Articles tagged with "hydrogen"
Singapore Reimagines Jurong Island as a Global Low-Carbon Testbed as it Celebrates its 25th Anniversary - CleanTechnica
Singapore’s Jurong Island, traditionally a petrochemical and refining hub, is celebrating its 25th anniversary by transforming into a global low-carbon testbed aimed at supporting the country’s energy transition. Originally developed to anchor multinational petrochemical companies and create an integrated chemicals value chain, Jurong Island now hosts over 100 global firms and remains central to Singapore’s manufacturing sector. However, facing global shifts such as declining petrochemical demand, stricter regulations on plastics, and increased scrutiny on industrial emissions, Singapore is pivoting the island toward specialty chemicals, sustainable materials, and next-generation fuels. Nearly 300 hectares have been allocated for new-energy infrastructure, including hydrogen production, ammonia storage, sustainable aviation fuel pathways, and advanced battery systems, signaling Jurong Island’s role as a platform for national decarbonization efforts. Key initiatives unveiled during the 25th anniversary include six new partnerships involving global companies, government agencies, universities, and climate-tech providers, focusing on proving and scaling low-carbon technologies under real
energylow-carbon-technologieshydrogensustainable-materialsmicrogridsspecialty-chemicalsdecarbonizationMapping A Low-Carbon Industrial Future With Hydrogen, Depolymerization - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights how automation is becoming central to decarbonization efforts across various heavy industries, as discussed at Rockwell Automation’s 2025 Automation Fair. Industry leaders emphasized that advanced control systems, digital traceability, and electrochemical innovations are converging to enable low-carbon industrial processes. Automation is no longer just a support tool but the backbone of strategies to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining economic viability and regulatory compliance. Key examples include depolymerization of scrap tires into circular feedstocks, cost-competitive clean hydrogen production from industrial waste gases, and digital traceability in critical mineral and battery supply chains. Tony Wibbeler of Bolder Industries explained how automation standardizes tire depolymerization, ensuring product quality and enabling workforce development despite the lack of an established labor pipeline. This approach supports regulatory shifts that increase producer responsibility and restrict tire-derived fuels, driving demand for domestic circular materials. Derek Kramer from Utility Global highlighted how policy pressures, especially in Europe and Asia, are shaping
energyhydrogendepolymerizationautomationlow-carboncircular-economyrenewable-energyPersistence on Fuel Cell EVs Surfaces In Japan, Germany, US
The article discusses the ongoing commitment to hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in Japan, Germany, and the United States, despite the growing dominance of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) market. BMW and Hyundai remain invested in fuel cell technology, viewing it as a viable segment for future profitability. BMW recently secured significant funding from the German government and the state of Bavaria—€191 million and €82 million respectively—to advance its HyPowerDrive hydrogen fuel cell program, which aims to develop fuel cell systems compatible with its battery EVs, targeting series production by 2028. Meanwhile, Hyundai continues to market its NEXO fuel cell EV in Japan. In the U.S., California maintains strong support for fuel cell EVs as part of its freight decarbonization strategy, despite the bankruptcy of Nikola, a heavy-duty fuel cell truck startup. The Texas-based company Hyroad Energy has acquired Nikola’s fleet of hydrogen fuel cell trucks and
energyfuel-cellelectric-vehicleshydrogenzero-emissionBMWHyundaiWhy Hydrogen Isn't Cutting Costs Like Solar or Batteries - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica explains why hydrogen is not achieving cost reductions comparable to solar panels or batteries, despite long-standing claims by hydrogen advocates. A key finding highlighted is that electrification reduces emissions about 80% more effectively than hydrogen across various use cases, and hydrogen’s overall climate benefits are marginal once losses and logistics are considered. The persistent argument that hydrogen will soon become cheap is challenged by a detailed cost analysis using the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) framework, which accounts for production, delivery, capital, operational costs, and electricity. Electricity costs alone constitute 60–70% of hydrogen’s total cost, with capital equipment and installation adding another 15–25%, while compression, transport, and storage make up the remainder. This cost structure means that even significant improvements in electrolyzer technology cannot drastically reduce hydrogen costs unless electricity becomes nearly free, which is unlikely. The article further discusses the operational dilemma of electrolyzers: running them only when electricity is cheap leads to low utilization
