The burner flue gas is rich in carbon dioxide and can be processed using an amine wash or other suitable carbon capture system.
by a similar amount. By eliminating the fired heater, which is the most polluting part of steam methane reforming, through electrification we are
+ – AEC
+ – AEM
+ – PEM
+ – SOE
H (plus CO)
Air plus O
O
O
O
H
H
H
-
-
+
-
OH
OH
H
O
H O as water
H O as water
H O as water
Air
H O as water (plus CO )
AEC- Alkaline Electrolysis Cells; AEM- Anion-Exchange Membrane; PEM- Polymer Electrolyte Membrane; SOE- Solid Oxide Electrolyser
Figure 2 Electrolysers: AEC, AEM, PEM and SOE for hydrogen (and syngas) production Figure 4 Electrolysers Source: Harrison S B, Reducing CO 2 emissions through process electrification, Decarb Tech , p49, Aug 2021
Hydrogen produced from electrolysis was already in vogue in the 1950s, but then abandoned on economic grounds. It has now reemerged due to the already described innovation to use renewable electricity to produce green hydrogen from water. Nitrogen required for ammonia synthesis is produced through cryogenic liquefaction/membrane separation from air. A mixture of pure gaseous hydrogen and nitrogen streams in the ratio 3:1 is used for synthesis of ammonia. The cost-effective and mature technology of renewable power generation is set to provide cheap electrical energy from solar/ wind power for the green ammonia process. Generally, it is believed in the industry that a 10% shift to green ammonia will take place over the next decade. It then will become fully emission neutral by 2050 to align with global decarbonisation ambitions. Truly, there are serious challenges on the technological and economic aspects of the transition to green hydrogen. Development of efficient and cost-effective electrolysers to work well in economy-of-scale plants is a major issue being resolved through engagement of prototypes in semi-commercial plants. As of today, green hydrogen is about five times costlier than grey hydrogen. With the kind of intense efforts we see around the world, it is likely that these concerns will be addressed effectively in the next 10-15 years. Unlike in the past, with regard to technological advances in several sectors, the approach taken 50
by the Government of India towards fostering a hydrogen economy for the country was quick and timely and thus the Government needs to be complimented. The Prime Minister himself exhorted the importance to align with the ongoing technology developments in the hydrogen sector as a sustainable alternative to fossil energy and he emphasised the need to build in-house expertise through active participation in research and innovation in this area. It is also recognised that Government support by way of viability gap funding and so on, if needed for projects, will come through. The recently held International Climate Summit 2021: Powering India’s Hydrogen Ecosystem, hosted by NITI Aayog and PHD Chamber, was a true exposition of the nation’s initiatives in this regard. Partnering in the research and development of electrolysers, storage systems, hydrogen- powered engines, related safety aspects etc., independently and also along with global players in the initial development phase itself will give Indian professionals the requisite technological insights and business acumen. Our stream of well-run fertiliser and refining industries, and their long- standing experience in handling bulk quantities of hydrogen, will assist our engineers in the above mission. www.decarbonisationtechnology.com
Dr MP Sukumaran Nair nairmps50@gmail.com
www.decarbonisationtechnology.com
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