The Power of Hydrogen as an Energy Source
Hydrogen for Power, Heating and Utilities
Hydrogen is a Powerhouse of Energy
Hydrogen can be used to store energy. This is particularly attractive in supporting the variable nature of energy produced from wind and solar power. Excess renewable energy can be used to produce hydrogen which in turn can be stored in bulk quantities for use later or in different locations. The stored hydrogen can be distributed through various channels to be applied to a broad range of decarbonization applications - from reducing transportation fuel emissions to help lower the carbon footprint traditionally carbon intensive industries. When deployed as a stationary power supply, it can be used for off-grid commercial and residential buildings. Hydrogen energy can be used as a backup energy source potentially replacing diesel powered backup generators or for heating fuel demands and augmenting renewable energy sources. This is an important resource for 24/7 markets like telecommunications and data centers which could benefit from backup electricity generation.
How is Hydrogen Energy Used?
Hydrogen may be used as an energy storage medium. Hydrogen’s energy capability supports electrical grid balancing and can be used for long duration, long-term energy storage or in combustion to produce power. The energy can be used for:
- Traditional back-up power (i.e. cell towers, etc.)
- Larger/longer term energy storage or back-up power for grid balancing to support more renewable production
- Direct use to produce power on a distributed basis
- Consumed directly in gas fired turbines to produce electricity. Electricity from a hydrogen turbine would lead to emission reductions since it would have zero scope 1 emissions (regardless of the type of hydrogen utilized) and could be entirely carbon free if carbon-free hydrogen is utilized.
Natural Gas Blended with Low Carbon Intensity Hydrogen
A Sustainable Mix
Hydrogen-enriched natural gas (HENG) addresses important energy and environmental issues: decarbonization and improved energy management. Natural gas is already recognized as an important factor to slow climate change. Natural gas has the smallest carbon footprint among fossil fuels and can be used with high efficiency. But this alone is not enough. Supplementing natural gas with sustainable gas technologies, like HENG, uses hydrogen that comes from a low- or zero-carbon energy source to help reduce the carbon footprint of the blended product. HENG can leverage existing natural gas infrastructure to reduce CO2 emissions, improve the efficiency of end-use equipment and lower the overall carbon intensity of energy consumption. One way to reduce the carbon intensity of boilers and furnaces is to replace a portion of the fossil fuels, like natural gas, with hydrogen produced from renewable feedstocks or carbon-free power. H2 Blending for Gas Fired Applications
An Optimal Blend
Linde has developed a PLC controlled mixing skid to safely blend hydrogen with natural gas at the desired ratio with the desired flow rate to provide a stream of mixed gases to gas-fired application. The uses are expanding every day as we look for alternatives to reduce carbon intensity across many industries and make an impact on the global economy.
There are a number of benefits to using low carbon intensity hydrogen enriched natural gas:
- Enhances combustion and reduces CO2 emissions
- Lowers the carbon intensity of natural gas
- Leads to more complete combustion of the fuel
- Utilizes existing natural gas delivery infrastructure