energyhydrogenelectrolyzerrenewable-energycost-analysisemissions-reductionLevelized-Cost-of-HydrogenHydrogen, Measured Properly: What 2,000 Projects Reveal About Its Climate Value - CleanTechnica
A comprehensive study published in Nature Energy by Terlouw et al analyzed around 2,000 hydrogen projects over 20 years, providing a rare life-cycle assessment of hydrogen’s climate impact. The study found that if all these projects were realized, hydrogen production would reach about 110 million tons annually, generating roughly 0.4 gigatons of emissions and offsetting between 0.2 and 1.1 gigatons of CO2. However, when compared to a future scenario focused on electrification, hydrogen’s climate benefits shrink by over 80%. The researchers conclude that hydrogen’s best use is replacing existing “dirty” hydrogen in industrial sectors like fertilizer, refining, and methanol production, rather than expanding into new applications where electrification is more efficient. The study highlights steel, biofuels, and ammonia as sectors where hydrogen offers the most significant climate returns, due to its unique role in chemical processes that electricity alone cannot replace. Yet even in steelmaking, hydrogen-based direct
energyhydrogenclimate-changerenewable-energyindustrial-applicationsemissionsclean-technologyMusings About The Dutch Electric Grid In 2050 — Part 1 - CleanTechnica
The article "Musings About The Dutch Electric Grid In 2050 — Part 1" explores potential future scenarios for the Netherlands' energy infrastructure by 2050, acknowledging the uncertainty inherent in long-term predictions. The author anticipates a warmer climate that falls short of catastrophic levels and emphasizes that the energy transition should focus on meeting final energy demand rather than simply replacing primary energy inputs. A key insight is the "primary energy fallacy," which highlights that much of the current primary energy input is lost before reaching useful consumption, particularly in fossil fuel use for transportation. Two main visions for the future energy system are presented. The first is a hybrid approach maintaining much of the current energy structure but incorporating synthetic fuels, hydrogen, and electricity, relying on emerging technologies expected within the next decade. This path is less disruptive politically and economically but results in a more expensive and less resilient system, favoring existing energy industry players. The second vision advocates for a radical "electrify everything" strategy, requiring new
energyelectric-gridenergy-transitionrenewable-energysynthetic-fuelshydrogenenergy-infrastructureBMW's German plant to get 'world’s first' direct hydrogen pipeline
BMW is set to become the first car manufacturer globally to receive hydrogen directly via pipeline at its Leipzig plant, marking a significant shift in its energy sourcing. The company has partnered with Mitnetz GAS and Ontras Gas Transport to build a 2-kilometer pipeline connection, expected to be operational by mid-2027. This will replace the current method of hydrogen delivery by truck in pressurized cylinders, enabling more extensive and efficient use of hydrogen, particularly in energy-intensive processes like paint shop dryers. The Leipzig facility has a long history of hydrogen innovation, including the introduction of the world’s first fuel-flexible burner in 2022 and a fleet of 230 hydrogen-powered forklifts and tugger trains in operation since 2013. The pipeline project is part of Germany’s broader hydrogen core network initiative, a planned 9,000-kilometer infrastructure aimed at linking hydrogen suppliers and users nationally and internationally by 2032. BMW’s early involvement promises greater supply stability and scalability, reinforcing the plant
energyhydrogenBMWmanufacturingindustrial-energyclean-energyhydrogen-pipelineBlue Threat: Will the EU's Hydrogen Policy Stay Green? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the European Union's recently adopted Low-Carbon Fuels Delegated Act (DA), which finalizes the regulatory framework for renewable (RFNBO) and low-carbon hydrogen production. While the worst-case regulatory outcomes were avoided, the DA still underestimates the true climate impact of blue hydrogen, primarily due to reliance on outdated methane leakage data and insufficient accounting for midstream emissions such as LNG liquefaction, shipping, and regasification. Additionally, low-carbon electrolysis hydrogen benefits from more lenient rules compared to RFNBO hydrogen, potentially skewing the market and risking the entrenchment of high-emission hydrogen pathways under the "low-carbon" label. Transport & Environment (T&E) recommends that the EU strengthen safeguards by ensuring comprehensive lifecycle greenhouse gas accounting that includes upstream methane leakage and the short-term climate effects of methane. They also urge maintaining regulatory stability to encourage investor confidence and timely Final Investment Decisions for RFNBO projects. Furthermore, T&E emphasizes the importance of
