PSI seeks options for hydrogen production

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) have dedicated themselves to the question of where hydrogen can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively, with the aim of stopping climate change and no longer emitting new greenhouse gases in the future. According to a press release, the researchers have compiled geographical and economic data and forecasts to describe the development of a hydrogen economy. To do this, they analyzed four scenarios with a hydrogen demand of between 111 and 614 megatons per year. The study can currently be read in the journal "Nature Communications". There are various technologies for the production of hydrogen. In polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis (PEM), hydrogen is extracted from water in an electrolyzer. The great advantage of this method is that the energy for the conversion can be obtained from green electricity. The question to be solved is where the high demand for green electricity can best be met. "We primarily applied economic criteria," says Tom Terlouw, PhD student at PSI and lead author of the study, quoted in the press release. "In other words, where is production the cheapest?" Two focal points emerged: Where is there enough wind or sun to cover the enormous demand for green electricity? And where is there enough free space to set up the plants required for production? Canada proved to be ideal here. "There are many open areas there that are very windy and therefore ideal for installing wind turbines," adds Terlouw. The central USA, parts of Australia, the Sahara, northern China and north-western Europe are also ideal locations. Central European countries such as Switzerland, on the other hand, are less suitable as there is neither open space nor sufficient sunlight. The researchers also point out that the production of green hydrogen still generates residual greenhouse gas emissions from the production and transportation of the required materials. In order to compensate for these residual emissions, corresponding quantities of carbon dioxide would have to be filtered out of the atmosphere, according to the study. ce/eb