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Writer's pictureLiam Caulfield
Feb 23, 20235 min read

Clean Hydrogen gets Boost from Biden Administration


Image Source: Newsweek


On January 27th, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that it would allocate $47 million to the "research, development and demonstration (RD&D) of affordable clean hydrogen technologies" [1]. With the funding, the current administration makes a definite step toward its goal of reducing the cost of clean hydrogen to $1/kg within the decade. The move also will help to better position the energy industry to achieve the White House's goal of a 100% clean electric grid by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Questions have been raised about the U.S.'s commitment to these targets, however, with an increased stake in emerging energy technologies, they are sure to pay closer attention to the impending deadlines.


Hydrogen has long been discussed as an energy alternative to fossil fuels. However, its rollout has been slow, with cost being the main growth inhibiter. With this investment, the Biden administration hopes to work towards decreasing these costs and helping to accelerate the technology. As noted by the International Energy Agency, the growth of the hydrogen fuel sector is essential to achieving net zero. For the U.S., the transportation sector, as well as in chemical and industrial processes, seem to be the main targets for the development of clean hydrogen as a fuel alternative. These sectors are seen as "some of the hardest-to-decarbonize" by the DOE [1].


It is important to note the purposeful use of the term "clean hydrogen." Hydrogen gas itself is commonly produced from the reformation of hydrocarbon fuels such as natural gas and diesel. Currently, 95% of all hydrogen produced in the U.S. comes from these processes [2]. Unfortunately, the reformation of carbon-based fuels also produces CO2, and releases it into the atmosphere. The focus for the energy industry, and stakeholders in the future of hydrogen as a fuel source, is refining the process of producing it from carbon-free methods, such as electrolysis.


Electrolysis describes the process in which water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. It is seen as the primary pathway to decreasing the cost of clean carbon by the DOE's "Hydrogen Earthshot" initiative. However, for much of the U.S., using electricity from the grid is not a "clean" energy source. As long as the grid is powered by fossil fuel sources, hydrogen procured from electrolysis cannot be completely described as "clean." While this is important that this distinction is made, it is still clear that electrolysis and other hydrogen production methods, aside from the refinement of carbon fuels, are the clear path toward a truly clean hydrogen source. For this reason, the process must continue to be improved upon and its use expanded globally.


Aside from the inherent problems regarding the production of clean hydrogen, there are ways in which the fuel can be widely used today. One such way is the adaption of hydrogen blend power plants [3]. In a process that is becoming increasingly common, existing natural gas power plants are being adapted to become "fuel flexible" [3]. Most recently, the city of Los Angeles voted to approve the modification of the existing Scattergood Power Plant in Playa del Rey [4]. In a project slated to be completed by 2029, the original two conventional steam units, commissioned in the 1950s, will be repurposed to handle hydrogen-infused natural gas [4]. At the time of commissioning in 2029, it is expected that the modified turbines will be able to process fuel containing 30% hydrogen [4]. Ultimately, through subsequent improvements, the goal is for the two units to process 100% hydrogen fuel.


While fuel-flexible plants have shown decreased emissions of CO2 gas, there are drawbacks. In a letter addressed to the LA City Council, a coalition of 21 climate, water, and social justice organizations urged the legislators to say "no" to the proposal, due to increased emissions of nitrous oxides [4] [5]. The presence of NOx gases in the atmosphere can lead to smog and other air pollution such as damage to the ozone layer [6]. While studies have shown increases in NOx emissions from hydrogen blended fuel, it is worth noting the high variance in experiments, with emissions from 5% hydrogen blends ranging from -12% to +39% when compared to burning natural gas [7].


Another issue with hydrogen blended fuel is that it releases less energy than traditional natural gas [3]. This, combined with the much higher production cost of green hydrogen, results in a price of fuel 2-3x higher, with only a 6-7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (Using a 20% hydrogen fuel) [3]. On top of this, due to the time and money spent on adapting existing power plants, the path towards decarbonization could be ultimately lengthened. The Scattergood plant will only be able to process fuel with a 30% hydrogen blend by 2029. Is this the path forward for decarbonization, or is it simply a ploy to keep carbon-based fuels relevant for the long term? Would time and money not be better spent in other ways?


One such way would be advancing the actual production of clean hydrogen. Clearly, the technology still has a long way to go. Currently, the total amount of hydrogen produced in the United States equates to only 1% of national energy consumption [8]. As noted before, over 95% of this is "grey hydrogen," produced from fossil fuels [8]. The opportunity is there. On top of this, the cost of production of hydrogen through electrolysis can be decreased by utilizing "power-to-gas" technology, and pairing the technology with renewable sources of energy [9]. Power-to-gas projects act like a battery, taking excess power generated from the plant, and using it to electrolyze hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be stored as a gas and consumed later to supply power to the grid. On top of this, the owner of the plant can also utilize the storage capacity market, and bid within their power market to provide energy storage during times of low electricity demand [10]. In this way, the plant can generate revenue aside from its typical renewable generation, while also producing excess hydrogen to be used for other purposes.


Overall, the utilization of hydrogen as a fuel source globally is still in its infancy. With the decarbonization of the electric grid, as well as the advancement of electrolysis, hydrogen generated using electricity from the grid will eventually be able to be described as 100% "clean." Power-to-gas plants, paired with a renewable energy source, can push the nation toward this goal. Fueled by government funding, the hydrogen power industry is one step closer to exploding onto the energy scene.




Sources


[1] "Biden-Harris Administration Announces $47 Million to Develop Affordable Clean Hydrogen Technologies," Department of Energy, 27 Jan 2023 https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-47-million-develop-affordable-clean-hydrogen



[3] Esposito, D."Gas Utilities are Promoting Hydrogen, But it Could be a Dead End Path for Consumers and The Climate," Forbes. 29 Mar 2022. https://www.forbes.com/sites/energyinnovation/2022/03/29/gas-utility-hydrogen-proposals-ignore-a-superior-decarbonization-pathway-electrification/?sh=22505a6276a1


[4] Clark, K. "LA Authorizes COnversion of Largest Gas Plant to Green Hydrogen" Power Engineering. 9 Feb 2023. https://www.power-eng.com/hydrogen/l-a-authorizes-conversion-of-largest-gas-plant-to-green-hydrogen/


[5] Vega, A. Open Letter to LA City Council. 7 Feb 2023. https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2022/22-0932_PC_PM_02-07-2023.pdf



[7] Wright, M. Lewis, A. "Emissions of NOx From Blending of Hydrogen and Natural Gas in Space Heating Boilers," Elementa. 31 May 2022. https://online.ucpress.edu/elementa/article/10/1/00114/183173/Emissions-of-NOx-from-blending-of-hydrogen-and













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