energyhydrogenlow-carbon-fuelsEU-policyrenewable-energymethane-emissionsclean-energyMethanol’s Surprise Rise & Hydrogen’s Decline In Dutch Scenarios - CleanTechnica
The article presents a discussion among energy experts involved in planning the Netherlands' 2050 target grid scenario, focusing on the evolving roles of methanol and hydrogen in the country's energy transition. The conversation highlights a surprising rise in methanol's significance contrasted with a decline in hydrogen's projected use within Dutch energy scenarios. The experts emphasize practical approaches to decarbonization, particularly in the building sector, where electrification is prioritized alongside targeted fabric improvements to support efficient heat pump deployment without excessive capital expenditure. Key takeaways include the recognition that while deep building retrofits (e.g., full façade replacements) are costly and slow, incremental insulation measures—such as roof, cavity wall, and underfloor insulation—can optimize electrification efforts by enabling smaller heat pumps and reducing wasted investment. The dialogue also touches on the broader theme that systemic changes, like urban redesign and mass transit electrification, are necessary but will take decades and substantial investment, making interim solutions like electric vehicles and partial building upgrades essential. Overall,
energyhydrogenmethanolclean-energyenergy-transitionrenewable-energyclimate-actionElectrification Over Insulation: Why "Fabric First" Isn't Climate First - CleanTechnica
The article presents a conversation between Nigel Banks, Technical Director at Octopus Energy, and climate futurist Michael Barnard, focusing on the debate between "fabric first" building insulation strategies versus electrification for climate impact. Barnard, known for analyzing major climate change challenges across sectors like aviation, shipping, and construction materials, emphasizes evaluating solutions based on technical effectiveness, viability, cost, and social acceptance. His work includes decarbonizing building stocks through alternatives to traditional materials and low-carbon heating and cooling methods. During the discussion, Barnard critiques the "fabric first" approach, which prioritizes insulation and building envelope improvements before electrification, arguing that it may not be the most climate-effective strategy. Instead, he suggests that electrification, particularly using renewable energy sources, can offer a more impactful and scalable path to decarbonization. The conversation also touches on the importance of integrating economics, physics, and human behavior in climate solutions, highlighting that some transitions are nonlinear and unpredictable. Barnard’s
energysustainable-energydecarbonizationclimate-changebuilding-materialscross-laminated-timberhydrogenWhy Hydrogen Won’t Win The Zero-Carbon Steel Race - CleanTechnica
The article analyzes the economic viability of emerging low-carbon steelmaking technologies in light of slowed steel demand growth and heightened scrutiny on cost, carbon intensity, and feasibility. It highlights five key steelmaking routes, including hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) with carbon capture and storage (CCS), natural gas with CCS, and molten oxide electrolysis (MOE). The author emphasizes that realistic assumptions about electricity costs, fuel prices, and carbon policies are crucial for assessing these technologies’ prospects, using examples from Northeastern Europe and Australia to illustrate regional cost variations. A central conclusion is that hydrogen-based steelmaking is unlikely to achieve cost parity due to persistently high green hydrogen prices, which remain between $5 to $8 per kilogram in most developed countries and $3 to $4 in renewable-rich regions. This high cost stems from the inefficiencies and electricity intensity of electrolytic hydrogen production, storage, and compression. Earlier optimistic assumptions about rapidly falling hydrogen costs and free or nearly free renewable electricity have proven
energyhydrogensteelmakingcarbon-capturerenewable-energyelectrolyzerlow-carbon-technologiesEU Rules Out Production Aid In Blow To Battery & Cleantech Industry - CleanTechnica
