysts to enhance the electrochemical water-splitting process. Special electrodes made from carbon derived from agricultural waste absorb these metals, forming stable catalysts that accelerate hydrogen production while simultaneously generating oxygen. This oxygen can be reintegrated into wastewater treatment plants to improve their efficiency, thereby addressing both clean energy production and water pollution. In laboratory tests, the system operated continuously for 18 days with minimal performance decline, using partially treated wastewater representative of real-world conditions. The technology offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution by transforming wastewater, a global environmental pollutant, into a valuable resource for clean fuel generation. The research team emphasizes the dual benefits of reducing pollution and alleviating water scarcity, particularly
green-hydrogenclean-energywastewater-treatmentsustainable-fuelelectrochemical-catalysisrenewable-energycarbon-electrodesChina firm launches world-largest green hydrogen and ammonia plant
A Shanghai-based company, Envision Energy, has launched what it claims to be the world’s largest and most advanced green hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Chifeng, China. Powered entirely by the largest off-grid renewable energy system, the plant integrates wind, solar, and energy storage to produce green ammonia with an initial annual target of 300,000 tons, scaling up to 1.5 million tons by 2028. The facility is notable for being fully AI-enabled, allowing real-time optimization and stability at industrial scale, and is located within the Chifeng Net Zero Industrial Park, the world’s largest zero-carbon industrial park. This project represents a significant advancement in clean energy and industrial decarbonization, employing innovative energy storage and load flexibility technologies such as converting surplus green power to liquid nitrogen and dynamically adjusting electrolyzer operations based on renewable power availability. Envision positions the plant as a modular, replicable model for clean industrial hubs globally, emphasizing its strategic role in achieving net-zero
energygreen-hydrogenammonia-productionrenewable-energyAI-optimizationclean-energyindustrial-decarbonizationMassive Green Hydrogen Project Targets Ammonia Fertilizer
The article highlights a significant development in the green hydrogen sector aimed at decarbonizing fertilizer production. UK-listed company ATOME is spearheading a $630 million project in Villeta, Paraguay, to build a facility producing ammonia-based fertilizer using green hydrogen. Traditional ammonia fertilizer production relies heavily on hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, contributing approximately 2.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually—more than shipping and aviation combined. ATOME’s approach uses hydropower-driven electrolysis to generate hydrogen from water, virtually eliminating harmful emissions at the production stage and potentially displacing up to 12.5 million tonnes of CO₂ from a single project. The project has attracted substantial investment and collaboration from major industry players, including Yara, Hy24, AECOM, Natixis, IDB Invest, and ANDE. Hy24 committed up to $115 million as a lead equity investor, while ATOME allocated $465 million to engage Casale, a global engineering firm with a decade of
energygreen-hydrogenammonia-fertilizerdecarbonizationelectrolysissustainable-energyrenewable-energyIn West Texas, E-Fuels Are Coming For Your Fossil Fuels
The article discusses Project Roadrunner, a pioneering e-fuels facility being developed by US-based Infinium in Reeves County, West Texas. The project aims to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other low-carbon e-fuels by combining green hydrogen—generated via electrolysis powered by renewable wind and solar energy—with captured carbon dioxide from local industrial emissions. Texas is an ideal location for this initiative due to its dual role as a major oil and gas producer and a leading renewable energy hub, providing both the necessary carbon capture infrastructure and abundant renewable power. Project Roadrunner is expected to produce around 23,000 tonnes (7.6 million gallons) of eSAF annually. Financial backing for the project has been substantial, with the Breakthrough Energy Catalyst Fund investing $200 million and allocating an additional $850 million for e-fuel distribution. Recently, HSBC, a UK-based global financial firm, extended significant project-based credit support, signaling its commitment to decarbonization despite shifts in US federal
energyrenewable-energye-fuelsgreen-hydrogensustainable-aviation-fuelcarbon-captureProject-RoadrunnerCreating Green Hydrogen with Urine - CleanTechnica
Researchers from the University of Adelaide and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science and Innovation have developed two innovative electrolysis systems that generate green hydrogen using urea found in urine and wastewater. These systems offer a more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional water electrolysis, reducing electricity consumption by 20–27%. Unlike conventional hydrogen production methods that rely on fossil fuels (grey hydrogen) or energy-intensive processes, these new systems can produce hydrogen at costs comparable to or lower than grey hydrogen while also mitigating nitrogenous waste by converting it into harmless nitrogen gas instead of toxic nitrates and nitrites. The first system employs a membrane-free electrolysis approach with a novel copper-based catalyst using pure urea, while the second system innovatively uses human urine as a green urea source, addressing sustainability concerns associated with industrial urea production. However, urine’s chloride ions pose a challenge by causing chlorine generation that corrodes the anode. To overcome this, the second system utilizes a platinum-based catalyst
