 |
| Chinese Efforts to Improve Green Hydrogen Production |
Green hydrogen is created by breaking down hydrogen and oxygen present in water
molecules. The process barely accounts for any carbon emissions into the air,
which makes it a highly sustainable form of energy production.
Electrolyzer used in this process also originate from renewable
energy sources like solar, wind, or thermal plants. Professional engineers and
climate change activists are looking at this source as the potential savior of
our planet.
Among all contenders, China, which accounts for more than 35% of
global greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions, is conducting research to meet net-zero
waste goals set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Let’s talk about how they are making their project successful and
what green hydrogen can do for those looking for sustainable alternatives in
the energy and engineering sectors.
What is Green Hydrogen in the Energy and Engineering Sectors?
Green hydrogen has the potential to provide sufficient power to the
grid systems while keeping all Carbon footprints to a minimum. It is an
indispensable element within the concept of smart city development.
Imagine all industrial productions, such as steel, fertilizer, and
chemicals, fueled by green hydrogen, solving all environmental and economic
problems. Normal cars, drugs, and buses would be replaced by green
hydrogen-enabled electric vehicles, saving global petrol consumption.
Why China Needs Green Hydrogen?
China has developed various frameworks to address the renewable
energy crisis that it is facing, including increasing green hydrogen production
that is feasible within its socio-economic context. The country has also
promised to keep Global warming below 2 °C since pre-industrial times.
Now consider a bigger picture for the country that is continuously
thriving on industrial production and 24-hour active transportation routes.
China needs additional clean energy to cater to its fuel consumption, both
domestically and commercially.
Back in 2022, about 38.8 billion tons of hydrogen were generated to
keep the country’s energy demand proportional to its supply, but recently, the
government has been finding it hard to achieve this balance once again.
Researchers are proposing to use solar and wind energy, which are
present in abundant quantities due to China's large territory. Inner Mongolia
and Xinjiang regions are a massive source of green energy production, which
China is currently interested in.
What Makes Green Hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is primarily made through the electrolysis process,
which uses an electrolyzer to carry out reactions. Without going into any
technical details, workers at hydrogen manufacturing plants rely on one of the
following processes to produce a stable green hydrogen:
- Alkaline electrolysis
- Proton Exchange Membrane electrolysis
- Anion Exchange Membrane electrolysis
- Solid Oxide Electrolysis
The method is selected based on available renewable sources,
budget, and after comparing the GHG emission rate.
Strategies to Integrate Sustainability in Regional Development
Now, let us also talk about how we can use various strategies to
successfully ensure the integration of sustainability with this type of
hydrogen for regional development.
Zero GHG Fuel Alternative
Having solar or wind energy as the main ingredient only produces
water vapors as a by-product, besides hydrogen, which makes it an amazing
alternative to other energy sources that actively emit GHGs.
Economical Energy Usage
Long-term dependence on green hydrogen makes energy storage
convenient and its usage budget-friendly. You can literally power almost
anything using one power source.
Job Creation
Setting up green hydrogen industrial plants helps a country to
create much better job opportunities than hiring people to extract fuel from
fossil fuels. Furthermore, the oxygen produced in the reaction can also be used
by steel companies or the medical sector.
Way Forward
China has already taken major steps to increase green hydrogen
production. From being one of the most pollution-generating countries, they are
committed to becoming an icon for clean production beyond anyone else. Creating
a good roadmap is still a significant challenge, but accelerating research in
the field is how they plan to address their inadequacy.
Other developed industrial nations must follow in their footstep
and invest in paving a way for a sustainable world. If you liked reading this
article, follow the Cornerstone Technology blog that is actively
promoting green practices in engineering and technology.
Post a Comment