The European Commission’s newly published state-aid rules, known as CISAF, have been criticized as a setback for the EU cleantech and battery industry. The rules maintain a ban on production aid—subsidies tied directly to units produced—despite the US successfully using such aid to build a competitive battery sector. While CISAF allows governments to take equity stakes in cleantech companies, eases aid for projects approved by the EU Innovation Fund, and conditions foreign automotive investment aid on intellectual property and skills transfer, these measures are viewed as insufficient to address the EU’s lack of competitiveness in cleantech manufacturing. Critics, including green group Transport & Environment (T&E), argue that the EU missed an opportunity to implement simple, predictable, and bankable production aid similar to the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was promised by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. T&E highlights that although €1.8 billion remains earmarked for batteries under the Innovation Fund, and there
energycleantechbattery-industryEU-regulationshydrogenstate-aidInnovation-FundFrance’s €520/Ton CO₂ Problem: Hydrogen Is Too Expensive For Transport - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the findings of a French audit on the economics of decarbonized hydrogen production via electrolysis, revealing that the cost of avoiding CO₂ emissions through this method is approximately €520 per ton. This figure far exceeds typical societal costs for CO₂ reduction technologies, highlighting that electrolytic hydrogen remains economically unviable without substantial public subsidies. France’s National Hydrogen Strategy (SNH2), launched in April 2025, aims to rapidly expand electrolytic hydrogen production with over €9 billion allocated for this purpose. However, the Cour des comptes report underscores that even optimistic assumptions about energy prices do not significantly improve the economic outlook, and the reported €9 billion in subsidies likely underestimates the true financial burden due to unaccounted infrastructure costs and indirect subsidies. The audit also reveals a complex web of overlapping subsidies that effectively lower the cost burden for hydrogen producers. These include mechanisms like the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which, by increasing carbon costs for fossil-fuel-based hydrogen
energyhydrogendecarbonizationelectrolyzersrenewable-energypublic-subsidiesCO2-reductionMIT turns seawater, soda cans into 90% cleaner hydrogen fuel
hydrogenclean-energysustainable-technologyaluminum-recyclingcarbon-footprintgreen-hydrogenrenewable-energyWorld’s strongest stellarator hits 43-second fusion plasma milestone
energyfusionplasmaWendelstein-7-Xclean-energyhydrogenstellaratorBeyond the Hydrogen Mirage: A Candid Conversation with Joe Romm - CleanTechnica
energyhydrogencarbon-capturesustainabilityclimate-solutionsmethaneclean-technologyToyota’s liquid hydrogen car conquers Fuji 24-hr race with 468 laps
energyhydrogenfuel-efficiencyautomotive-technologyracing-innovationliquid-hydrogenToyota-Gazoo-RacingUltra-thin membrane unlocks 20% cheaper, greener hydrogen fuel power
hydrogenfuel-cellsenergymembrane-technologysustainabilitycost-reductiongreen-technologyIPHE Rejects Science On Hydrogen’s Indirect Warming, Raising Credibility Concerns - CleanTechnica
energyhydrogenclimate-changegreenhouse-gasclean-energyIPHEsustainabilityLondon-New York in 45 mins: New hypersonic jet could fly 7x speed of sound
materialsenergyhypersonicaviationhydrogenaerospacetechnologyFrom Coal Dominance To Renewables: How Poland Changed Its Energy Story - CleanTechnica
energyrenewable-energyhydrogenenergy-transitionPolanddecarbonizationelectricity-gridNikola’s hydrogen trucks hit the auction block
hydrogentrucksauctionenergyfuel-cellNikolatransportationThe Hype Returns: Joe Romm & Michael Barnard Revisit Hydrogen, 20 Years Later
energyhydrogenclimate-changesustainabilityclean-technologyemissions-reductionrenewable-energyPhân tích vai trò hydrogen trong quá trình khử carbon ngành lọc hóa dầu và công nghiệp nặng
energyhydrogencarbon-reductionindustrial-emissionsclean-energyenergy-transitionlow-emission-hydrogenWill Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks Just Follow The Hydrogen Car Storyline?
hydrogenfuel-cellstrucksbattery-electricenergytransportationclean-technologyHySpeed Green Hydrogen Play Will Lead To Stranded Assets & Fiscal Losses
energyhydrogendecarbonizationgreen-energyrenewable-energyinfrastructureemissions-reductionCalifornia’s New Hydrogen Subsidy Sinkhole: 13 Cars, Millions Spent, Negative Impact
energyhydrogenclean-transportationzero-emission-vehiclesCaliforniasubsidiescarsharingTriển vọng và thách thức của hydrogen phát thải thấp trong chiến lược chuyển đổi năng lượng toàn cầu
energyhydrogenrenewable-energygreenhouse-gas-reductionenergy-transitioncarbon-capturelow-emission-technologyPipelines To Nowhere: The Real Costs Of TMX & The Dutch Hydrogen Network
energyhydrogeninfrastructurepipelinesCanadaNetherlandsmegaprojectsHydrogen’s Harsh Reality: Plug Power, Ballard, and FuelCell Near the End?
energyhydrogenfuel-cellsPlug-PowerCleanTechsustainabilityfinancial-analysis