energygreen-hydrogenelectrolysisrenewable-energyurea-electrolysissustainable-energyhydrogen-productionWhich Fuels Should the EU Back for Shipping? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica presents a strategic analysis of maritime fuels for the European Union, emphasizing the importance of selecting fuels that are sustainable, scalable, and support Europe’s energy sovereignty. It argues that homegrown renewable hydrogen-based fuels can effectively decarbonize the shipping sector, reduce reliance on imports, and generate thousands of local jobs. The EU’s decision-making should prioritize fuels that deliver genuine emissions reductions across their entire lifecycle without causing negative side effects such as deforestation or food security issues. The article cautions against backing fossil LNG and crop-based biofuels, as these options fail to meet the EU’s environmental and strategic criteria and risk prolonging dependence on imported fossil fuels. While some advanced biofuels derived from European feedstocks may be sustainable, their limited availability makes them unsuitable for a large-scale industrial strategy. Instead, the EU’s Maritime Strategy and Sustainable Transport Investment Plan should focus on green hydrogen and e-fuels like e-ammonia and e-methanol, which are identified
energyrenewable-fuelsgreen-hydrogenmaritime-shippingEU-energy-policysustainable-energydecarbonizationHoku Energy Aims To Fill Green Hydrogen Gap In US
The article discusses the challenges and ongoing efforts to develop green hydrogen production in the United States amid political and policy headwinds. Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to curtail renewable energy initiatives, including the termination of the Biden-era Hydrogen Hubs program that aimed to diversify hydrogen sources toward sustainable methods like electrolysis from water and biomass, investor interest in green hydrogen remains resilient. Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is seen as a critical component for decarbonizing key industrial sectors such as refining, metallurgy, and fertilizer production, as well as for fuel cells in transportation and electricity generation. A notable example of continued investment is the UK-based firm Hoku Energy Ltd., which plans to establish green hydrogen facilities in the US, leveraging existing infrastructure and renewable energy sources. The article highlights the case of Cadiz, Inc., a California-based water resources company with extensive land holdings, which is developing a clean energy campus incorporating green hydrogen production powered by solar energy. While policy setbacks and market skepticism
energygreen-hydrogenrenewable-energyhydrogen-fuel-cellselectrolysissustainable-energyhydrogen-productionHydrogen fuel breakthrough may replace diesel in heavy transport
Researchers at Linköping University in Sweden have developed a novel three-layer solar material that significantly enhances hydrogen production through water splitting, potentially enabling hydrogen to replace diesel in heavy transport sectors where batteries are impractical. The material combines cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC), cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄), and a nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)₂) catalyst layer, achieving an eightfold increase in solar hydrogen output compared to 3C-SiC alone. This improvement is primarily due to better charge separation within the layered structure, which reduces charge recombination—a key challenge in solar-driven water splitting. Currently, most hydrogen is produced as "gray" hydrogen from fossil fuels, emitting substantial CO₂, whereas "green" hydrogen uses renewable energy but often relies on grid electricity rather than direct sunlight. The Linköping team aims to produce green hydrogen solely from solar energy, which would lower costs and eliminate carbon emissions from the process. Although the technology is promising, it currently
energyhydrogen-fuelsolar-materialsgreen-hydrogenwater-splittingrenewable-energyheavy-transportToyota & Airbus Push Hydrogen Fuel Cell Dreams - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica critically examines the current state and challenges of hydrogen fuel cell technology in transportation, highlighting the gap between its appealing theoretical benefits and practical realities. It emphasizes two main issues: first, hydrogen is not inherently zero-emission unless produced via renewable energy sources like electrolysis powered by green electricity; otherwise, its production from fossil fuels generates significant carbon dioxide. Second, the cost of producing green hydrogen remains prohibitively high, making widespread commercial adoption difficult. Advocates for hydrogen often overlook these barriers, engaging in what the article terms "magic realism"—a hopeful but unrealistic belief in hydrogen’s near-term viability as a clean fuel. Despite these challenges, Toyota Motor Europe, in partnership with VDL Group, has introduced four heavy-duty fuel cell trucks operating between freight terminals in Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. These 40-ton trucks reportedly match diesel trucks in performance, offering up to 400 km range per refueling and zero tailpipe emissions, emitting only water vapor.
hydrogen-fuel-cellsToyotaclean-energyzero-emissionsgreen-hydrogenfuel-cell-truckssustainable-transportationNew device splits water for green hydrogen fuel using only solar energy
Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru, India, have developed a scalable, next-generation device that produces green hydrogen by splitting water molecules using only solar energy. This innovative system relies solely on earth-abundant materials and solar power, eliminating the need for fossil fuels or expensive resources. The device features a silicon-based photoanode with an n-i-p heterojunction architecture composed of stacked n-type TiO2, intrinsic silicon, and p-type NiO semiconductor layers. These layers enhance charge separation and transport, improving light absorption and reducing recombination losses, which are critical for efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion. The device demonstrated a surface photovoltage of 600 mV, a low onset potential of about 0.11 VRHE, and maintained long-term stability over 10 hours with minimal performance degradation. This advancement promises high efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, with potential for large-scale production using industry-ready magnetron sputtering techniques.
green-hydrogensolar-energywater-splittingphotoelectrochemical-systemsilicon-based-photoanoderenewable-energysustainable-fuelNew solar reactor makes green hydrogen cheaper than electrolysis
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia has developed a novel "beam-down" solar reactor that uses concentrated sunlight to produce green hydrogen fuel more cost-effectively than traditional electrolysis. Unlike conventional solar thermal systems that focus sunlight atop a tower, this design uses heliostats to reflect sunlight downward onto a ground-level platform, where intense heat drives a thermochemical reaction to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This approach leverages doped ceria, a modified mineral that facilitates a two-step oxygen exchange process at reduced temperatures, enabling efficient and reusable hydrogen production. This innovation addresses the challenge of decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors such as heavy industry and transport, which currently rely heavily on fuel-based energy sources. While electrolysis remains energy-intensive and costly, CSIRO’s beam-down reactor demonstrates strong reactivity under moderate conditions and has the potential to match electrolysis in both performance and cost with further refinement. The ground-level receiver design also offers greater flexibility for high-temperature
green-hydrogensolar-reactorrenewable-energyhydrogen-productionsolar-thermal-technologyclean-energyenergy-innovationLow-cost green hydrogen production possible with new breakthrough
Researchers at Hanyang University ERICA campus in South Korea have developed a new class of cobalt phosphide-based nanomaterials that significantly lower the cost of green hydrogen production. By adjusting boron doping and phosphorus content through metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), the team created catalysts with superior performance and affordability compared to conventional electrocatalysts. These materials exhibit large surface areas and mesoporous structures, enhancing their electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The best-performing sample demonstrated notably low overpotentials of 248 mV for OER and 95 mV for HER, outperforming previously reported catalysts. The innovative synthesis involved growing cobalt-based MOFs on nickel foam, followed by boron doping via sodium borohydride treatment and phosphorization with sodium hypophosphite. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed that the combination of boron doping and optimized phosphorus content improved interactions with reaction intermediates, driving the enhanced
energygreen-hydrogencatalystsnanomaterialsmetal-organic-frameworkselectrocatalysissustainable-energySelf-healing tech makes cheap green hydrogen without catalysts
Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a novel electrode for water electrolysis that produces green hydrogen without relying on expensive metal catalysts and incorporates a self-healing mechanism. Traditional electrolysis methods use precious metal catalysts that degrade over time, increasing costs and limiting scalability. The new approach uses nickel-based electrodes combined with a technique called dynamic polarization control, which periodically applies a weak reducing voltage to enable trace iron in the electrolyte to reattach and bond with nickel, forming an active oxygen evolution catalyst layer. This process enhances reaction performance and allows the electrode to regenerate itself, significantly improving durability. The team demonstrated over 1,000 hours of stable operation at high current densities and successfully scaled the system to a three-stack cell setup with a 25 sq. cm active area per cell, running for several hundred hours. This catalyst-free, self-healing electrode technology promises a cost-effective and scalable solution for green hydrogen production, supporting Korea’s strategic transition to a hydrogen-based economy aimed at carbon neutrality. The researchers emphasize that their work combines theoretical insights with practical industrial relevance, marking a transformative step toward more economical and sustainable hydrogen energy technologies.
green-hydrogenwater-electrolysisself-healing-electrodecatalyst-free-technologyrenewable-energynickel-electrodeelectrochemical-engineeringScalable method efficiently squeezes hydrogen from seawater
Researchers have developed a novel, scalable method to efficiently produce hydrogen directly from seawater, overcoming longstanding challenges such as corrosion and performance degradation caused by chloride ions. The key innovation is a custom-designed, multi-layered electrode featuring carbonate (CO₃²⁻) Lewis base sites anchored on cobalt layered double hydroxides (Co LDH) embedded within a nickel borate (NiBOx) nanostructure supported by a Ni(OH)₂/NF microarray. This structure creates a protective microenvironment that resists chloride-induced corrosion by forming a metaborate film, preventing metal dissolution and non-conductive oxide formation, thereby enhancing durability and efficiency in saline conditions. The electrode achieves an industrially relevant current density of 1.0 A cm⁻² at 1.65 V under standard conditions without requiring desalination or chemical additives, marking a significant advance toward sustainable, large-scale green hydrogen production. The carbonate-functionalized Co sites facilitate continuous water splitting and localized acidification, which improves oxygen evolution reaction kinetics and protects against chloride attack. This technology holds particular promise for arid coastal regions like the UAE, where abundant seawater and sunlight but limited freshwater resources could enable solar-powered hydrogen farms, potentially revolutionizing hydrogen production by reducing reliance on freshwater and energy-intensive desalination processes.
energyhydrogen-productionseawater-electrolysisgreen-hydrogencorrosion-resistancenanostructured-electrodesrenewable-energyMIT turns seawater, soda cans into 90% cleaner hydrogen fuel
hydrogenclean-energysustainable-technologyaluminum-recyclingcarbon-footprintgreen-hydrogenrenewable-energyFortescue Determined to Decarbonise International Shipping - CleanTechnica
energydecarbonisationgreen-hydrogenammonia-fuelshipping-emissionsrenewable-energymaritime-technologySAF Startup To Leverage Green Hydrogen And Captured Carbon
energygreen-hydrogencarbon-capturesustainable-aviation-fuelrenewable-energybiomasselectrofuelsSAF Takes Off & Ticket Prices Follow: The Real Cost Of Greener Air Travel
energysustainable-aviation-fueldecarbonizationelectric-aviationcarbon-emissionsaviation-industrygreen-hydrogenThe Geopolitics Of Critical Minerals: China’s Grip & The West’s Response
energycritical-mineralsdecarbonizationrenewable-energyindustrial-policiesgreen-hydrogenbattery-technologies